Even with the some errors, this is a very good film again showcasing the dramatic acting talents of Kirstie Alley. Some years back Ms. Alley was absolutely brilliant as the abolitionist Vergilia in the television saga "North and South." She displayed outstanding dramatic depth and then soon faded into oblivion when it came to dramatic acting.Once again she comes through with a phenomenal searing performance as a retarded woman, who recounts her life after her institution, where she has resided, is closed and she is forced to fend for herself.What makes this film so good is that there is no effort to dramatize the race factor when her character marries a black man, excellently played by Delroy Lindo. Both characters, classified as retarded, were categorized as high functional but the Lindo character seemed far superior intellectually to her. Notice that he is driving a car.The film also represents a stinging indictment of these homes that care for the retarded. From utter neglect to downright molestation, an unforgiving image is created.Hard to fathom that her friend, who couldn't adjust to the outside and displayed anti-social behavior was first allowed to live with her. Also hard to fathom how the state would not permit such a marriage to take place between retarded individuals.While some people may see this memorable film as exploiting the retarded, it is well worth seeing mainly due to the superior performance by Kirstie Alley.

This movie is excellent. I too have a developmental disability, a very mild one. I'm a very high-functioning autistic college student. This movie sends out the correct message about labels. To put it in my own words labels are nothing but meaningless pieces of crap that should never be relied upon. Each case is different.The point is also made here that people with these and other kinds of disabilities can make and find their way in life. Richardo and Donna getting married and having a child is absolutely no different from other people doing the same things. All this nonsense about them having to ask is just that. They are not children, no one else has to ask.Yes there are some people who can't live on their own but not all. Margaret just could not. She was just not capable of it. There is nothing wrong with that.

Excellent work, Props the the actors!!! I have 15 years of experience working with mentally handicapped, the acting was great and portrayed the difficulties of my individuals so well. I am a Therapeutic Consultant and I love it. I work with two married couples and see the struggles similar to this movie. My heart goes out to the Thornton family. I love each and every one of the folks I work with, many of which were "de-institutionalized" in the 1980's and had so many challenges to overcome. They have lost track of biological families and often times all they have is us, their staff. I am very much an advocate for them to make their own choices and I will utilize this movie in training new staff. I would absolutely love to hear the couple speak and meet them. What an inspiration to my friends with the same challenges.

I too had never considered Kirstie Alley a "real" actress. She is a very good comedian, but "Serious Actress" is not a description I would have ever used with her. . . .until I saw this movie. I was actually at work (at a sportsbar) when it came on. I was flipping through the channels looking for sports, when I stopped for a moment, and in that short moment I was amazed! I sat entranced for the next 2 hours (ignoring customers, and killing my tips), but it was worth it! Not since Sybill (with Sally Field in the 1970's) have I been so awe struck with the performances in a TV movie! Congrats to Kirstie Alley! You have proven yourself to be brilliant, talented, inspired, and most of all a "Serious Actress" on a par with the great film actresses of today!!!!!!