The Boy in the Bubble
Synopsis
On February 22, 1984, Carol Ann Vetter touched her 12-year-old son's hand for the first time. David Vetter had spent his entire life inside a sterile isolator, with a protective layer of plastic shielding him from the world around him. Afflicted with a rare hereditary disease, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), David was defenseless against any germs. Now, his doctors were gambling on an experimental procedure to free him from his isolation — but David would live only two weeks in the outside world before succumbing to infection. American Experience presents The Boy in the Bubble, a story of medical perseverance and personal tragedy. With first-hand recollections from David's mother and the doctors, nurses, therapists, and the chaplain who cared for him, as well those who were critical of the handling of his case, this film documents the life of a little boy who became a living experiment in a fight to cure a rare disease.
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Barak Goodman, John Maggio
- Screenplay & Story
- Barak Goodman
- Original Title
- The Boy in the Bubble
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 56m
- Production Studios
- Ark Media, American Experience Films, WGBH Educational Foundation (US), Channel 4 Television
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Barak Goodman, John Maggio
Barak Goodman
Department Leadership Roster
Barak Goodman
Director
John Maggio
Director
Barak Goodman
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Boy in the Bubble.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Boy in the Bubble
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Boy in the Bubble about?
On February 22, 1984, Carol Ann Vetter touched her 12-year-old son's hand for the first time. David Vetter had spent his entire life inside a sterile isolator, with a protective layer of plastic shielding him from the world around him. Afflicted with a rare hereditary disease, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), David was defenseless against any germs. Now, his doctors were gambling on an experimental procedure to free him from his isolation — but David would live only two weeks in the outside world before succumbing to infection. American Experience presents The Boy in the Bubble, a story of medical perseverance and personal tragedy. With first-hand recollections from David's mother and the doctors, nurses, therapists, and the chaplain who cared for him, as well those who were critical of the handling of his case, this film documents the life of a little boy who became a living experiment in a fight to cure a rare disease.
Who directed The Boy in the Bubble?
The Boy in the Bubble was directed by Barak Goodman, John Maggio.
Who stars in The Boy in the Bubble?
The principal cast of The Boy in the Bubble includes Not specified.
When was The Boy in the Bubble released and how long is it?
The Boy in the Bubble was released in 2006 with a total runtime of 56m.