Who Will Love My Children?

Who Will Love My Children? is a 1983 American made-for-television biographical drama film that aired on the ABC network. Directed by John Erman and starring Ann-Margret, the film is based on the true story of Iowa mother Irene Hunt, who sought to find new homes for her ten children while facing a terminal illness. The production was developed by ABC Circle Films and received significant critical acclaim for its emotional narrative and performances.

Plot summary

The narrative follows Irene Hunt, a resilient mother living in rural Iowa during the Great Depression with her husband, Raymond Hunt, and their ten children. After being diagnosed with a fatal heart condition, Irene becomes determined to secure a stable future for her large family before her death. Facing poverty and her husband's unreliable nature, she embarks on a poignant and difficult quest, personally interviewing and selecting adoptive families for each of her children. The story culminates in the heartbreaking separation as the children are placed in various homes across Iowa and Illinois, with Irene ensuring their well-being is documented through a series of heartfelt letters before her passing.

Production

The film was produced for television by Philip Barry under the banner of ABC Circle Films, a prolific unit of the American Broadcasting Company. John Erman, known for directing the landmark miniseries *Roots*, was hired to direct, with the screenplay adapted by Michael Bortman from the memoir by Irene Hunt. Principal photography took place on location, capturing the period atmosphere of the Midwestern United States. The score was composed by acclaimed television and film composer Laurence Rosenthal, adding to the film's emotional depth.

Cast

* Ann-Margret as Irene Hunt * Frederic Forrest as Raymond Hunt * Cathryn Damon as Maggie * Bryan Englund as Jimmy * Jennifer Dundas as Shirley * Katherine Kahler as Betty * John O'Leary as Doctor * Dennis Robertson as Mr. Johnson * Michele Greene as Anna * Travis Swords as Bobby

Reception

Upon its broadcast on ABC on February 28, 1983, *Who Will Love My Children?* was met with strong positive reception from television critics and audiences. Reviewers in publications like The New York Times and *Variety* praised the film's uncompromising emotional power and its avoidance of overt sentimentality. The performance by Ann-Margret was singled out as a career highlight, with many noting her transformation from a glamorous Hollywood star to a gritty, determined mother. The film garnered high ratings, demonstrating the powerful draw of fact-based family dramas during the era of television movies.

Awards and nominations

The film received several major award nominations, most notably at the 35th Primetime Emmy Awards. Ann-Margret earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special. The film itself was nominated for Outstanding Drama Special. Additionally, Ann-Margret won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film, solidifying the critical recognition for her performance. It also received nominations from the Directors Guild of America for John Erman's direction.

Category:1983 television films Category:American biographical drama films Category:American Broadcasting Company original programming Category:Films about adoption Category:Films set in Iowa