And Then Came John
A Triumph over Down's Syndrome
Produced by Scott Andrews and Stephen Olsson through Telesis Productions
- "Outstanding... the story and the life of John unfolds precisely like the plot of a good script, and the mater-ial and the characters do it all." - Jack Lemmon
- "... conveys the depth, character and sensitivity of the man, while simultaneously unmasking the common perceptions regarding those 'afflicted'." - Down's Syndrome parent
- "The film movingly documents the importance of family and community support in the development of the disabled. Recommended for special education, psychology, sociology and health classes." - Media & Methods
When
John McGough was born with Down's syndrome, his mother, Lee, was told to place
him in an institution by everyone she trusted-her doctor, her priest, her
mother and her husband. She refused, and took John home. In the years that
followed, John's presence in the family taught his mother, four brothers and
a sister unique and invaluable lessons about loving and caring.
But outside of the family, in urban Los Angeles, John faced a world of prejudice and rejection. When he graduated out of his "extended family" at a special high school and faced the rejections of the outside world, he became increasingly depressed.
Then, John's life changed. His mother remarried, and moved the family from the city to the warm and accepting cocoon of a small town on the Northern California coast. John blossomed, as an artist and a musician, and, more importantly, as a beloved member of the community. In a stunning climax to the film, and to John's life so far, he invited his "town family" to share in the celebration of his twenty-sixth birthday, and 200 people showed up.
This inspiring film challenges stereotypes about the handicapped. It shows how the attitudes of society can encourage or destroy a person who is disabled. And Then Came John pays tribute to a remarkable man and the community that nurtured him.
National Down's Syndrome Congress, 1993
American Showcase of Documentary Films, Soviet Union, 1990
Best of Festival, Birmingham International Film Festival, 1988
Chris Award, Columbus International Film Festival, 1987
Commendation, Superfest, 1988
Honorable Mention, San Francisco Film Festival, 1988
Best Documentary, Big Muddy Film Festival, 1988
36 min. Video or DVD. Sale $195. Video rental $55
