An American Daughter (film)

An American Daughter (also known as Trial by Media) is a 2000 Lifetime Television film directed by Sheldon Larry. The teleplay was written by Wendy Wasserstein, based on her 1997 play of the same name.

An American Daughter
GenreDrama
Based onAn American Daughter
by Wendy Wasserstein
Written byWendy Wasserstein
Directed bySheldon Larry
StarringChristine Lahti
Tom Skerritt
Jay Thomas
Mark Feuerstein
Stanley Anderson
Blake Lindsley
Scott Michael Campbell
Matt Weinberg
Will Rothhaar
Caroline Aaron
Teri Austin
Karen Kim
Cynthia Harris
Lynne Thigpen
Theme music composerPhil Marshall
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersAbby Adams
Chad S. Hoffman
Robert Schwartz
Wendy Wasserstein
Production locationLos Angeles
CinematographyAlbert J. Dunk
EditorCharles Bornstein
Running time91 min.
Production companiesGleneagle Productions
Hearst Entertainment Productions
Original release
NetworkLifetime
ReleaseJune 5, 2000 (2000-06-05)

Plot

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Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes (Lahti) is the daughter of U.S. Senator Alan Hughes (Stanley Anderson). She appears to be headed for nomination as the U.S. Surgeon General until a background check reveals she once neglected to return a jury duty notice. Then, she makes a faux pas in comments about her homemaker mother that leaves her open to a media blitz and her certain nomination suddenly appears to be in doubt. She is supported by her best friend, Judith Kaufman (Lynne Thigpen), an African American Jewish feminist[1] and physician, who has her own set of troubles.

Cast

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Production

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The made-for-TV film was broadcast on the Lifetime network in June 2000.[2][3] The TV film is based on Wasserstein's play of the same title, An American Daughter, which ran on Broadway in 1997.

Critical response

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The Variety reviewer noted that the "screenplay is much more than an exploration into the mutual adulation of and animosity toward powerful women. It’s also a provocative look at the complex issues that converge when the definition of roles, be they gender or political, are called into question."[3]

Awards and nominations

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Golden Globe Awards

References

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  1. ^ Nelson, Valerie J. "Differing Views on Raising This 'Daughter'" latimes.com, June 2000
  2. ^ Salamon, Julie. Review nytimes.com, June 5, 2000
  3. ^ a b Fries, Laura. Review variety.com, June 5, 2000
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