TV movies generally deal with inoffensive (and often trite) subjects. Some are subdued horror films, many deal with relationships, and a few (especially in the 1970s) have sci-fi plots. However, this TV movie directly confronts STDs (referred to with the dated acronym "VDs") in a surprisingly frank way.
Children's book author Laura Hyatt (Cloris Leachman) and her bland businessman husband Sam (James Olson) discover that Laura is pregnant. However, Sam soon receives a most unwelcome visit from public health guy Mr. Berlin (an extremely sincere Andy Robinson) who informs Sam that he has Stage I syphilis. Meanwhile, nubile young college student Carrie (Glynnis O'Connor) also receives a visit from Mr. Berlin with the same shocking message. Carrie and Sam had a recent one night stand, so the rest of the film describes the various hard feelings and character interactions related to a number of syphilis cases. The film ends with a surprising plot twist involving Laura's boss Paul Wrightwood (Kenneth Mars, very good in an unexpected dramatic performance).
Over the years, many people have laughed at this film or slammed it as poorly made, but I thought it was pretty good. Leachman, Mars, and a very young O'Connor are excellent, while Olson spends most of his onscreen time looking very serious and worried, wondering how he's going to get out of his predicament. Andy Robinson, who often played psychos during the 1970s, perfectly captures his role of a concerned but direct public servant.
The movie's subject matter may turn some people off, but the cast and performances are very good. I think it's well worth watching.
Children's book author Laura Hyatt (Cloris Leachman) and her bland businessman husband Sam (James Olson) discover that Laura is pregnant. However, Sam soon receives a most unwelcome visit from public health guy Mr. Berlin (an extremely sincere Andy Robinson) who informs Sam that he has Stage I syphilis. Meanwhile, nubile young college student Carrie (Glynnis O'Connor) also receives a visit from Mr. Berlin with the same shocking message. Carrie and Sam had a recent one night stand, so the rest of the film describes the various hard feelings and character interactions related to a number of syphilis cases. The film ends with a surprising plot twist involving Laura's boss Paul Wrightwood (Kenneth Mars, very good in an unexpected dramatic performance).
Over the years, many people have laughed at this film or slammed it as poorly made, but I thought it was pretty good. Leachman, Mars, and a very young O'Connor are excellent, while Olson spends most of his onscreen time looking very serious and worried, wondering how he's going to get out of his predicament. Andy Robinson, who often played psychos during the 1970s, perfectly captures his role of a concerned but direct public servant.
The movie's subject matter may turn some people off, but the cast and performances are very good. I think it's well worth watching.