''Act of Love'' is a 1980 American

made-for-television A television film, alternatively known as a television movie, made-for-TV film/movie or TV film/movie, is a feature-length film that is produced and originally distributed by or to a television network, in contrast to theatrical films made for ...

film adaptation A film adaptation is the transfer of a work or story, in whole or in part, to a feature film. Although often considered a type of derivative work, film adaptation has been conceptualized recently by academic scholars such as Robert Stam as a dial ...

of the book ''Act of Love: The Killing of George Zygmanik'' by

Judith Paige Mitchell Judith Paige Mitchell (November 24, 1932 – February 10, 2010) was a television writer, executive producer and novelist. Biography Judith Paige Segel was a native of New Orleans. Her parents were George Jacob Segel (1906-1993) and Esther (née ...

. It is based on a true story. It was directed by

Jud Taylor Judson Taylor (February 25, 1932August 6, 2008) was an American actor, television director, and television producer. Early years Born in New York City, Taylor graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. Career Taylor is perhaps best ...

and written for screen by Michael De Guzman. It stars

Ron Howard Ronald William Howard (born March 1, 1954) is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He first came to prominence as a child actor, guest-starring in several television series, including an episode of ''The Twilight Zone''. He ...

,(20 March 1980)
Howard will star in movie for NBC
''San Bernardino Sun'' (Associated Press story), p. B-13

Robert Foxworth Robert Heath Foxworth (born November 1, 1941) is an American film, stage, and television actor. Early life Foxworth was born in Houston, Texas, the son of Erna Beth (née Seamman), a writer, and John Howard Foxworth, a roofing contractor. He at ...

Mickey Rourke Philip Andre "Mickey" Rourke Jr. (; born September 16, 1952) is an American actor and former boxer who has appeared primarily as a leading man in drama, action, and thriller films. During the star of the 1980s, Rourke played supporting roles i ...

David Spielberg David Spielberg (March 6, 1939 – June 1, 2016) was an American television and film actor. Early years Spielberg was born in Weslaco, Texas, and was a resident of Mercedes, Texas. His father was a Romanian-Jewish immigrant, and his mother was a ...

and

Jacqueline Brookes Jacqueline Victoire Brookes (July 24, 1930 – April 26, 2013) was an American film, television, and stage actress, best known for her work both off-Broadway and on Broadway. Life and career Brookes was born in Montclair, New Jersey, the daugh ...

. Film also features '' Married... with Children'' star

David Faustino David Anthony Faustino (; born March 3, 1974) is an American actor and radio personality primarily known for his role as Bud Bundy on the Fox sitcom '' Married... with Children''. He has also voiced animated characters for Nickelodeon, including ...

. The score was composed by

Billy Goldenberg William Leon Goldenberg (February 10, 1936 – August 3, 2020) was an American composer and songwriter, best known for his work on television and film. Early life Goldenberg was born in February 10, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, ...

.Gray, Beverly
Ron Howard: From Mayberry to the Moon...and Beyond
p. 247 (2003) The story concerns a man performing euthanasia on his paralyzed brother. Gitlin, Todd
Inside Prime Time
p. 150 (2d ed. 1994)(21 September 1980)
Behind the Scenes
''The Journal'' (

Ogdensburg, New York Ogdensburg ( moh, Kaniatarahòn:tsi) is a city in St. Lawrence County, New York, United States. The population was 10,436 at the 2019 census. In the late 18th century, European-American settlers named the community after American land owner and de ...

) (pdf p. 47) (brief interview with

Mary Kay Place Mary Kay Place (born September 23, 1947) is an American actress, singer, director, and screenwriter. She is known for portraying Loretta Haggers on the television series ''Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman'', a role that won her the 1977 Primetime Emmy ...

) It was the sixth most-watched prime time television program in the United States for the week of its debut in September 1980.(1 October 1980)
NBC Again Tops Week's Rating Race
''Reno Gazette-Journal'' (23.4 rating, or 18.2 million homes)

References

External links

* 1980 television films 1980 films 1980s English-language films 1980 romantic drama films Films directed by Jud Taylor Films scored by Billy Goldenberg American romantic drama films Films about euthanasia American drama television films 1980s American films {{romantic-drama-film-stub