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Beautiful Dreamers (1991)

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Rip Torn does a magnificent job as American poet Walt Whitman in the fanciful period piece Beautiful Dreamers. The scene is a hellish 19th century Canadian institution for the mentally retarded. Compassionate doctor Maurice Bucke (Colm Feore) defies his superiors by treating his patients as human beings rather than animals. He even begins conducting classes for his charges, teaching them basic cognitive and manual dexterity skills. When Whitman champions Bucke's cause, the doctor is ostracized by those who fear the poet's reputation as a "wild-eyed" radicial. Based on a true story, Beautiful Dreamers is more interesting for its intentions than its execution. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Starring:: Colm Feore, Rip Torn, (more)

Director(s):: John Kent Harrison

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Synopsis of Beautiful Dreamers

Rip Torn does a magnificent job as American poet Walt Whitman in the fanciful period piece Beautiful Dreamers. The scene is a hellish 19th century Canadian institution for the mentally retarded. Compassionate doctor Maurice Bucke (Colm Feore) defies his superiors by treating his patients as human beings rather than animals. He even begins conducting classes for his charges, teaching them basic cognitive and manual dexterity skills. When Whitman champions Bucke's cause, the doctor is ostracized by those who fear the poet's reputation as a "wild-eyed" radicial. Based on a true story, Beautiful Dreamers is more interesting for its intentions than its execution. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Complete Cast of Beautiful Dreamers

Colm Feore - Dr. Maurice Bucke
Wendel Meldrum - Jessie Bucke
Colin Fox - Reverend Randolph Haines
Barbara Gordon - Agatha Haines
Albert Schultz - Dr. John Burgess
Tom McCamus - Leonard Thorn
Martha Cronyn - Lizzy
J. Winston Carroll - Henderson
J.R. Zimmerman - Chairman
Damon Redfern - Bowler
Gordon Masten - John Carver
Jeff Braunstein - Eddy
Jefferson Mappin - William
Bob Clout - Dr. McAlpine

Rip Torn - Walt Whitman
Sheila McCarthy - Molly Jessop
David Gardner - Dr. Lett
Marsha Moreau - Birdie Bucke
Bernard Behrens - Dr. Winslow
R.D. Reid - Karl Jessop
Karen Kenedy - 1st Female Assistant
Barrie Baldaro - Umpire
Angelo Rizacos - Wallace
Gerry Quigley - John Freeman
Chris Benson - 2nd Drunk
Roland Hewgill - The Honorable Timothy Pardee
George Buza - 1st Drunk

Director(s):: John Kent Harrison

Writer(s):: John Kent Harrison

Producer(s):: Colin Neale, Stephen J. Roth, Martin Walters

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