Alex: The Life of a Child

April. 23,1986 NR

Rating：

8.2

Genre：

Drama

Keywords：

Based On Novel Or Book Based On True Story Parent Child Relationship

Trailer Synopsis Cast

Based on true events, 'Alex: The Life of a Child' follows former 'Sports Illustrated' writer Frank Deford and his wife Carole when their happy, all-American family is rocked to the core when their baby daughter Alex is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. While CF sufferers were almost certainly doomed to an early death in the Seventies, Alex grew into a child who showed remarkable courage and strength in face of her illness. Her loving family were quick to rally around her, determined to show the same bravery as the little girl as they supported and cherished her through life and struggled to move on after her death at the tragically young age of eight.

Craig T. Nelson as Frank Deford

Bonnie Bedelia as Carole Deford

Gennie James as Alex Deford

Danny Corkill as Chris Deford

Mark Withers as Mac Deford

Dann Florek as Dr. Tom Dolan

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Reviews

AshUnow

1986/04/23

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

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Erica Derrick

1986/04/24

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

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Zlatica

1986/04/25

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

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Guillelmina

1986/04/26

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

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belkisphoto

1986/04/27

@rachels89You and I share the same love of this movie and the same thing happened to me. About 13 years ago, I contacted the network and was able to obtain it on VHS tape. I recently transferred it to video and although a bit bad, it's watchable. I would be happy to send you the VHS and pay it forward to someone who adores this film as much as I did.

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Syl

1986/04/28

I remember the first time that I saw this film. It still is worth watching. Alex: the life of a child is one of those films that you can't watch without some feeling. The daughter, Alexandra, suffers from cystic fibrosis. During her short life, her father played beautifully and touching by Craig T. Nelson is sports writer and sports commentator Frank DeFord. He chronicles her short life. He and his wife had it all by the time she was born. They had a beautiful home in the suburbs and a healthy son named CHristopher. When Alex came into their lives, she was the first girl in a long time. The young actress who played Alex deserves credit for bringing to life this child. The actress is Gemma James and she deserved an Emmy for a heartbreaking performance. I also have to admire Bonnie Bedelia's performance as the mother. Her role does not go without saying. How can somebody grieve over the loss of a child? Nobody expects to outlive their child. Since I don't have any children, I can say that I have watched this film and cried a little each time. I keep thinking of what might have been for Alex. Her life was just too short.

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lmm1019

1986/04/29

I was only about 6 or 7 when this movie came out, but I remember it to this day. My family and I still talk about it and wonder if we can get a copy of the movie, but I think I finally found where to get it!! "Daddy, My Little Daddy" has been in our vocabulary since we saw this. This little girl was so brave and strong and I know a little girl who passed away at 7 of Cancer just a few years ago and for some reason, they grow up so fast.I truly feel this movie should be in EVERYONES movie collection...I could watch it over and over and cry over and over. It makes you cherish life and what you have that much more.My daughter will also experience this move when she gets older and I know she will love it just as I do.

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JABRONI76

1986/04/30

This was an excellent TV Movie, I saw it when I was 10 or 11 years old, this movie made me cry. I hope I can obtain a copy of this great and wonderful movie someday. Craig T. Nelson is an excellent actor from his movie roles in the Poltergeist series to TV sitcoms. Two Thumbs Up for Craig.

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