Under the Influence (1986) (TV)

Director:

Thomas Carter

Writer:

Joyce Burditt (writer)

Release Date:

28 September 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Andy Griffith plays Noah Talbot, a long-time alcholic whose drinking begins to have a devastating effect not only on his personal life but on his family as well. |

Plot Keywords:

Alcoholism

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Andy Griffith	...	Noah Talbot
Season Hubley	...	Ann Talbot Simpson
Paul Provenza	...	Stephen Talbot
Keanu Reeves	...	Eddie Talbot
Dana Andersen	...	Terri Talbot
Kario Salem	...	John Simpson
William Schallert	...	Cade
Richard Lawson	...	Dr. Duran
Paddi Edwards	...	Eve
Joyce Van Patten	...	Helen Talbot
Eve Smith	...	Mrs. Clark
Susan Ruttan	...	Ms. Morgan
Danae Torn	...	Floozie girl
Janet Rotblatt	...	Miss Seaver
John Zarchen	...	Boy in bar

Runtime:

120 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

CBS Entertainment Production

grim and compelling

This fine film features one of Keanu Reeves first performances. Who would have guessed he would have become such a big star at the time this film came out. Griffith is compelling as Noah a long time alcoholic with a long suffering family. His wife basically closes her eyes and denies everything, one of his son's runs away and becomes a comedian joking about his dysfunctional family, his daughters become suicidal and his son is an alcoholic to. This isn't a happy bunch by any means, but this film delivers a powerful message about alcoholism and its effect on a family. Its gritty, unsentimental and pulls no punches. Next to Murder In Coweta County, I think this is Andy's most chilling performance. He definitely doesn't play the sheriff from Mayberry here.