The Boys Next Door (1996) (TV)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

John Erman

Writers (WGA):

Tom Griffin (play)
William Blinn (teleplay)

Release Date:

4 February 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

Sometimes being a little different means being a lot more wonderful.

Plot:

Jack Palmer is a social worker whose job has taken precedence over his personal life. Mainly, his job...

Plot Keywords:

Testify | Spider-Man | Golf | Senate | Social Worker

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Nathan Lane	...	Norman Bulansky
Robert Sean Leonard	...	Barry Klemper
Tony Goldwyn	...	Jack Palmer
Michael Jeter	...	Arnold Wiggins
Courtney B. Vance	...	Lucien P. Singer
Mare Winningham	...	Sheila
Elizabeth Wilson	...	Mary Fremus
Richard Jenkins	...	Bob Klemper
Lynne Thigpen	...	Mrs. Tracy
Caroline Aaron	...	Mrs. Warren
Michael Hogan	...	Dr. Racine
Laura Bertram	...	Cashier
Martha Burns
George R. Robertson	...	Senator Warren Clarke
Jenny Robertson	...	Rena Palmer

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements.

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions

Trivia:

In the original stage show, Lucien's last name was "Smith" and not "Singer".

Quotes:

Norman Bulansky: Hello, my name is Norman Bulansky, welcome to my home.

An excellent adaptation of a wonderful play

In bringing Tom Griffin's touching play to the screen, director John Erman and his remarkable cast have brought warmth and respect to The Boys Next Door. It is clear that the team wanted to be faithful not only to Griffin's text, but also to the disabled community. Viewers can easily see that the artists are taking the job of crafting the comedy very seriously.

The performers in this talented ensemble bring great dignity to these characters. Courtney Vance is especially touching as Lucien, and challenges the audience's perceptions of the challenged in a moment of theatrical magic.

This movie is worth seeing by anyone who is looking for something more than simple laughs. While the movie is very funny, it also makes an important comment about the inherent worth of all people, regardless of their outward appearance of ability or disability.