Day In The Death Of Joe Egg, A (1972, U.K.)

Based on the successful play by writer Peter Nichols, this dark comedy-drama is about the struggle of a British couple to cope with the day-to-day strain of caring for their ten-year-old disabled daughter, Jo. Critically acclaimed actor Alan Bates is tremendous as the father.  He recounts the couple’s life before and since Jo’s birth and diagnosis with cerebral palsy in comic asides.  This lightens, but never diminishes, the delicate handling of this difficult subject matter. As they confront the collapse of their marriage, the couple debates the alternatives for their daughter.

Directed by Peter Medak, and starring a small but exceptional cast including Janet Suzman, Joan Hickson and Peter Bowles.