Prayers for Bobby (TV 2009)

True story of Mary Griffith, gay rights crusader, whose teenage son committed suicide due to her religious intolerance. Based on the book of the same title by Leroy Aarons.

Director:

Russell Mulcahy

Writers:

Katie Ford (teleplay), Leroy Aarons (book)

Stars:

Sigourney Weaver, Henry Czerny, Ryan Kelley

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sigourney Weaver	...	Mary Griffith
Henry Czerny	...	Robert Griffith
Ryan Kelley	...	Bobby Griffith
Austin Nichols	...	Ed Griffith
Carly Schroeder	...	Joy Griffith
Shannon Eagen	...	Nancy Griffith
Scott Bailey	...	David
Rebecca Louise Miller	...	Jeanette
Lee Garlington
Madge Levinson	...	Ophelia
Marshall McClean	...	Reverend Owens
Susan Ruttan	...	Betty Lambert
Dan Butler	...	Reverend Whitsell
Anna Badalamenti	...	Michelle
Ele Bardha	...	Doug

Storyline

In "Prayers for Bobby," Mary Griffith is a devout Christian who raises her children with the conservative teachings of the Presbyterian Church. However, when her son Bobby confides to his older brother he may be gay, life changes for the entire family after Mary learns about his secret. While Bobby's father and siblings slowly come to terms with his homosexuality, Mary believes God can cure him of what she considers his 'sin' and persuades Bobby to pray harder and seek solace in church activities in hopes of changing him. Desperate for his mother's approval, Bobby does what is asked of him, but through it all, the church's apparent disapproval of homosexuality causes him to grow increasingly withdrawn and depressed. Guilty over the pain he is causing Mary, Bobby moves away, yet hopes that some day his mother will accept him. His subsequent depression and self-loathing intensifies as he blames himself for not being the 'perfect' son and is driven to suicide. Faced with their tragedy, ...

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Plot Keywords:

suicide | homosexuality | pain | intolerance | gay rights | 

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Taglines:

She loves everything about her son... except who he is.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Lifetime TV Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 January 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bobby seul contre tous

Filming Locations:

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Daniel Sladek Entertainment, Once Upon a Time Films, Permut Presentations

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the scene were to two men from the church are talking with the Griffith family, some of the pictures on the mantel are pictures of the real Bobby Griffith.

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Goofs

When Marshall McClean addresses a group of young people, including Ryan Kelley, he's first wearing an Anglican/Episcopal priest's collar and then later he's pictured wearing a Roman Catholic priest's collar.

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Quotes

Mary Griffith: Homosexuality is a sin. Homosexuals are doomed to spend eternity in hell. If they wanted to change, they could be healed of their evil ways. If they would turn away from temptation, they could be normal again if only they would try and try harder if it doesn't work. These are all the things I said to my son Bobby when I found out he was gay. When he told me he was homosexual my world fell apart. I did everything I could to cure him of his sickness. Eight months ago my son jumped off a bridge ...

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Connections

Featured in The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards (2009)

User Reviews

A movie for anyone who has felt misunderstood or alone.

Have you ever felt like you did not fit in? Have you ever had your parents not accept something about you? If you think you can not get this movie or understand and you are straight, think again. I am straight, but this film reminded me of all the times in my life I did not feel wanted or as though I fit in. I've spent the last year of my life fighting for the one place on the planet I felt like I belonged, and the one industry I felt I fit into. Have you ever had to fight to be? Have you ever had to stand up for something you believe in? Have you ever thought you were right about a belief and then discovered how wrong you were? Have you ever judged someone by ignorant standards, only to realize you were wrong? Are you part of a minority that has been persecuted and degraded? If any of this applies to you, see this film. It is more than just a movie about homosexuality. It is a film about people, family, love, friendship, and understanding. And if you are someone who thinks that homosexuals are evil, I dare you to watch this film.