Something for Joey

Something for Joey was a 1977 made-for-TV movie (sports/family/true-life dramatization) about the relationship between college football player John Cappelletti (portrayed by Marc Singer), and his younger brother Joey (Jeff Lynas). Other cast members included Linda Kelsey and Steve Guttenberg. It appeared on the NBC television network, later repeating on NBC and CBS.

Plot

Joey battled leukemia since the age of three, and was one of the first children to undergo chemotherapy for the disease. The story traces John through his years at Penn State seeking the Heisman Trophy, and Joey his preteens, as each brother inspires the other, and their family around them, to try harder in life.

John wins the Heisman during a downturn in Joey's illness. During his acceptance speech, John names Joey as his prime motivator, then gradually breaks down in tears, as he tells everyone he wants Joey to have his trophy, for inspiring him and for enduring so much difficulty with leukemia. The whole Cappelletti family is there, and Joey runs to John's side.

The film ends by revealing Joey succumbed to his leukemia and died with John by his side on April 8, 1976.

Selected cast

• Geraldine Page as Anne Cappelletti
• Gerald S. O'Loughlin as John Cappelletti Sr
• Marc Singer as John Cappelletti
• Jeffrey Lynas as Joey Cappelletti
• Paul Picerni as Joe Paterno
• Kathleen Beller as Jean Cappelletti
• Linda Kelsey as Joyce Cappelletti (also Narrator)
• Steve Guttenberg as Michael Cappelletti
• James Karen as Dr. Wingreen

Reception

The show was adapted from a best-selling biography of the brothers, and was well presented and well-received. It also appeared later on home video.

Nominations

The film was nominated for Outstanding Directing in a Special Program - Drama or Comedy and Outstanding Writing in a Special Program - Drama or Comedy - Original Teleplay at the Emmy Awards, as well as for the Golden Globe Best Motion Picture Made for TV in 1978.

External links

• Something for Joey at the Internet Movie Database
• Something for Joey at Allmovie

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