Consenting Adult (1985)

Young and shy Jeff discovers his attraction to men. After struggling with himself he comes out to his parents. Mum eventually listens to his son and tries to understand his feelings, but ... See full summary »

Director:

Gilbert Cates

Writers:

Laura Z. Hobson (based on the novel by), John McGreevey (teleplay)

Stars:

Marlo Thomas, Martin Sheen, Barry Tubb

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marlo Thomas	...	Tess Lynd
Martin Sheen	...	Ken Lynd
Barry Tubb	...	Jeff Lynd
Talia Balsam	...	Margie
Ben Piazza	...	Dr. Mark Waldo
John Terlesky	...	Pete Roberts
Corinne Camacho	...	Claire (as Corinne Michaels)
Matthew Laurance	...	Nate
Joseph Adams	...	Stu
Richard Sargent	...	Pat Malone
Thomas Peacocke	...	Dr. Daniels
Moira Walley-Beckett	...	Sue Wister (as Moira Walley)
Jeff Irvine	...	Hank
Dave Sayer	...	Counterman
Rebecca Staples	...	Maribel

Storyline

Young and shy Jeff discovers his attraction to men. After struggling with himself he comes out to his parents. Mum eventually listens to his son and tries to understand his feelings, but his Dad would rather die - which, in the end, he really does, leaving behind a mother, her son and his friend to work those things out Jeff and his Dad had never the courage to talk about.

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Plot Keywords:

gay athlete | psychiatrist | mother son relationship | homophobia | gay conversion | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 February 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Con el consentimiento de los adultos

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Starger Company, David Lawrence and Ray Aghayan Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[first lines]
Ken Lynd: All right Pat. Just one picture.

User Reviews

Consenting Adult, a very early positive story of coming out to your loved ones

Well, I was dealing with these very same issues, at the time that I saw this television show, in 1985. I actually taped the show, well of course, as Marlo Thomas was one of my favorite actors. This story, dealt with the very topical subjects of coming out to your parents, friends and family during a very scary period of time, when AIDS was devastating our community. Though somewhat superficial, due to the subject matter, and the fact that this was a broadcast television show, it had special meaning to anyone dealing with all of the conflicting emotions related to coming to terms with your own homosexuality during a very conservative time. A time whose conservatism, unfortunately, is being mirrored in 2005, nearly 20 years later.

I believe this show should be made available for all to see as it treats the subject with some honesty and tenderness.

I've just transferred the show from my old and deteriorating video tape to DVD and hope it will last another 20 years. Gosh, I can't believe how far we've come in 20 years, and yet how far we have yet to go.