IMDb > To Heal a Nation (1988) (TV)

To Heal a Nation (1988) (TV) More at IMDbPro »

Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   58 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 8% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Michael Pressman
Writers (WGA):
Jan Scruggs (book) and
Joel Swerdlow (book) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for To Heal a Nation on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
29 May 1988 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama more
Plot:
The true story of Jan Scruggs (Eric Roberts), an embittered Vietnam veteran who returns from the war a broken man... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for Primetime Emmy. more
NewsDesk:
Woods Supports Giuliani
 (From WENN. 28 August 2002)
User Comments:
Moving, patriotic story of the Vietnam Memorial more (2 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Eric Roberts ... Jan Scruggs

Glynnis O'Connor ... Becky Scruggs
Marshall Colt ... Jack Wheeler

Scott Paulin ... Bob Doubek

Lee Purcell ... Sandie

Brock Peters ... Paul Turner
Gloria Carlin ... Monica
Jordan Charney ... Spreiregen
Tamlyn Tomita ... Maya Ying Lin
Laurence Luckinbill ... Senator Bob Mathias
Linden Chiles ... Senator John Warner
James F. Kelly ... Webb

Eloy Casados

Tom Everett ... Thompson

Gary Hershberger
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents
Runtime:
UK:105 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Stereo
Certification:
Iceland:L | UK:U
Company:
Lionel Chetwynd Productions more

Fun Stuff

Quotes:
Jan Scruggs: [waking up in a cold sweat] Da names, it's gotta have da names! more
Movie Connections:
References The Deer Hunter (1978) more
Soundtrack:
WHERE DID OUR LOVE GO more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.

User Comments

   (Comment on this title)
1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful.
Moving, patriotic story of the Vietnam Memorial, 4 July 2000
Author: Marta from United States

Eric Roberts has a certain hypnotic quality when he's good, and in this film he's exceptionally good as Jan Scruggs, a Vietnam vet who runs into a another vet one night and neither can remember the name of a fallen comrade. In Scruggs' mind, this offhand conversation grows into the conception of a memorial that lists all the names of the dead soldiers from the Vietnam War. The story is told in a sincere, straighforward manner that gathers momentum towards the dramatic opening ceremony of the finished memorial, and is held together by Roberts' energetic performance but amplified by the supporting characters. Despite obstacles along the way, including the tantrums of Ross Perot who doesn't like the chosen design and threatens to scuttle the whole plan, people show up at a fundraiser to donate money and their support to get the memorial built. The film is not a tearjerker, but by virtue of its subject matter I found myself crying at intervals; just keep a handkerchief handy.

This is a film that should be viewed at intervals, just to keep in mind that despite the unpopularity of the war and all the protests, men and women did die in that war and they deserve to be remembered. It's not on any medium at the moment, but it would be nice to see a VHS or DVD presentation of it so that everyone can see it.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (2 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for To Heal a Nation (1988) (TV)

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Casualties of War Frankie's House Heaven & Earth Bat*21 The Great Escape
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits News articles
IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.