ABC MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: ROCK HUDSON {FIRST HALF ONLY} (TV)
Summary
This made-for-television biographical film tells the story of Hollywood heartthrob Rock Hudson and the turmoil of his private life.
The story begins in 1988 as Marc Christian, Rock's former lover, sues his estate for damages, stating that Rock, whom he says was "not a bad man," deliberately concealed his HIV status during their relationship. Many years in the past, eager young Roy Scherer, using his stepfather's surname of Fitzgerald, visits Henry Willson, a veteran talent scout. Henry immediately decides that, though the handsome truck driver has little acting talent, he has obvious "movie star" quality; he rechristens him "Rock Hudson" and takes him to a high-profile Hollywood party, where he meets prominent director Raoul Walsh. He lands a small part in the war picture "Fighter Squadron," though he struggles with his sole line of dialogue, and he befriends fellow actor Tim Murphy on set. His mother Katherine proves less than supportive of his career, and he and Tim become lovers as he confides that he has long wanted to change himself and "act away" his demons.
Rock is hired as a contract player at Universal Studios and continues to work hard, though Henry scolds him roundly upon learning that he has moved in with Tim, saying that it will hurt his image as "every girl's fantasy." Rock begins landing bigger roles, though he continues worrying that his private life will be exposed. He is overjoyed when the studio offers him a prominent role in "Magnificent Obsession." He begins a relationship of sorts with Phyllis Gates, Henry's secretary; when Henry bars Tim from accompanying Rock onto the "Obsession" red carpet, Tim sadly realizes that Rock will never be able to live as his true self and finally leaves him. Hurt by the loss, Rock decides to by a new house and impulsively proposes to Phyllis, though she urges him to "slow down." Rock next films "Giant" opposite particularly intense co-star James Dean, and his relationship with Phyllis deepens as he shows her off on set. Henry, however, reveals that Confidential magazine intends to out him. Henry decides to "sacrifice" another closeted actor to the media and arranges for Rock and Phyllis to quickly wed. Phyllis begins to question Henry's handling of Rock's finances, and though he tries to build a traditional married life with Phyllis, he continues visiting gay bars, where he is recognized by surprised patrons. Phyllis begs Rock to confide in her after he drunkenly lashes out at her in anger, but he is unable to explain the "hole inside himself" -- to her or to a psychologist. Phyllis eventually finds out about the Confidential story and, learning that he has dallied with other men during their marriage, decides to divorce him. The asset cuts off abruptly at this point.
In the second half of the film, Rock's career continues to soar with popular comedies like "Pillow Talk." His relationship with Henry sours as Rock realizes that his agent has never truly put his best interests first, and he fires him. He begins to live on "his terms" as the 1960s wear on, and he tells his mother that he has decided to branch out and star in a unique sci-fi/drama film, "Seconds." In the film, he portrays a youth-obsessed man whose consciousness is transplanted into a younger body, and he takes the themes of disguise and deception painfully to heart. The film is a flop, and he somewhat reluctantly takes a starring role in the TV series "McMillan & Wife." Rock is heartbroken when his mother passes away, and he continues skirting interviewers' questions about his "special friendships." He undergoes an emergency quintuple bypass brought on by excessive drinking and smoking. As he slowly recovers, he attends a political event and meets music preservationist Marc Christian, with whom he forms a quick bond.
Rock heads to Israel to film "The Ambassador," and Marc stays at his home, observed by Rock's new agent, Mark Miller. When Rock arrives home, he notices that he has lost weight and developed a strange mole, and he is stunned when the doctor gravely informs him that his blood test has come back positive for HIV. He and Mark resolve to hide the truth, and he heads to France for an experimental treatment under the pretext of attending a film festival. While there, he receives an invitation to appear on the highly popular TV series "Dynasty," and he opts to return to American without completing his long treatment process, feeling that he is essentially "cured." Back at home, Marc grows suspicious of his health, but Rock assures him that he has been "tested for everything" and blames his drinking as he grows seriously ill. Mark informs Marc that he cannot accompany Rock back to Europe as he seeks treatment for his "anorexia." Photographers are shocked at Rock's gaunt appearance when he attends a press conference. Rock then collapses and is rushed to the hospital; Marc is stunned to learn from the television news that his lover has been seeking treatment for AIDS for some time. Rock travels back to America, and on his deathbed he confides his regrets to Marc, noting the irony of his lifelong fear that being outed would "kill" him. The film concludes by explaining that after his death in 1985, Marc was awarded damages because of Rock and Mark's intentional deception. Publicity surrounding the famous star's death led to greater focus on research and education about HIV/AIDS. Includes commercials, promos and an "ABC News Brief."
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: November 30, 1999 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:56:43
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:16285
- GENRE: Drama, historical
- SUBJECT HEADING: LGBTQ+ Collection - Drama; Drama, historical; Biography; HIV/AIDS
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV, 1990
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - AARP organization
- TV - Commercials - Airwick Crystalaire air fresheners
- TV - Commercials - Airwick Magic Mushroom air freshener
- TV - Commercials - Carnival cruise lines
- TV - Commercials - Dexatrim weight-loss capsules
- TV - Commercials - Extra-Strength Rolaids antacids
- TV - Commercials - Jhirmack hair care products
- TV - Commercials - Listerine mouthwash
- TV - Commercials - Meineke auto parts stores
- TV - Commercials - Mrs. Dash seasonings
- TV - Commercials - Nissan automobiles
- TV - Commercials - Pledge household cleaner
- TV - Commercials - Sprint communications
- TV - Commercials - Static Guard static remover
- TV - Commercials - The Unsung Americans: Youth Plus
- TV - Commercials - Ultra Slim-Fast diet products
- TV - Promos - "Anything But Love"
- TV - Promos - "Doogie Howser, M.D."
- TV - Promos - "Father Dowling Mysteries"
- TV - Promos - "Good Morning America"
- TV - Promos - "Roseanne"
- TV - Promos - "The Young Riders"
CREDITS
- Frank Konigsberg … Executive Producer
- Larry Sanitsky … Executive Producer
- Ilene Amy Berg … Supervising Producer
- Dennis Turner … Supervising Producer
- Renee Palyo … Producer
- Diana Kerew … Producer
- Jayne Bieber … Associate Producer
- John Nicolella … Director
- Dennis Turner … Writer
- Phyllis Gates … Based on the book by
- Paul Chihara … Music by
- Thomas Ian Griffith … Cast, Rock Hudson
- Daphne Ashbrook … Cast, Phyllis Gates
- William R. Moses … Cast, Marc Christian
- Andrew Robinson … Cast, Henry Willson
- Thom Matthews … Cast, Tim Murphy
- Michael Ensign … Cast, Mark Miller
- Diane Ladd … Cast, Kay
- Joycelyn O'Brien … Cast, Sally
- Don Galloway … Cast, John Frankenheimer
- Larry Dobkin … Cast, Raoul Walsh
- Diane Behrens … Cast, Doris Day
- David Sage … Cast, Harold Rhoden
- John Shepard … Cast, Captain 'Fighter Squadron'
- Jean Kasem … Cast, Madge
- Francis Guinan … Cast, Carl
- Julie Tesh … Cast, May
- Joie Magidow … Cast, Sophie
- Tom Alexander … Cast, Sean
- Mary Ellen Trainor … Cast, Female Agent
- George Christy … Cast, Reporter
- Mathieu Carrière … Cast, French Doctor
- Tom Fuccello … Cast, American Doctor
- Ping Wu … Cast, Hospital Doctor
- Katsy Chappel … Cast, Nurse
- Rhoda Gemignani … Cast, TV Producer
- Arlene Banas … Cast, Host
- Annick Romain … Cast, French Woman
- Peter Radon … Cast, M.C.
- Tom McGreevey … Cast, Judge
- Peter Neptune … Cast, Reporter
- Dana James … Cast, Reporter
- Tom Miller … Cast, Reporter
- Mary Hale … Cast, Reporter
- For "ABC News Brief":
- Forrest Sawyer … Anchor