Thursday's Child (1983)

Sam Alden is the 17-year-old high school star player in baseball who seems to have it all. However, his family notices that he is often bothered with fits of coughing. Worried, his parents decide to take him to the hospital, where they are shocked to find out that he has a life-threatening heart disease. Sam has trouble dealing with his illness, but he pretends to still be a joyful teenager to not have his parents worrying even more than they already do. His health is deteriorating, though, and it is eventually revealed that he needs a heart transplant if he wants to survive. This is the beginning of a long journey, which is mentally and physically exhausting. Sam has countless operations, and tests. The search for a donor seems endless to him. Even before the final operation, Sam is forced to deal with several setbacks in his life.

Introduction
"Thursday's Child" is a gripping and emotionallyresonating American television film released in 1983. Directed by David Lowell Rich and Robert Markowitz, it's based on an autobiographical book composed by Victoria Poole. Both the movie and the book follow the story of Sam Alden, remarkably acted by Rob Lowe, a teen diagnosed with a serious heart condition.

Plot Summary
Sam Alden, a high-school senior, relatively in best health, collapses during a soccer match due to a heart disease that had gone undiscovered until then. This dangerous heart condition shakes the structure of the Alden household and ends up being the centerpiece of their life.

The condition leaves Sam with a badly restricted life-span, leading him to race against time. This unexpected twist takes Sam on a psychological, self-reflective journey, making him ponder about the fragility and impermanence of life.

Family Impact and Struggles
Sam's parents, Gail and Scott Alden, played by Gena Rowlands and Don Murray respectively, struggle to handle their kid's health crisis. Scott fears that he passed on the defective genes to Sam, which produces a complicated emotional dilemma for him. Gail, on the other hand, tries to keep a regular environment for their more youthful boy Tucker while handling her own pain and concern.

Moreover, the monetary concern of the pricey heart operation puts extra strain on the household. Regardless of these barriers, they make every effort to reveal continuous assistance and love for Sam throughout his life-altering battle.

Sam's Journey and Love Life
Sam, amidst his health struggles, begins to live his life to the maximum. He falls for a compassionate and supportive girl, Diana, portrayed by Jessica Walter. Knowing he might not make it through an approaching heart operation, Sam asks Diana to marry him, and they wed in a heartfelt, hastily-arranged event.

Resolution
The movie advances with Sam's determination to live while he can, regardless of his uncertain future. His courage leads him to run the risk of going through an open-heart surgical treatment, one of the trickiest medical treatments. The impressive performance by Rob Lowe draws out the overwhelming emotion, bravery, and vulnerability of the character Sam.

In a significant sequence, Sam, versus all odds, endures the surgery, defying the preliminary diagnosis. In the end, "Thursday's Child" provides hope and a remarkable portrayal of a household's strength and strength throughout difficulty.

Conclusion
The film "Thursday's Child" masterfully highlights the universal styles of life, love, fear, and household while providing a sensible depiction of the battle that features a serious, life-threatening medical condition. The stirring efficiencies by the cast, led by Rob Lowe, Gena Rowlands and Don Murray, further improve the film's psychological material. It's a poignant film that leaves a long lasting impression on audiences, advising them of the unpredictability of life and the power of hope and durability.

Top Cast