The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976) (TV)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

Randal Kleiser

Writers:

Joe Morgenstern (story) and
Douglas Day Stewart (story) ...

Release Date:

12 November 1976 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Plot:

Based on a true story, Tod Lubitch is born with a deficient immune system (which is unlike being born with AIDS)...

Plot Keywords:

Caesarean Section | Horseback Riding | Doctor | High School | Hospital

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 3 nominations

Cast

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. Ernest 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

Runtime:

USA:96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:PG | Germany:12 | UK:12

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: Tod Lubitch is assigned a "bubble" roommate" who has also not been outside or in contact with the outside world for years. However, when he jumps on his bed, the soles of Friedrich's bare feet are filthy.

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.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Cheers: The Girl in the Plastic Bubble (#11.7)" (1992)

Soundtrack:

What Would They Say

"What Would They Say?" (Paul Williams song from movie).

Indeed,what would they say? That is,the cast of this film if they could see how time has only served to treat this above par TV movie,like it's some sort of 1970's retro-joke?!

I'm sure if Robert Reed were alive today he'd be outraged! My main thought though,does Travolta know about this? ...and if he does,why hasn't he done something about it? If I were an actor I'd certainly find a way!

I bought this on VHS in 1997 after having not seen it for over 18 years. On the cover of mine is a fairly young Travolta wearing a white turtleneck. (Ick!) It was a mere $2 at Montgomery Wards and here's why...it was a cheap knock-off recorded off FOX Channel 32 in Chicago! The stations logo briefly appearing during the scene of Todd's fist day in High School.

Okay,enough of the tirade! My opinion of the movie itself? I think it's one of the finest "movies of the week" ever made at the time and in some cases,since. I saw this in it's initial airing on Nov. 12th,1976 and never forgot it. Travolta gives us a waterfall of emotions in this film:Joy,Sadness,Anger,Fear,etc. Films about medical conditions usually would have been preachy or maudlin. This treats Todd's condition like it should be,not "oh poor Todd,he's an outcast!"

Like Robert Reed says to the reporters,"My son's not a freak!" He turns in a very good performance as well. He doesn't completely do a 360 from Mike Brady but it was a good start. The other young actors do a fine job of being exactly what kids are like when faced with something they don't understand. They talk about Todd behind his back and Gina plays a cruel joke on him at a beach outing. I wont say more about them,I don't want to ruin it for those who haven't seen it.

It's no wonder that Travolta became as big as he did! "Welcome Back Kotter" was a mere stepping stone compared to this. This was his spring- board to "Saturday Night Fever" and beyond,in my view. To all those under 30 who haven't seen this....forget that it's made in the '70s and watch it for the story alone. I know you will not be disappointed.

In closing,one amusing thing I remember. Without giving away anything,when I saw the ending back in '76 at age 8,I thought he was "all better"! (Ha-ha,talk about innocence).