Circle of Violence: A Family Drama (1986) (TV)

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Director:

David Greene

Writer:

William Wood (writer)

Release Date:

12 October 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Abuse | Parent | Senility

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Tuesday Weld	...	Georgia Benfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald	...	Charlotte Kessling
Peter Bonerz	...	Pete Benfield
River Phoenix	...	Chris Benfield
Philip Sterling	...	Jim McLane
Zoaunne LeRoy	...	Florence McLane
Ellen Travolta	...	Marion
Sue Giosa	...	Dr. Kalmeir
Christina Maria Hutter	...	Addie
Bradley Lieberman	...	Mark
Jeannie Dougherty	...	Neighbor
Jeanette Miller	...	Woman Singer
Adele Gilbert	...	Mrs. Edwards
Jamie Jamison	...	Boy

Also Known As:

Circle of Violence

Runtime:

USA:120 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:12

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Company:

Lorimar Television

This is an interesting film....

not often shown on TV, but worth purchasing on DVD. Tuesday Weld portrays a harried, divorced mother, who is also a caretaker for her aging mother. Her cantankerous mother is well portrayed by veteran actress Geraldine Fitzgerald.

Weld finds herself losing her patience, trying to work and take care of her son, and also deal with her mother's medical and emotional needs. This is a real issue in today's families, with exorbitant medical care in the U.S. forcing people to care for their elderly and infirm parents, who sometimes require 24 hour supervision.

I have noticed this topic is not often addressed, and this is one of the few films showing the stark realities, the difficult choices, and the strain on the family. There was also a film "Dad" which starred Ted Danson and Jack Lemmon, addressing this issue from the son's viewpoint. A difficult subject, but well-presented in both films. 9/10