And the Band Played On (1993) (TV)

Director:

Roger Spottiswoode

Writers (WGA):

Randy Shilts (book)
Arnold Schulman (teleplay)

Release Date:

11 September 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A threat no one dared face. A word no one wanted to speak. A fight for many, fought by few.

Plot:

The story of the discovery of the AIDS epidemic and the political infighting of the scientific community hampering the early fight with it.

Plot Keywords:

Crowd | Microscope | Audience | Investigation | Wrath

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 9 wins & 19 nominations

Cast

Matthew Modine	...	Dr. Don Francis
Alan Alda	...	Dr. Robert Gallo
Patrick Bauchau	...	Dr. Luc Montagnier
Nathalie Baye	...	Dr. Françoise Barre
Christian Clemenson	...	Dr. Dale Lawrence
David Clennon	...	Mr. Johnstone
Phil Collins	...	Eddie Papasano
Bud Cort	...	Antique shop owner
Alex Courtney	...	Dr. Mika Popovic
David Dukes	...	Dr. Mervyn Silverman
Richard Gere	...	The Choreographer
David Marshall Grant	...	Dennis Seeley
Ronald Guttman	...	Dr. Jean-Claude Chermann
Glenne Headly	...	Dr. Mary Guinan
Anjelica Huston	...	Dr. Betsy Reisz

Runtime:

141 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | French | Danish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

South Korea:15 | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | France:U | Iceland:L | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | UK:12 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

San Francisco, California, USA

Company:

Home Box Office (HBO)

Trivia:

Produced despite heavy misgivings in the film industry. When film star Richard Gere accepted a small role, he broke the taboos--at grave risk to his career--about both the subject and major film stars taking small parts in TV productions. Subsequently Steve Martin, Alan Alda, Phil Collins and Anjelica Huston were willing to appear.

Goofs:

Factual errors: Francis's Volvo has a Georgia license plate on the front. Georgia only issues rear license plates.

Quotes:

Dr. Don Francis: This may be the first epidemic in history of which no one officially died.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Chicago Hope: ...And the Hand Played On (#4.5)" (1997)

Soundtrack:

Manhattan Man

Excellent cast in a landmark tv film adaptation

AND THE BAND PLAYED ON (MADE FOR CABLE TV/HBO-1993) ***1/2 Matthew Modine, Alan Alda, Lily Tomlin, Charles Martin Smith, Richard Masur, Saul Rubinek, Richard Gere, Ian McKellen, Anjelica Huston, Swoosie Kurtz, Steve Martin, Phil Collins. Engrossing adaptation of Randy Shilts' landmark prize-winning document on the onset of AIDS and the fevered manhunt to find the cause and cure of the HIV virus. Compelling storytelling and a remarkable performance by Modine as the head for the Centers for Disease Control facing impossible odds and heartbreaking frustrations. Hallmark for cameo appearances and political correctness it may be but stirring and revelatory nonetheless. Dare not to be moved during Elton John's "The Last Song" as images and names of the disease's victims roll during the closing credits. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode for HBO.