When He's Not a Stranger
| When He's Not a Stranger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Drama |
| Written by | Josephine Cummings (story) Richard Yalem (story) Beth Sullivan (story) John Gray (teleplay) Beth Sullivan (teleplay) |
| Directed by | John Gray |
| Starring | Annabeth Gish John Terlesky Kevin Dillon |
| Music by | Mark Snow |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Don Ohlmeyer |
| Producers | Karen Danaher-Dorr Ian Sander |
| Production location | California |
| Cinematography | Mike Fash |
| Editor | Edward R. Abroms |
| Running time | 100 minutes |
| Production companies | Ohlmeyer Communications Company World International Network |
| Original release | |
| Network | CBS |
| Release | November 6, 1989 |
When He's Not a Stranger is a 1989 American
Background
When He's Not a Stranger was released amid a wave of TV shows and movies addressing rape.[2] Specifically, the film addressed acquaintance rape, a depiction that scholars Carol Bohmer and Andrea Parrott called a "landmark."[1]
The movie was originally to be broadcast on October 17, 1989 but was pushed to November 6th of that year because of coverage surrounding the earthquakes in Northern California.[3]
Plot
At Woodward University, a football-oriented California school, Lyn McKenna is raped by her best friend's abusive, controlling boyfriend, football star Ron Cooper. Lyn is hesitant to reveal this information as she fears that doing so will create social backlash and worsen the aftermath of her experience. However, continued threats from Ron and his fellow football teammates drive Lyn to desperate action. She requests that the school hold a disciplinary hearing against Ron and ultimately demands that a district attorney prosecute.
Cast
- Annabeth Gish ... Lyn McKenna
- John Terlesky ... Ron Cooper
- Kevin Dillon ... Rick
- Kim Myers ... Melaine Fairchild
- Stephen Elliott ... Attorney Foster
- Paul Dooley ... Ben McKenna
- Micole Mercurio ... Emily McKenna
- Allan Arbus ... Judge Thomas J. Gray
- John M. Jackson ... Woodward University Coach
Critical reception
When He's Not a Stranger received mixed reviews. USA Today called the film "schlock" composed of "hokey us-against-them scenarios."[4] The Los Angeles Times, while acknowledging the serious subject matter, "criticized the film's "simple-minded characterizations and elementary insights."[5] More positive were The New York Times, which said the film "maintains a surprisingly hard edge" and noted its treatment of class issues,[3] and The Washington Post, which praised Gish's performance especially.[6] New York also praised the performances.[7]
Some reviewers found the film exploitative. A Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed wrote that the graphic scenes leading up to Lyn's assault "hardly serve an educational function," and argued that they were intended to boost ratings with salacious content rather than to raise awareness.[8]
References
- ^ ISBN 9780029037157. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
- ProQuest 1834407726.
- ^ ProQuest 427443698.
- ProQuest 306245551.
- ProQuest 280824264.
- ProQuest 307201419.
- ^ Leonard, John (23 October 1989). "Young and Innocent". New York. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
- ProQuest 1834449124.
External links
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