This grim, heavy-handed melodrama chronicles the life and problems of Deborah Blake (Kathleen Quinlan), a young schizophrenic mental patient.
We observe as her subdued parents take her to yet another mental hospital, which looks clean and decent. Deborah is treated by Dr. Fried (Bibi Andersson, Bergman’s reliable actress), a skillful therapist who gets past her deranged defenses and reveals that Deborah has repressed some violent fantasies about her family.
Based on the best-selling autobiographical novel by Joanne Greenberg, the film is directed by Brit Anthony Page.
The secondary cast is illustrious, including Signe Hasso, Diane Varsi, Sylvia Sidney, Susan Tyrrell, Lorraine Gary, and Dennis Quaid.
Oscar Nominations: 1
Screenplay (Adapted): Gavin Lambert and Lewis John carlino.
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The winner was Alvin Sargent for Julia.
Running time: 96 minutes.
Directed By: Anthony Page
Released: July 14, 1977 Wide
DVD: December 26, 2005