Nobody's Child

• 7.7 Drama
• 1986-04-05
• 100 minutes mins

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.

Starring:

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

Director:

Lee Grant

Writer:

Ara Watson Mary Gallagher