Not My Kid
Encyclopedia
Not My Kid is a 1985
television film directed
by Michael Tuchner
, which was based on a 1984 book of the same name by Beth Polson (who also served as the film's executive producer
) and Miller Newton. Many of the methods depicted in the film's fictional drug rehabilitation
program were practiced by Newton in his own real-life drug rehab centers before they were shut down for abuse
of the residents. The movie aired on CBS
in the United States, and had a VHS
release both there and in the United Kingdom
, with ITC
handling distribution rights.
(though ironically, Ricky himself emerges from the wreck unharmed). Once there, the presence of alcohol
and drugs
in Susan's bloodstream is revealed, much to the shock of her parents (Helen and Frank, the latter a respected surgeon) and younger sister Kelly.
After she is treated and released, Frank attempts to question Susan about what happened, and she tells him that while headed to the movies with a friend, they were picked up by two guys who gave them the alcohol and drugs that she consumed, supposedly not knowing the latter was actually methadrine, but emphasizes that she doesn't use drugs. Believing her apparent remorse to be sincere, Frank doesn't punish her, but later begins to doubt the validity of this story. Sure enough, Frank's suspicions are confirmed when a search of Susan's bedroom (over Helen's protests) uncovers her hidden "stash", which she claims to have been holding for a friend, when confronted about it. Not believing this story either, he promptly grounds Susan.
Realizing their daughter is addicted, the Bowers later learn that Susan has been absent from school frequently for the past three months, and had been doctoring grades on the report cards she'd shown them. A visit to a psychologist
proves of little help, as he merely characterizes Susan's addiction as natural adolescence rebellion, and blames Frank for being controlling and constraining, thus prompting her to rebel. Things finally come to a head when Susan runs away and is found by police two days later on the family's boat, getting high with Ricky and two other friends.
The next day, Frank and Helen tell Susan that it would be better if she went to a private school in order to get away for a while. Upon arrival at the school, however, Susan discovers that it's really Dr. Royce's aforementioned drug treatment program, where she is placed under the supervision of a fellow addict who has gotten far enough in her program to be trusted. One key requirement of both addicts in the program and their families is attending twice-weekly meetings, in which they confess the full extent of their drug use and their families have the opportunity to confront them. At the first meeting they attend, Helen is shocked to hear the story of a girl who prostituted herself for drug money and demands that Frank pull Susan from the program. However, he refuses, insisting that this is a wake up call for their daughter.
Meanwhile, despite giving her testimony the following week (which includes the shocking revelation that she had gotten pregnant while high, and that she and Ricky broke into houses and stole to get money for her abortion
), Susan remains hostile towards all efforts to get her to open up and share her feelings, and later runs away. Having no idea where his daughter might be, Frank finally receives a phone call from Ricky, who promises to turn her over to him in exchange for some liquid cocaine
. Once there, Ricky attempts to play hardball with Frank, but he steadfastly refuses to hand over the drugs until he gets Susan back. Desperate for a fix, Ricky finally relents and leads Frank to his daughter; Susan is angry and refuses to go back to the center, but Frank assures her that he's going to take her home. Afterwards, Ricky tells Frank that he owes him something, to which Frank replies by telling him to have fun, and tosses the bag of drugs into a fire before Ricky can get his hands on it.
However, rather than taking her home, Frank brings Susan back to the center, promising to do so as many times as it takes. Once she has returned, angry at Ricky's betrayal and realizing just what her life has come to, Susan finally breaks down and gradually begins opening up with the rest of the group. A subsequent parents only meeting also makes Frank finally realize that Susan's addiction wasn't his fault and that she's getting the help she needs, while Helen also has an awakening regarding the matter.
During a closed-door senior staff meeting, Susan's recent progress is considered, but it is questioned if it is enough for her to go home, as she requested. The subsequent parent-child meeting shows Frank admitting his initial denial to his daughter, believing there was nothing he couldn't fix and that he thought other kids did drugs, but not his kid. Afterwards, Susan shares with him the good news, that she is coming home, and as the residents and staff cheer, she runs triumphantly into the arms of her waiting family.
1985 in film
-Events:* 3 December - Roger Moore steps down from the role of James Bond after twelve years and seven films. He is replaced by Timothy Dalton.* The Academy Award for Best Picture was won by Out Of Africa, while the highest grossing film was Back to the Future.* Bliss wins AFI Award for best Movie...
television film directed
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
by Michael Tuchner
Michael Tuchner
Michael Tuchner is a British film and theatre director.He directed the BAFTA TV Award winning television play Bar Mitzvah Boy.-External links:...
, which was based on a 1984 book of the same name by Beth Polson (who also served as the film's executive producer
Executive producer
An executive producer is a producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the film making or music process, but who is still responsible for the overall production...
) and Miller Newton. Many of the methods depicted in the film's fictional drug rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation is a term for the processes of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment, for dependency on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and so-called street drugs such as cocaine, heroin or amphetamines...
program were practiced by Newton in his own real-life drug rehab centers before they were shut down for abuse
Abuse
Abuse is the improper usage or treatment for a bad purpose, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, sexual assault, violation, rape, unjust practices; wrongful practice or custom; offense; crime, or otherwise...
of the residents. The movie aired on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
in the United States, and had a VHS
VHS
The Video Home System is a consumer-level analog recording videocassette standard developed by Victor Company of Japan ....
release both there and in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, with ITC
ITC Entertainment
The Incorporated Television Company was a British television company largely involved in production and distribution. It was founded by Lew Grade.-History:...
handling distribution rights.
Plot
The film opens with teenager Susan Bower on an alcohol and drug-fueled joyride with boyfriend Ricky and two other friends, which is intercut with scenes depicting testimony from teenage addicts in a drug rehabilitation program run by Dr. Royce. While foolishly attempting to drive with his eyes closed and both hands off the steering wheel, Ricky loses control of the car, causing it to skid on its side before overturning and landing all his passengers in the hospitalHospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
(though ironically, Ricky himself emerges from the wreck unharmed). Once there, the presence of alcohol
Alcohol
In chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
and drugs
DRUGS
Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows are an American post-hardcore band formed in 2010. They released their debut self-titled album on February 22, 2011.- Formation :...
in Susan's bloodstream is revealed, much to the shock of her parents (Helen and Frank, the latter a respected surgeon) and younger sister Kelly.
After she is treated and released, Frank attempts to question Susan about what happened, and she tells him that while headed to the movies with a friend, they were picked up by two guys who gave them the alcohol and drugs that she consumed, supposedly not knowing the latter was actually methadrine, but emphasizes that she doesn't use drugs. Believing her apparent remorse to be sincere, Frank doesn't punish her, but later begins to doubt the validity of this story. Sure enough, Frank's suspicions are confirmed when a search of Susan's bedroom (over Helen's protests) uncovers her hidden "stash", which she claims to have been holding for a friend, when confronted about it. Not believing this story either, he promptly grounds Susan.
Realizing their daughter is addicted, the Bowers later learn that Susan has been absent from school frequently for the past three months, and had been doctoring grades on the report cards she'd shown them. A visit to a psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologist is a professional or academic title used by individuals who are either:* Clinical professionals who work with patients in a variety of therapeutic contexts .* Scientists conducting psychological research or teaching psychology in a college...
proves of little help, as he merely characterizes Susan's addiction as natural adolescence rebellion, and blames Frank for being controlling and constraining, thus prompting her to rebel. Things finally come to a head when Susan runs away and is found by police two days later on the family's boat, getting high with Ricky and two other friends.
The next day, Frank and Helen tell Susan that it would be better if she went to a private school in order to get away for a while. Upon arrival at the school, however, Susan discovers that it's really Dr. Royce's aforementioned drug treatment program, where she is placed under the supervision of a fellow addict who has gotten far enough in her program to be trusted. One key requirement of both addicts in the program and their families is attending twice-weekly meetings, in which they confess the full extent of their drug use and their families have the opportunity to confront them. At the first meeting they attend, Helen is shocked to hear the story of a girl who prostituted herself for drug money and demands that Frank pull Susan from the program. However, he refuses, insisting that this is a wake up call for their daughter.
Meanwhile, despite giving her testimony the following week (which includes the shocking revelation that she had gotten pregnant while high, and that she and Ricky broke into houses and stole to get money for her abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
), Susan remains hostile towards all efforts to get her to open up and share her feelings, and later runs away. Having no idea where his daughter might be, Frank finally receives a phone call from Ricky, who promises to turn her over to him in exchange for some liquid cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
. Once there, Ricky attempts to play hardball with Frank, but he steadfastly refuses to hand over the drugs until he gets Susan back. Desperate for a fix, Ricky finally relents and leads Frank to his daughter; Susan is angry and refuses to go back to the center, but Frank assures her that he's going to take her home. Afterwards, Ricky tells Frank that he owes him something, to which Frank replies by telling him to have fun, and tosses the bag of drugs into a fire before Ricky can get his hands on it.
However, rather than taking her home, Frank brings Susan back to the center, promising to do so as many times as it takes. Once she has returned, angry at Ricky's betrayal and realizing just what her life has come to, Susan finally breaks down and gradually begins opening up with the rest of the group. A subsequent parents only meeting also makes Frank finally realize that Susan's addiction wasn't his fault and that she's getting the help she needs, while Helen also has an awakening regarding the matter.
During a closed-door senior staff meeting, Susan's recent progress is considered, but it is questioned if it is enough for her to go home, as she requested. The subsequent parent-child meeting shows Frank admitting his initial denial to his daughter, believing there was nothing he couldn't fix and that he thought other kids did drugs, but not his kid. Afterwards, Susan shares with him the good news, that she is coming home, and as the residents and staff cheer, she runs triumphantly into the arms of her waiting family.
Cast
- Viveka DavisViveka DavisViveka Davis is an American actress who has starred on television and in films. As a young actress, she was best known for her role in the 1983 NBC TV miniseries V as Polly Maxwell, a role she reprised in the 1984 sequel V: The Final Battle.Discovered at age 11, by Alan Parker in an inner city...
as Susan Bower - George SegalGeorge SegalGeorge Segal is an American film, stage and television actor.-Early life:George Segal, Jr. was born in 1934 Great Neck, Long Island, New York, the son of Fannie Blanche and George Segal, Sr. He was educated at George School, a private Quaker preparatory boarding school near Newtown, Bucks County,...
as Dr. Frank Bower - Stockard ChanningStockard ChanningStockard Channing is an American stage, film and television actress. She is known for her portrayal of First Lady Abbey Bartlet in the NBC television series The West Wing; for playing Betty Rizzo in the film Grease; and for her role as Ouisa Kittredge in the play Six Degrees of Separation and its...
as Helen Bower - Christa Denton as Kelly Bower
- Andrew Robinson as Doctor Royce
- Shana O'Neil as Wendy
- Nancy CartwrightNancy CartwrightNancy Campbell Cartwright is an American film and television actress, comedian and voice artist. She is best known for her long-running role as Bart Simpson on the animated television series The Simpsons...
as Jean - Tate DonovanTate DonovanTate Buckley Donovan is an American actor. He is known for his role in the FX drama Damages, as Tom Shayes, and for his role as Jimmy Cooper in the American teen drama television series The O.C....
as Ricky - Laura HarringtonLaura HarringtonLaura Harrington is an American actress.Harrington is perhaps best known for her role as the main character's sister in the 1993 film What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Her character was aged around 20 though the actress herself was 35 at the time...
as Melody - John PhilbinJohn PhilbinJohn Philbin is an American surfer who has appeared in television and film.John first began acting in high school, around the same time he began surfing. Choosing acting over wrestling, John joined a drama team that went on to win awards throughout his high school career. Upon leaving high school,...
as Brian - Kathleen WilhoiteKathleen WilhoiteKathleen Wilhoite is an American film and television actress, as well as a singer-songwriter. She also voiced the title character in the animated series Pepper Ann...
as Penny - Kathleen YorkKathleen YorkKathleen "Bird" York is an actress, screenwriter and Oscar nominated songwriter-recording artist.As a screenwriter, York has written projects for John Wells Warner Brothers, Sony, Paramount and has just completed a one hour pilot for Fox Television Studios...
as Linda - Jack Axelrod as Harlan Crockett
- Shawnee SmithShawnee SmithShawnee Smith is an American film and television actress and singer. Smith is best known for her roles as Amanda Young in the Saw films and Linda in the CBS sitcom Becker....
as Carol - Chad AllenChad Allen (actor)Chad Allen is an American actor. Beginning a prolific career as a child actor at the age of seven, Allen is a three-time Young Artist Award winner and GLAAD Media Award honoree, best known for rising to prominence as a teen idol during the late 1980s as David Witherspoon on the NBC family drama,...
as Bobby - Josh HamiltonJosh Hamilton (actor)Josh C. Hamilton is an American actor.Hamilton was born in New York City, New York. His father is actor Dan Hamilton, and his stepmother is actress Stephanie Braxton...
as Eddie - Gary Bayer as Dr. Gramley
- Dionne Parens as Tina
- Curtiss Marlowe as Arnie
- John D. Gowans as Mr. Sutter
- Lee Millay as Mrs. Edwards
- Joel Colodner as Dr. Fineman
- Terry BurnsTerry BurnsTerry Burns may refer to:*Terence Burns, Baron Burns , British economist*Terry W. Burns , American Western Fiction author...
as Adult Staffer - Jill CarrollJill CarrollJill Carroll is an American former journalist who was kidnapped and ultimately released in Iraq. Carroll was a reporter for the Christian Science Monitor at the time of her kidnapping...
as Julie - Kerry RemsenKerry RemsenKerry Remsen is an American actress. She is the daughter of actor Bert Remsen and casting director Barbara Joyce Dodd, sister of Ann Remsen Manners and has been married to Ron Cates since 2006. She attended the U.S...
as Chris - Michael J. Shea as Pat
- Melissa HaydenMelissa HaydenMelissa Hayden may refer to:*Melissa Hayden , Canadian dancer*Melissa Hayden , American actress*Melissa Hayden , American poker player...
as Michelle - Joseph Brutsman as Norman
- Adam Silbar as Scott