Cast
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Nancy McKeon
as Tracy Thurman
Dale Midkiff
as Buck Thurman
Graham Jarvis
as Officer Danziger
Yvette Heyden
as Judy Bentley
Terri Hanauer
as Cheryl
Philip Baker Hall
as Judge Blumenfeld
David Wohl
as Nagel
Priscilla Pointer
as Tracey's Mother
Seth Isler
as Lewis
Bruce Weitz
as Burton Weinstein
Paul Comi
as Officer Dempsey
Crew
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Released in 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 148 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1989, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: October 2, 1989
- Runtime: 1h 36m