And the Band Played On (1993)

A superior, made-for-cable film, this Home Box Office adaptation of Randy Shilts's chronicle detailing the emergence of AIDS in America and the fight against bureaucracy and society for a cure is a taut, outrageous, and affecting true-life drama. Matthew Modine (Birdy, Married to the Mob) is featured as a doctor with the Centers for Disease Control at the time when the first reports of a disease plaguing the gay community were heard. Modine and his colleagues embark on an investigation that resembles a compelling detective story as they try to track the source of the disease and discover a cure. Their efforts are thwarted by an ambivalent government and a turf war between French physicians and a celebrated American researcher (Alan Alda) who seems to place his own glory above the dead and the dying. Featuring heartfelt performances from a stellar cast including Richard Gere, Glenne Headly, Anjelica Huston, Steve Martin, Ian McKellen, Saul Rubinek, and Lily Tomlin, this impassioned film stands as an impressive and important document of one of the darkest eras in modern human history, and a tribute to the spirit of those who sought to save lives. --Robert Lane Amazon.com essential video

 An Epidemic
I really enjoyed watching this movie. I could not believe that the movie was so closely related to the Randy Shilts "And the Band Played on". I was able to have a very clear visual with the movie which I could then translate back to the book. Very very powerful. The movie and the book has heighten my awarness about HIV/AIDS and how much of a real issue it was back then. This is an all around movie that us parents need to make our children aware of because HIV/AIDS is realistic and right now it is not going away. This movie put the epidemic at its's worst; however, it has also provided us with the real truth of how people of different sexual orientations were treated and how people were labeled for something and stigmatized which made it harder to get care and services. I would recommend for all to see and read the book. May 9, 2008

 A good movie
The movie-"And the band played one" is excellant in cataloging the first few years of AIDS epidemic breakout. Even though it is not a book, the movie gives enough details to make people understand the events and stories that were taking place. Dr.Don Francis is the hero of the movie, when I first saw the movie I was awstruck by the efforts and his zeal to save the humanity against AIDS. But after watching it again, I do want to change my opinion on him. People who are in this type of GOVT service are mere facilitators who at best can bring out all the details of disease outbreak and coax and cajole people into right directions. Another point which makes Francis's character weak is his jumping the gun and wanting to close the bath houses,what for? I personally think that this was the group which was the most vulnerable(Gay men) and here they had this group readily available in the bath houses! shouldn't they have started with them, explaining about the dangers of multiple partners and to somehow excercise restraint till more could be understood about the disease. Later at the end of the movie,he quotes an exhorbitant amount for educating the public and then leaves when his budget is not approved.He didn't think of educating the population when they were scared most. The CDC's boss in fact comes across as a level head and balanced person. So I think that people who want to be in job like Dr.Francis must learn and act not to become like him, "A MADE MARTYR". April 13, 2008

 And The Band Played On..and still does!
Maybe I'm getting more compassionate as the years add up, maybe I'm just realizing the frailty of what it means to be human. I recently bought the dvd, "And The Band Played On" from Amazon.com. It deals with the early years of the AIDS crisis and the fear that went with it. Having known several people who died from this horror, it is very hard for me to remember but harder not to.

It is a wonderful film and I cry every single time I watch it and if I were chancellor of a major university, I would make this film/DVD mandatory viewing for all sociology and social science majors. If "And The Band Played On" doesn't move an individual to fight the fight against AIDS and other immune diseases, YES I'll include Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, etc...then our claim in Heaven will be nothing more then an IOU slip from St Peter.

I remember those who died during those years..I will never forget them.

sent with love and compassion,

Mark Chase






January 26, 2008

 Very good movie
This movie is very informational and interesting. I first watched it in a college class then I wanted to see it again, so I bought it. Even though it's a little old, its very good! January 13, 2008

 Excellent movie
If you ever wanted to know more about the beginning of the aids epidemic here in the US, this is the movie for you. They manage to include a ton of information without ever becoming boring or slow moving. Terrific casting makes this a must see movie you won't ever forget. December 17, 2007

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