FIRST YOU CRY (TV)
Summary
A made-for-television movie based on the novel by TV news correspondent Betty Rollin in which she recalls her battle with breast cancer. As the narrative begins, Betty is seen giving a television report on the dangers of breast cancer, hoping that it will make women more aware of preventative measures. At home, Betty's husband Arthur -- a successful author -- comments on how a lump in Betty's left breast has grown appreciably harder since she had it examined some time ago. Betty promises to make a followup exam. The subsequent checkup, however, leads to a diagnosis of cancer. Following a period of fear and denial, Betty agrees to a biopsy, which -- due to the cancer's spread -- leads to an immediate mastectomy. Upon leaving the hospital, Betty tries to deal with her varied emotions, along with those of her self-involved spouse, former lover, mother, and friends. When she can't perform simple tasks like putting on a robe, Betty falls into depression.. She sees herself as "damaged goods," leading to dramatic intimacy issues with Arthur.
Betty returns to work, but feels only awkwardness with colleagues. Things worsen when Betty finally looks at her scar, and assumes that all men will now be repulsed by her body. When husband Arthur becomes increasingly distant, she reunites with former beau David. She goes to live with him in Philadelphia, quitting her job and leaving her friends behind. After a period of bliss, however, Betty still finds herself unhappy. That's when she decides to write a book about her travails, leading to an overhaul of her life -- professionally and personally. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: November 8, 1978 Wednesday 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:38:20
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:28292
- GENRE: Docudrama
- SUBJECT HEADING: She Made It Collection (Mary Tyler Moore); Docudrama; Cancer
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV, 1978
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Philip Barry … Producer
- George Schaefer … Director
- Carmen Culver … Writer
- Betty Rollin … Based on the book by
- Peter Matz … Music by
- Mary Tyler Moore … Cast, Betty Rollin
- Richard Crenna … Cast, David Towers
- Don Johnson … Cast, Daniel Easton
- Perkins, Anthony (See also: Perkins, Tony) … Cast, Arthur Heroz
- Jennifer Warren … Cast, Erica Wells
- Richard A. Dysart … Cast, Dr. Brennerman
- Florence Eldridge … Cast, Mrs. Rollin
- Patricia Barry … Cast, Anne
- Antoinette Bower … Cast, Marsha
- James A. Watson, Jr. … Cast, Cal Connors
- Donald Bishop … Cast, Dr. Sanford Elby
- Robin Rose … Cast, Robin
- William Lanteau … Cast, Notions Clerk
- Vivi Janis … Cast, Martha
- Carole Hemingway … Cast, Interviewer
- Sari Price … Cast, Correspondent
- Eda Reiss Merin … Cast, Saleswoman
- Leigh Hamilton … Cast, Party Guest