Our Sons

Our Sons is a 1991 American made-for-television drama film starring Julie Andrews and Ann-Margret as two mothers of gay sons, one of whom is dying of AIDS. It was inspired by Micki Dickoff's 1987 documentary, Too Little, Too Late, about three families who had supported children with AIDS which had won an Emmy Award.[2][3]

Our Sons
GenreDrama
Based onToo Little, Too Late (documentary)
by Micki Dickoff
Written byWilliam Hanley
Directed byJohn Erman
Starring
ComposerJohn Morris
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Micki Dickoff
  • Philip K. Kleinbart
Production locationsVan Buren, Arkansas
Balboa Medical Center
Los Angeles
CinematographyTony Imi
Production companyRobert Greenwald Productions
Release
Original networkABC[1]
Picture formatColor
Audio formatStereo
Original releaseMay 19, 1991 (1991-05-19)

As it was a TV movie, ”It’s much safer to take the route of dealing with the two mothers” as the protagonists, said director John Erman.[1]

It was broadcast the same day as GMHC's annual AIDS Walk in New York.[4]

Plot

With his partner Donald dying of AIDS, James asks his mother Audrey, a businesswoman in San Diego, to travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas and notify Donald's estranged mother, Luanne. A small town waitress, Luanne must overcome her own overt homophobia and learn to love her son unconditionally. In the process, Luanne cements a lasting friendship with Audrey, who is struggling with her own internalized homophobia.

Cast
  • Ann-Margret as Luanne Barnes
  • Julie Andrews as Audrey Grant
  • Hugh Grant as James Grant
  • Željko Ivanek as Donald Barnes
  • Tony Roberts as Harry
  • Hal England as Charley
  • Loyda Ramos as Patient's Wife
  • Annabelle Weenick as Nurse
  • Lisa Blake Richards as Female Bar Patron
  • Essex Smith as Trailer Park Manager
  • Frank Whiteman as George
  • Elizabeth Austin as Sally

Reception

Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly magazine stated "Our Sons means well, and performances are above reproach. But it’s also an infuriating piece of work that insults the intelligence of everyone invoked, especially its audience". He gave the movie a score of D.[1]

"While the movie is too talky and not poignant enough to be great television, it rates high for integrity" is the opinion of David Hiltbrand of People. He also said that Julie Andrews brings "enormous dignity and clarity to her role".[5]

Co-producer Micki Dickoff later stated "a father in Philadelphia was so moved by the television movie, he reconciled with his AIDS-stricken child".[2]

References
  1. Tucker, Ken (17 May 1991). "Our Sons". ew.com. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  2. Dickoff, Micki (10 June 1991). "'Our Sons' Put a Human Face on AIDS Crisis". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  3. Arar, Yardena (23 August 1991). "Short film 'Mother, Mother' raises money for AIDS". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  4. Frydlewicz, Rob. "Julie Andrews & Ann-Margret Star in AIDS Drama "Our Sons" (May 19, 1991)". thestarryeye.typepad.com. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  5. Hiltbrand, David (20 May 1991). "Picks and Pans Review: Our Sons". Retrieved 23 August 2018.
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