This film displays the complete and utter ineptitude of the psychiatrist "Dr. Lazerbow" in dealing with an alcoholic patient. The role was played by Richard Bull, a very fine actor. I am surprised that he didn't research his part better. He tells "Margie" that "I can't force him to go to A.A." but fails to tell her about Alanon which could have helped HER deal with Dr. Delany's disease. Little is mentioned of the detox center where he spent 30 days, mandatory daily A.A. meetings have traditionally been a fixture of rehab units. So, we can safely assume that he was exposed to A.A. doctrine and somehow rejected it and its program of recovery. That is where there is a GIANT HOLE in this film. After 30 days of treatment he returns actually WORSE than before? That doesn't happen in real life. But, then again; this is just a movie about a tragic disease affecting an 'all-American" type family in a tragic way with a tragic alcoholic death that was PREVENTABLE.
It is tremendously ironic that David Janssen died 3 years later of complications from alcoholism. I guess playing in this film didn't do him much good.
It is tremendously ironic that David Janssen died 3 years later of complications from alcoholism. I guess playing in this film didn't do him much good.