FIGHT FOR LIFE
US, 1987, 100 minutes, Colour.
Jerry Lewis, Patty Duke, Barry Morse, Morgan Freeman.
Directed by Elliot Silverstein.
Fight for Life is a moving telemovie, designed for the wide audience, focusing on an extreme form of epilepsy, the treatment of the young girl who is victim, the repercussions for the family and the availability of drugs for relief in the United States.
While the film is similar to many telemovies about illnesses, this one has a crusading tone. The star is Jerry Lewis in an unusually straightforward dramatic role. In real life, Lewis is concerned with raising money for medical help and charities. He speaks to the audience with this kind of earnestness. He gives a solid performance, especially in his exasperation and arguing with medical authorities. He is well matched by Patty Duke as his wife. Morgan Freeman appears to advantage as a wheelchair-bound doctor.
The material is familiar, as is the treatment. Nevertheless, audiences are invited to share the experiences of the family, concern for illness, the desperation for remedies and the impact of time. The film also raises questions about availability of drugs, the rigours of their testing, approval for their being imported into the United States. The film is based on a true story.
1.Interesting and moving telemovie? Portrait of an illness and people coping?
2.The American setting, the family, the optometrist, the adopted children? The significance of the Jewish and religious background and the themes interwoven into the film? Homes, hospitals? Musical score?
3.The title, the theme, a true story? Bernie and his commentary and memories directly spoken to the audience?
4.Felice as adopted, her place in the family, her sudden illness and the seizures? In hospital, the little girl coping, her fears? Devotion of her parents? Returning home, seizures at home, seizures at school? Their rapidity and the debilitating effect, the danger for mental retardation?
5.Bernie and Shirley, their life, care, adoptions - and the theme of duty and mission from the Jewish scriptures and writings? Their love for their son? Bernie and his work? The friendship with the priest, ecumenical, the Jewish ceremonial dinner? Tennis games? Reliance on his help and advice?
6.The atmosphere of hospitals, the interviews with doctors, the experts, prescriptions of drugs, uncertainties, tests? Drugs and side effects? The doctor in England and his not returning calls? Bernie and the library, reading articles? Going to Baltimore, the hopes - and the inability of the local doctor to make the drug available? The strong argument about the rigours of testing, the thalidomide argument? The doctor in England and the phone calls?
7.Bernie and his son, the importance of their talking, his devotion, relying on his help?
8.Earl, in the hospital, confined to the wheelchair, his body and its weakness, interest, advice, going to England despite his reluctance? His hopes for his hospital award?
9.The television interview, the earnestness, the impact, the urgency about drugs? The woman driving all the way with her son asking for the drugs? Bernie's ability to help her?
10.The visit to England, the discussions with the doctor, the availability of the drugs - and the Priest with his Irish blarney getting them through Customs?
11.The message about the availability of drugs, the rigour of their testing, the need for speed with approbation? Their effects?
