Horizon (TV Series) Joey (1974) User Reviews

Remarkable film no longer available. Do you have a copy?

[hmc1000-1 · 10/10 · 21 April 2017]

This BBC TV movie has stuck with me for many years. As I remember, it plots the life of Joey Deacon, as a young boy, a young man and then (using the real Joey Deacon) as an older man. In a non-treacly, straightforward way it tells the story of a very bright young man with cerebral palsy whose speech could only be understood by his doting mother. She died and he was sent to a mental hospital for the rest of his life. It was years later before anyone realized how intelligent he was after he was able to communicate with one of the other patients. It's heartbreaking and beautiful. I would just love to be able to find a copy if anyone can help.

Just discovered this on YouTube

[adamholidaydesigns · 10/10 · 3 June 2020]

Was doing some research on Joey Deacon when I came across this. I can remember Blue Peter doing a segment on Joey but it kind of had the reverse desired affect. This movie more than warrants a remake.

My first 'real' part in a film.

[jaseanddodge · 10/10 · 8 May 2022]

As a young lad I used to go to a drama school in Islington, North London called Anna Scher's Children's Theatre. Whilst there I played the part of Joey Deacon's younger brother in the film by BBC Horizon. I was only about 6 years old at the time, but I still remember it clearly. I also got to meet Joey himself and his friend who 'translated' what Joey said. All in all it was an amazing experience even though I was so young at the time.