And the Band Played On (HBO)

About And the Band Played On (HBO)

And the Band Played On is a 1993 American television drama film that aired on HBO. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode, the movie is based on the 1987 non-fiction book by Randy Shilts. The story revolves around the early years of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, with insights on the discovery of the disease, the battle against it, and the rampant political influence in healthcare.

Making/Production

The movie was produced by HBO Films and directed by Roger Spottiswoode. The screenplay was written by Arnold Schulman and it was based on the 1987 book by Randy Shilts. The film depicts the true story of the medical community's discovery of and response to the HIV/AIDs epidemic.

Actors

• Matthew Modine as Dr. Don Francis, an experienced scientist who constantly fights bureaucratic and political apathy towards AIDS.
• Alan Alda as Dr. Robert Gallo, a Nobel laureate, believed that the AIDS virus was similar to one he had discovered years earlier.
• Glenn Close played Dr. Selma Dritz, one of the first physicians to identify the emerging AIDS crisis.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The film is based on the best-selling book "And The Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic" by San Francisco Chronicle journalist Randy Shilts.
• The title of the film refers to the continuing indifference and negligence towards those suffering from the disease.

Awards

The film garnered critical acclaim and received numerous awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Made for Television Movie. In addition, Matthew Modine received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film.

Quotes

• Dr. Don Francis: "We could've beaten this disease."
• Dr. Robert Gallo: "It seems science may not be enough."

Music, Soundtrack

• The original score was composed by Carter Burwell.
• The poignant title track, ‘And the Band Played On’ was performed by Elton John, underpinning the film’s emotional journey.