...And Your Name Is Jonah 1979
"Seven year old Jonah is not retarded. He just can’t hear…"
And Your Name Is Jonah (1979) delivers a deeply moving drama about a family's shocking discovery that their institutionalized son is not intellectually disabled—he's profoundly deaf.
Director: Richard Michaels
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979) about?
This 1979 TV drama follows a couple who learn their institutionalized seven-year-old son was misdiagnosed with intellectual disability—he's actually deaf. The film traces their emotional journey as they confront the injustice of the mistake and fight to reconnect with their son after years apart.
Who directed ...And Your Name Is Jonah?
Richard Michaels directed ...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979), bringing a sensitive touch to this intimate family drama.
Who stars in ...And Your Name Is Jonah?
The film stars Sally Struthers and James Woods as the parents, with Randee Heller and Titos Vandis in key supporting roles.
Is ...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979) worth watching?
Given its emotional depth and strong performances, ...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979) offers a compelling watch for fans of family dramas. While it doesn't have a rated IMDb score, its themes of justice and human resilience make it a meaningful choice for 1970s TV movie enthusiasts.
How long is ...And Your Name Is Jonah?
The runtime of ...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979) is 100 minutes.
About ...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979) — A Family's Struggle With a Devastating Misdiagnosis
...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979) delivers a deeply moving drama about a family's shocking discovery that their institutionalized son is not intellectually disabled—he's profoundly deaf. Directed by Richard Michaels, this TV movie unfolds with emotional intensity as parents confront the crushing weight of a misdiagnosis that stole three years of their son's life. The film explores themes of communication, parental love, and societal misunderstandings around disability, all set against the backdrop of 1970s America. With a somber yet hopeful atmosphere, Sally Struthers and James Woods anchor the story as the determined parents navigating a world unprepared for their son's needs, while Randee Heller and Titos Vandis round out a cast that brings raw authenticity to the screen.
A poignant reflection on justice and healing, ...And Your Name Is Jonah (1979) challenges viewers to reconsider the labels we place on others and the systems meant to support them. The narrative balances heartrending moments with quiet triumphs, capturing the resilience of a family fighting to reclaim what was lost. For anyone interested in human stories that blend personal drama with social commentary, this film remains a compelling watch decades later.