Joni (film)
| Joni | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | James F. Collier |
| Produced by | Frank R. Jacobson |
| Screenplay by | James F. Collier |
| Based on |
Joni by Joni Eareckson and Joe Musser |
| Starring | Joni Eareckson Tada |
| Music by |
|
| Cinematography | Frank Raymond |
| Edited by | Duane Hartzell |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | World Wide Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 107 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $2 million[1] |
Joni is a 1980 drama film directed by James F. Collier. It is based on the book of the same name and is the true story of Joni Eareckson Tada (played by herself), a seventeen-year-old girl who becomes paralyzed after a diving accident. Through her physical, emotional and spiritual struggles, Joni learns to trust in God. Billy Graham financed the film through his company World Wide Pictures and appears in a cameo.[1]
Plot
In 1967, at age 17, Joni Eareckson is involved in a diving accident that leaves her a quadriplegic. As she attempts to come to terms with her new disability, her Christian faith grows.
Cast
- Joni Eareckson Tada as herself
- Bert Remsen as John Eareckson
- Katherine De Hetre as Jay Eareckson
- Cooper Huckabee as Dick Filbert
- John Milford as Dr. Sherrill
- Jay W. MacIntosh as Lindy Eareckson
- Louise Hoven as Diana
- Michael Mancini as Don Bertolli
Release
Joni premiered on October 24, 1980, in Los Angeles. It played in New York on March 4, 1983.[2]
Reception
Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote the film is made more interesting and poignant by casting Tada as herself.[3] TV Guide rated it 2/4 stars and called Tada "a natural actress".[4]
References
- 1 2 Steele, Lee (1981-01-16). "Quadriplegic Courageously Portrays Spiritual Journey". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- ↑ "Joni". American Film Institute. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- ↑ Maslin, Janet (1983-03-04). "EVANGELICAL 'JONI'". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- ↑ "Joni". TV Guide. Retrieved 2016-04-28.