David (TV film)

Infobox Film | name = David


caption =
director = John Erman
producer = Donald March
writer = Marie Rothenberg(book)and Mel White(book)
Stephanie Liss(teleplay)
starring = Bernadette Peters
John Glover
Matthew Lawrence
music = Marvin Hamlisch
cinematography = Steve Yanconelli
editing = James Galloway
distributor =
released = October 28 1988 (ABC television)
runtime = 120 minutes (including commercials)
language = English
budget =
imdb_id = 0094952

"David" is a drama, the true story of David Rothenberg who was burned as a child by his father. This made-for-television movie co-starred Matthew Lawrence as David, Bernadette Peters as his mother, and John Glover as his father. It aired on ABC.

Plot summary

The movie is based on a book co-written by Marie Rothenberg and Mel White and relates the true story of David, a child who was burned over 90 percent of his body by his father. The parents were estranged and the non-custodial father, Charles Rothenberg, fled with David in tow to California, but quickly decided that he could not care for David alone. However, rather than return David to his mother's care, the elder Rothenberg used kerosene to set fire to his son while the boy slept in a hotel room. The movie shows how his mother, Marie Rothenberg, coped with the crisis, and the courage and determination of David.

Cast

* Marie Rothenberg -- Bernadette Peters
* Charles Rothenberg -- John Glover
* John -- Dan Lauria
* Dr. Achauer -- George Grizzard
* David Rothenberg -- Matthew Lawrence

Responses

In his review, John J. O'Connor wrote: "" 'David' can indeed be painful at certain moments but, in the end, its message about going beyond surface appearances comes through admirably." ("New York Times", October 25, 1988, p. C22.)

Awards and nominations

* Emmy Awards:Outstanding Achievement in Makeup for a Miniseries or a Special (nominated):Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special (nominated):Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries or a Special (nominated)

* Young Artist Award:Best Family TV Special (nominated):Best Young Actor in a Special, Pilot, Movie of the Week or Mini-Series-Matthew Lawrence (nominated)

External links

* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094952/maindetails Internet Movie Database listing]

ee also

* Wikipedia article on television movies