What a moving movie. I watched this as a Huge fan of Patti Labelle. What I got to my pleasant surprise was a well written moving made for TV movie. Alfre Woodard was the central figure of the movie. She was stunning and her portrayal was true to life and why she didn't get more recognition for her role in this movie stuns me. She accurately portrays real life events in a way that could not have been done better. I cried at the end when she is informed that Ritter's character was dead. Patti Labelle makes cameo's and I felt could have been a more pivotal role none the less I was glad to see her in this movie. It is one that I would recommend to everyone as there is something for everyone in this movie. I would say that this is a gem that was neglected and forgotten great movie. Have the tissues ready you will need them !!! Again Alfre Woodard was well underrated performance, John Ritter may have had the star power but without her the movie would be nothing. She caries it threw from beginning to end.
5 Reviews
Compelling and believable
iluvhuey18 October 2003
Fans of the late John Ritter, as well as fans of good television in general, would be well advised to check this film out, particularly as it is now fairly easy to find on DVD. The movie focuses on the story of a VA caseworker (Alfre Woodard, in a terrific performance) who champions the cause of a Vietnam vet (Ritter) stricken with cancer caused by Agent Orange. Ritter's performance is totally believable and has not been overpraised. (Hard to believe that four years after this movie aired, Ritter was doing movies like PROBLEM CHILD.) Where he and Woodard are concerned, actors have won Oscars for far lesser work. And catch Woodard in a great role before she began getting typecast as sanctimonious authority figures. Highly recommended - and what with the current world events, this film is just as relevant as ever.
Good movie that deals with an forgotten theme during the Vietnam War.
Skandreas18 December 2003
I bought this movie when I was 13 or so and I was heavily into war movies. I got home and watched it immediatly and I saw that this movie wasn't about the terrors of war during the war itself (for example platoon, all quiet on the western front,...) but about the physical consequences rather than the mental ones (in country, the deerhunter,...). Its not like I'm placing this movie on the same level as these ones because this is simply a TV-production where the others are considered milestones in war cinematography. But it's good movie nonetheless. Good not great. Solid performances by Patti LaBelle and the late John Ritter...
Top Notch Performances
steeleronaldr17 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've read somewhere (not sure where or when as it's been awhile) that some of the best dramatic performances come from comedians. Lucille Ball in "Stone Pillow", Mary Tyler Moore in "Ordinary People", Betty White in "The Lost Valentine" and of course John Ritter in "Unnatural Causes.". Alfre Woodard steals the show with a incredible performance and pop/R&B star Patti LaBelle is in fine form and John Ritter rounds out the talent. Why this movie wasn't up for any Emmy Awards is mind boggling as it was a well made above average TV movie.
Frank Coleman (John Ritter) a high school teacher is rushed to the hospital where he learns he's got terminal cancer. His only guess is that he got it from his service in Vietnam. He ends up going to the V. A. where his case worker Maude DeVictor (Alfre Woodard) takes on his case and risks her job to help him get the medical attention he needs and what she discovers is far from what she imagined. Both Alfre Woodard and John Ritter the two central characters shine in totally believable roles.
This movie really hits a nerve and the tightly written story keeps you glued to the screen. I have placed this movie within my top ten TV movies which includes The Burning Bed Roots & Between Two Women Why this movie hasn't earned any praise or honorable mentions through the year's puzzles me. It's moving, sad, funny and grand performances. I highly recommend this movie as I had it and replaced it and I watch it often. Again you see John Ritter as you never seen him before who sadly was snubbed by the Emmy's for a well deserved role.
Frank Coleman (John Ritter) a high school teacher is rushed to the hospital where he learns he's got terminal cancer. His only guess is that he got it from his service in Vietnam. He ends up going to the V. A. where his case worker Maude DeVictor (Alfre Woodard) takes on his case and risks her job to help him get the medical attention he needs and what she discovers is far from what she imagined. Both Alfre Woodard and John Ritter the two central characters shine in totally believable roles.
This movie really hits a nerve and the tightly written story keeps you glued to the screen. I have placed this movie within my top ten TV movies which includes The Burning Bed Roots & Between Two Women Why this movie hasn't earned any praise or honorable mentions through the year's puzzles me. It's moving, sad, funny and grand performances. I highly recommend this movie as I had it and replaced it and I watch it often. Again you see John Ritter as you never seen him before who sadly was snubbed by the Emmy's for a well deserved role.
A tremendous story
searchanddestroy-19 April 2017
I have rarely seen such a powerful and poignant story. The portrait of a so dedicated woman who sacrificied her own job to save and help Vietnam veterans who were affected by the Orange spray, manufactured by Monsanto company. Although I don't remember this name was mentioned here. Yes, a true poignant, depressing story too, especially when you see that the US government, who kills so many of his own soldiers, win after all against them. Of course the purpose was not to kill those soldiers in the first place, only the North Vietnamese, but the US troops only were considered as collateral damages, nothing else. I was revolted by this awesome film which could never had been released in theaters. Too much depressing. I highly recommend it however. I wonder what ever happened to this magnificent woman, Maude Victor, a true heroine, even more than the veterans she helped with all her heart and guts. Did she find a job again? She would deserve to have a statue of her.
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