User reviews

An often involving made for TV drama, based on a true story, and driven by persuasive performances from Patty Duke and Tracy Nelson. When a young mother (Nelson) learns her newborn child has Downs Syndrome, she makes the difficult decision to place him with a local couple who have devoted their lives to caring for children with special needs. Duke, as Nelson's mother, a woman used to getting what she wants, refuses to accept her daughter's decision and sues for legal custody. Though the film occasionally lapses into soap opera, the central relationship between Duke, who isn't afraid to play this abrasive, bullying (though well-intentioned) Mommie Dearest to the scary hilt, and Nelson, as the daughter, sadly resigned to the fact that she will never live up her to her mother's expectations, keeps it believable. Solid support from G.W. Bailey as Duke's husband and Susan Blakely and Marshall Teague as the foster parents.

While I don't agree with Bob's and Tammy's decision to give up baby Jesse, and it's something I'd never do, they were trying to do what was best for the baby. The way this movie is written, you see yourself becoming wrapped up in the story and asking yourself what you really believe, from all different aspects. Patty Duke? Antagonist? Almost unheard of, as far as I'm concerned. But during the movie, she really convinces you that she's psychotic, or at least, that there's something seriously wrong with her. Her character is the meaning of "emotionally disturbed." The movie seems to end quickly, leaving things somewhat unresolved. But other than that, this movie is really great. It really makes you think. It's not a movie to watch when you just want to kick back and relax and watch something cute that'll make you laugh. But it is a good movie to see when you want to challenge your own beliefs, see things from others' perspectives, and discover a little something about yourself. Caution: you may even grow while watching this movie! And it's all worth it, in the end.

Tammy Frasier (Tracy Nelson) decides to have her downs syndrome son Jesse adopted by Peggy and George Young (Susan Blakeney and Marshall R Teague), against the wishes of her mother Lucille Jenkins (Patty Duke), owner of a Memphis Craft Store and wife of airline worker Lamar (WG Bailey. Tammy refuses to let Lucille take Jesse so Lucille blocks the adoption process, and a family is divided by a court hearing.

At times Duke looks very beautiful, aided by her wealthy woman's clothing eg a pink suit and white stockings. Her Lucille is an abrasive somewhat unlikeable person, Duke uses the southern accent and Lucille's jump in her step suggests a manic physicality. Duke is funny raising her eyes with `I keep thinking this is our second chance', intimidating a doctor with `Why didn't you say they were fine too' and `I saw you when you were a baby in the tub. Don't you act like some high and mighty doctor'. In her childish resentment with `They didn't wanna stay. And after I made a whole supper and everything', pulling a face at Jesse, re the Young's house of 15 children `I'm not criticising. I'm just saying I find the place depressing'. To a lawyer about the Young's `Don't get me started'. Her reaction to news of the pregnancy of her daughter-in-law Donna (Morgan Brayton), to Lamar `I guess that's why everybody's afraid to tell me things', and pushing him away with `Get outtahere' when he compares her to Joan of Arc.

The teleplay by Selma Thompson, based on a true story, includes cliched lines like `The lord doesn't give us more than we can handle' and `We did the best we could. I guess that wasn't good enough', but also an hilarious scene where Lucille and Tammy go on a tabloid television show. The Young's house being referred to as an `institution' seems odd since it is more like a hippie live-in play centre. Thompson's decision to demonise Lucille as a grandmother is an interesting choice, in lieu of painting Tammy as weak for not being able to provide for Jesse, and when Lucille is more considerate but Tammy is unable to forgive her.

Director Michael Katleman creates a false expectation when we see a male window washer and hear a woman saying `He's the cutist thing' when she is actually referring to Jesse, though the use of the song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas over a montage of Christmas at the Jenkins and Young households is perhaps unwise. Surprisingly, Bailey in a change of pace role, and Nelson are both strong.

Hello everyone, This is my first time posting and I just love the movie No child of mine and I could watch it over and over!! well I taped it a long time ago like a few years ago and I dropped it and broke it and I haven't seen it in a few years!! could any one please tell me when it will come on again!! I would really appreciate it alot!!You can email me if you want to cause that is my favorite movie of all including Empty Cradle to and if anyone knows when that comes on to PLEASE let me know,I would really appreciate it ALOT!!!

An ok movie about downs syndrome. A mother has twins one is very sick the other is good but he has downs. The mother does not think she can raise him so she gives him to some people who have 15 kids 11 have downs! the mom does not like this & she thinks he should be with his family ( I agree too ) so they take it to court & the family gets broken up & the grandparents lose, it never really says if the mom & daughter makeup? I think this movie's good but the plot is familiar, it's still good & has a few unintentional laughs!