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Testament
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Synopsis
Director Lynne Littman has created an effective, understated portrayal of the cost of a nuclear war in human terms, in a film as far removed from the fake hyperbole of action and disaster movies as the natural world is from cartoons. Set in the small California town of Hamlin, the Wetherly family and their everyday concerns open the story. The trivia that fills their secure, ordinary existence disappears when a TV show is interrupted with the announcement that nuclear bombs have exploded in the major cities on the East Coast, and then the entire scene is erased in an increasingly white, blank movie screen -- meant to show that nuclear blasts have been detonated in California as well. Over 1000 people die in the first month from radiation sickness, but the mother in the Wetherly family (Jane Alexander) displays great inner strength as she cares for orphaned children the family has taken under its wing and goes on sustaining those that remain in her own family. At one point, she quietly conveys to her daughter the happiness of intimacy between two adults, knowing her daughter will not live to experience adult love. As these individuals and the children cope with day-to-day existence, there is never any intrusion of overt horrors, the focus remains on the individuals and the way in which they adjust to the inevitable. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide

Cast

Jane Alexander Carol Wetherly
Leon Ames Henry Abhart
Philip Anglim Hollis
Kevin Costner Phil Pitkin
Rebecca De Mornay Cathy Pitkin
William Devane Tom Wetherly
Lukas Haas Scottie Wetherly
Rossie Harris Brad Wetherly
Mako Mike
Lilia Skala Fania
Roxana Zal Mary Liz Wetherly
Mico Olmos Larry

Production Crew

Linda Pearl Art Director
John Koester Camera Operator
Margery Simkin Casting
Steven Poster Cinematographer
James Horner Composer (Music Score)
Julie Weiss Costume Designer
Lynne Littman Director
Suzanne Pettit Editor
Peter Bogart First Assistant Director
William Hassell First Assistant Director
Jonathan Bernstein Producer
Lynne Littman Producer
David Nicholas Production Designer
David Nichols Production Designer
John Sacret Young Screenwriter
Waldemar Kalinowski Set Designer
Carol Amen Short Story Author
Carol Amen Short Story Author
Lee Alexander Sound/Sound Designer
Chuck Stewart Special Effects
Jesse Wayne Stunts
Year: 1983
Runtime: 90
Country: USA
MPAA Rating: PG
Category: Feature

Genre
Drama

Color type
CFI Color

Produced by
American Playhouse
Entertainment Events
Paramount

Awards
1983 - Best Picture - National Board of Review
1983 - Film Presented - Telluride Film Festival