Something for Joey (1977)

Something for Joey Poster

This is based on the true story about the relationship between Penn State football player John Cappelletti and his younger brother Joey, who has leukemia. John and Joey's bond is a strong one. Joey hangs out with John in the Penn State locker room, and inspires him to be the top college football player in the country. Their bond knows no boundaries and goes beyond making touchdowns and winning awards.

Film Overview
"Something for Joey" is a 1977 American made-for-television sport drama film directed by Richard Heffron. The movie is based upon the life of College Football Hall of Fame legend John Cappelletti, and his more youthful bro Joey. The movie script by William D. Wittliff was adapted from the book of the very same name composed by Richard E. Peck. The film mainly concentrates on the genuine and heartwarming story of John Cappelletti's relationship with his more youthful brother Joey who is struggling with leukemia and John's subsequent remarkable profession in football that is motivated by his brother.

The Characters and Plot
The main characters in the movie "Something for Joey" include John Cappelletti, played by Marc Singer, and his younger sibling Joey, portrayed by Jeff Lynas. The narrative starts in 1969, including John as a football player at Pennsylvania State University and Joey, a dynamic, boisterous, and interesting kid facing leukemia.

The film offers an intriguing story of how John's household handle Joey's health problem mentally and how it motivates John's decision to succeed. The brothers have a deeply braided connection, and John makes it his mission to improve his more youthful brother's morale and presume a silver lining to his healing procedure. The film takes audiences through a nostalgic journey of how John commits his victories and success in football to Joey, asserting that his sibling's nerve and resilience are his source of motivation.

Notable Moments
One of the most touching scenes of the film is when John Cappelletti, having won the Heisman Trophy in 1973 (the greatest specific award in American college football), provides a speech discussing his brother's fight with leukemia. He devotes his award to Joey, saying that his little brother has the heart of a lion and is a real fighter. At this minute, both brothers end up being real-life heroes and figures of appreciation and inspiration for millions.

Another significant moment is when Joey winds up in health center due to his weakening condition, and John sees him after winning a considerable game. The audience sees the strength of their relationship when John Kneels by Joey, informs him they won, and guarantees him they'll keep winning.

Ending
"Something for Joey" gradually unfolds as a poignant tale of guts, endurance, and the power of familial love. Although confronted with hardship, the characters never ever lose hope. The film ends on a heavy note with Joey losing his battle with cancer in 1976. However, it stays uplifting as it looks for to honor Joey's indomitable spirit and love for life, which lived on through his sibling's success and his family's memory.

In conclusion, "Something for Joey" is a fascinating and emotional journey of fraternal love and the strength found in battling life's toughest difficulties. It offers a touching story concerning coping systems in the face of challenges and the spirit to stay favorable and victorious. The film acts as a testament to how sport can act as a beacon of hope and event of life in the most challenging scenarios.

Reception
The movie aired on CBS on April 6, 1977, and was a ranking hit. It was cherished by critics and audiences alike for its psychological depth and underlying message of love, strength and the undying human spirit. The performances by Marc Singer and Jeff Lynas were admired for their credibility, making "Something for Joey" a resounding success as an inspiring sports drama.

Top Cast

  • Geraldine Page (small)
    Geraldine Page
    Ann Cappelletti
  • Gerald S. O'Loughlin (small)
    Gerald S. O'Loughlin
    John Cappelletti Sr
  • Marc Singer (small)
    Marc Singer
    John Cappelletti
  • Jeff Lynas (small)
    Jeff Lynas
    Joey Cappelletti
  • Linda Kelsey (small)
    Linda Kelsey
    Joyce Cappelletti, Narrator
  • Brian Farrell
    Marty Cappelletti
  • Kathleen Beller (small)
    Kathleen Beller
    Jean Cappelletti
  • Steve Guttenberg (small)
    Steve Guttenberg
    Mike Cappelletti
  • Paul Picerni (small)
    Paul Picerni
    Joe Paterno
  • Stephen Parr
    Eddie O'Neil
  • June Dayton (small)
    June Dayton
    Mrs. Frome