Death Be Not Proud (1975)

the leading man is my tpye

Tied for the best movie I have ever seen

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Based on the book, Death Be Not Proud, John Gunther, Sr. wrote on the true account of his son's death, this is a television experience not to be missed. You can tell the minute a film opens with its first image, the first spoken word, if it's going to be good. I knew instantly this was going to be a great film. Robby Benson as the young Johnny Gunther was truly moving. His performance embodied vitality and strength, along with naiveté and sensitiveness of that college age. After his father, who's a noted writer among other things and underplayed wonderfully by Arthur Hill, had decided to try and be more present for his son, as young Johnny would come to need him more and more as he matured, it is discovered that Johnny has a brain tumor. Through all the operations and hope and strong will and resolve, we see young Johnny slowly deteriorate, but he never lost his love of life. If you've never seen this, I ask you to Youtube this, so you can witness one of the few essential television movies to see in your lifetime.

I have yet to read the book, but the compelling story of Johnny Gunther's struggle to maintain normalcy is something to take note of. Robby Benson gives a sweet and emotional performance as Johnny, a teenager suddenly inflicted with a malignant brain tumor. There were times i wanted to just yell at his parents for their callousness, but you do realize they did love him and tried every means possible to save his life. There could have been more emotion on their part, especially with such a charged and enthusiastic person Robby made the son Johnny, who is too often neglected by his father. However the cast did very well with the material they had I'm sure. This one is not to be missed. It may be out of print.

I saw this movie on TV in 1975 and was so taken by it (I went thru a box of Kleenex watching it) that I have been looking for it for 30 yrs.! I couldn't remember the title but my memory was correct that Arthur Hill and Robbie Bensen were in it. Also that it was based on a true story. It seemed to fortify the old adage "only the good die young". I have looked thru all kinds of movie sites and only found it here! Thanks, IMDb for listing this excellent movie, which should have won some awards but never did! Does anyone know if it is available on VHS or DVD? I sure would like to have it! . . sincerely, Sharong in Illinois

SPOILER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Back in 1975, I was 9 years old and my parents thought this movie would be to emotional and wouldn't let me see it. So I saw it as an adult and still cried. The incredible attitude that Benson's character has despite having terminal brain cancer is a true example of what every human being should act like. At the end, Robbie still graduates from College and if that scene doesn't leave you teary eyed nothing will. Great movie!