In the Best Interest of the Child

Last updated
In the Best Interest of the Child
GenreDrama
Written byHal Sitowitz
Directed by David Greene
Starring Meg Tilly
Ed Begley Jr.
Michael O'Keefe
Michele Greene
Angela Bassett
Music byPeter Manning Robinson
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersJames G. Hirsch
Robert Papazian
Sandy Papazian (associate producer)
Production location Los Angeles
Cinematography Brianne Murphy
EditorEric Sears
Running time100 minutes
Production companyRobert Papazian Productions
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseMay 20, 1990 (1990-05-20)

In the Best Interest of the Child is a 1990 American made-for-television drama film about child sexual abuse starring Meg Tilly, Ed Begley Jr., Michael O'Keefe and Michele Greene, directed by David Greene. It was originally broadcast on CBS on May 20, 1990. [1] [2]

Contents

Plot

Jennifer Colton (Tilly) is a divorced mother and architect who retains custody of her five-year-old daughter Mandy (Marta Woodward) while her ex-husband Walt (O'Keefe) is granted regular access. However, Jennifer becomes concerned by her daughter's restless sleeping and increasingly violent behaviors and is horrified to discover that Walt might be sexually abusing her. With the help of her cousin, attorney Howard Feldon (Begley), next-door neighbor and best friend Nora (Greene), as well as various doctors and therapists, Jennifer seeks to protect her daughter from Walt by having his access suspended.

Jennifer soon discovers that the law is not on her side when the court, in the absence of incontrovertible evidence, refuses to restrict Walt's unsupervised visitation rights. When Jennifer refuses to let Walt see Mandy, the judge finds her in contempt and places her in a county jail until she relents. Ultimately, Jennifer decides the only way to save Mandy from abuse is to "kidnap" Mandy. She is willing to go to prison so that Mandy can live in hiding with her relatives and away from her abusive father.

Cast

Award nomination

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
1991 Young Artist Award Best Young Actress Starring in a TV Movie, Pilot, or Special Marta WoodwardNominated

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References

  1. Hiltbrand, David (May 21, 1990). "Picks and Pans Review: In the Best Interest of the Child". People .
  2. Leonard, John (May 21, 1990). "All of Me". New York .