The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (TV 1976)

Based on a true story, Tod Lubitch is born with a deficient immune system (which is unlike being born with AIDS). As such, he must spend the rest of his life in a completely sterile ... See full summary »

Director:

Randal Kleiser

Writers:

Douglas Day Stewart (teleplay), Joe Morgenstern (story),

Stars:

John Travolta, Glynnis O'Connor, Robert Reed

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Travolta	...	Tod Lubitch
Glynnis O'Connor	...	Gina Biggs
Robert Reed	...	Johnny Lubitch
Diana Hyland	...	Mickey Lubitch
Karen Morrow	...	Martha Biggs
Howard Platt	...	Neighbor
Buzz Aldrin	...	Buzz Aldrin
Ralph Bellamy	...	Dr. Gunther
John Friedrich	...	Roy Slater
Kelly Ward	...	Tom Shuster
Skip Lowell	...	Bruce Shuster
John Megna	...	Smith
Vernee Watson-Johnson	...	Gwen (as Vernee Watson)
Darrell Zwerling	...	Mr. Brister (as Darryl Zwerling)
P.J. Soles	...	Deborah

Storyline

Based on a true story, Tod Lubitch is born with a deficient immune system (which is unlike being born with AIDS). As such, he must spend the rest of his life in a completely sterile environment. His room is completely hermetically sealed against bacteria and virus, his food is specially prepared, and his only human contact comes in the form of gloved hands. The movie follows his life into a teenager.

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Plot Keywords:

teenager | immune system | mother son relationship | show off | marijuana | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 November 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bubble Trouble

Filming Locations:

USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Broadcasting Company (ABC), Spelling-Goldberg Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During filming, John Travolta and 40-year-old Diana Hyland began dating and eventually fell in love, despite the fact that Hyland was nearly 18 years older than Travolta. She was still in the process of getting divorced from Joseph Goodson when she passed away on March 27, 1977, four months after their TV movie's broadcast, and while Travolta was filming "Saturday Night Fever."

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Goofs

A boy slips an unsterilized ten-dollar bill into Tod's bubble.

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Quotes

Johnny Lubitch: [to his wife] There were never two people in the world that were more meant to be parents than you and me.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Attack of the Giant Leeches (1992)

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Soundtracks

"What Would They Say"
(uncredited)
Composed by Paul Williams
Sung by Paul Williams

User Reviews

Great Movie

I thought this movie was very good. You must consider that it was made in 1976 and also made for TV. Therefore it is not going to look like the movies we are used to seeing. I feel that it told the story very well. The movie IS based on a true story. It is not a made-up story of Hollywood, like a lot of people think. The only thing I did not like about the movie was the fact that they didn't take the story to the end. The movie leaves you hanging with questions. I feel that it did a good job conveying the emotions that Todd had. The camera positions in some shots really helped the viewer understand Todd's life and struggle. I would recommend this movie to all especially those who like movies based on true stories.