Swoosie Kurtz

And the Band Played On

In 1981, epidemiologist Don Francis (Matthew Modine) learns of an increased rate of death among gay men in urban areas. The startling information leads him to begin investigating the outbreak, which is ultimately identified as AIDS. His journey finds mostly opposition from politicians and doctors, but several join him in his cause. As it becomes apparent that people have personal reasons to turn the other cheek, Francis persists. Meanwhile, the number of deaths continues to grow.

The Image

News anchor Jason Cromwell (Albert Finney) is always on the hunt for controversy. As usual, he shows no mercy when he begins investigating a savings and loan scandal involving a bank president. But, when the innocent man kills himself, Cromwell is shaken to his core. Now plunged into the center of his own story, Cromwell begins to reevaluate his journalistic responsibilities in a broadcast environment more concerned with Nielsen ratings than with ethics.