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, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- 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):
- Martin Walters, Colin Neale, Stephen J. Roth
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