Servers

Nobody's Child

1986 100 min ★ 7.4 Drama TV Movie

Fact-based drama about the life of Marie Balter, who spent most of her young life in mental institutions. At age 16, she first attempted suicide and the next 20 years she spent in and out of the institutions. At last, a caring doctor started treating her for extreme depression and panic disorder. Weened from strong medications she had taken all her life, at age 36, she emerged for the last time and started a rehabilitation program in the home of a volunteer married couple. There she met a fellow patient with whom she developed a romantic relationship. She also started a college degree. This followed with a long-term professional success in the field of mental health.

Writer: Ara Watson Director: Lee Grant Writer: Mary Gallagher

Cast

Marlo Thomas Marlo Thomas Marie Balter
Ray Baker Ray Baker Joe Balter
Caroline Kava Caroline Kava Dr. Blackwell
Kathy Baker Kathy Baker Lucy Stavros
Campbell Lane Campbell Lane Mr. Edmond
Vanessa Santos Vanessa Santos Little Marie
Donna Ford Donna Ford Marie at 16
William Nunn William Nunn Pa
Stefania DeStefanis Stefania DeStefanis Ma Bartello
Karen Elizabeth Austin Karen Elizabeth Austin Natural Mother
Garwin Sanford Garwin Sanford Dr. Pitteo
Joseph Golland Joseph Golland Dr. Potts