Labor of Love: The Arlette Schweitzer Story (1993)

Labor of Love: The Arlette Schweitzer Story Poster

When a woman learns she cannot bear children, her mother decides to be a surrogate for her.

Film Overview
"Labor of Love: The Arlette Schweitzer Story" is a 1993 American made-for-television drama film, providing a powerful narrative based on the real-life story of Arlette Schweitzer. Directed by Jerry London, the film stars Ann Jillian, Tracey Gold, and Bill Smitrovich. Through its exploration of a mom's abstruse sacrifice to assist her child experience parenthood, this genre-breaking drama highlights the overarching power of familial love and the amazing lengths an individual will go to supply joy for their loved ones.

Plot Summary
The movie showcases Arlette Schweitzer (Ann Jillian), a middle-aged lady who decides to end up being a surrogate mom for her daughter, Christa (Tracey Gold). Christa is unable to bear kids due to a hysterectomy she had gone through earlier in her life. Unable to face the possibility of her daughter living life without experiencing motherhood, Arlette decides to bring and bear her child's kids. Therefore, making her the very first woman in the United States to become a surrogate for her own daughter.

Characters and Narrative
Arlette is a compassionate and identified woman who, regardless of her age and substantial health dangers, decides to help Christa and her partner by carrying their fertilized eggs to term. Christa is depicted as a loving daughter who faces feelings of regret about her mother's choice and grapples with the prospect of her kids being her biological siblings.

On the other hand, their household, consisting of Arlette's supportive spouse Ken Schweitzer (Bill Smitrovich), faces social scrutiny and backlash. Arlette's decision raises eyebrows and stirs up uncomfortable discussions about the ethicalities of surrogacy and the boundaries of adult love, including considerable tension to the narrative.

Considerable Scenes & Messages
The film features numerous intense and psychological scenes highlighting the sacrifices Arlette makes throughout this demanding journey. For instance, her health weakens considerably throughout the pregnancy, causing a heart-wrenching point where she collapses near the ending but recuperates in time to effectively deliver the infants.

Through all the challenges faced, "Labor of Love: The Arlette Schweitzer Story" underlines the theme of sustaining love and altruism. Although the movie might potentially incite controversy with its revolutionary subject matter, it highlights the lengths somebody would go to bring pleasure to their family.

Conclusion
This film is a poignant representation of unyielding familial love and sacrifice that exhibits the lengths a mother will go to secure her child's happiness. "Labor of Love: The Arlette Schweitzer Story" underscores the theme of unconditional love, amplifying the age-old saying that a mom's love understands no bounds. By telling an extraordinary true story, the movie provides an unbelievable journey of guts, love, sacrifice, and resilience that drastically pushes the boundaries of social standards and leaves a profound effect on the audience.

Top Cast

  • Ann Jillian (small)
    Ann Jillian
    Arlette Schweitzer
  • Bill Smitrovich (small)
    Bill Smitrovich
    Dan Schweitzer
  • Diana Scarwid (small)
    Diana Scarwid
    Darlene
  • Frances Sternhagen (small)
    Frances Sternhagen
    Mary Rafferty
  • Donal Logue (small)
    Donal Logue
    Kevin Uchytil
  • Robert Curtis Brown (small)
    Robert Curtis Brown
    Dr. Wardell
  • Tracey Gold (small)
    Tracey Gold
    Christa Uchytil
  • Andy Stahl (small)
    Andy Stahl
    Dr. Gerald Freedman
  • Helen Baldwin
    Dr. Sharon Hagler
  • Alan Sader
    Dr. Howard Gilroy
  • Robert C. Treveiler (small)
    Robert C. Treveiler
    Curtis Schweitzer