

Nobody's Child
“When nobody could help her, she helped herself”
Synopsis
Fact-based drama about the life of Marie Balter, who spent most of her young life in mental institutions. At age 16, she first attempted suicide and the next 20 years she spent in and out of the institutions. At last, a caring doctor started treating her for extreme depression and panic disorder. Weened from strong medications she had taken all her life, at age 36, she emerged for the last time and started a rehabilitation program in the home of a volunteer married couple. There she met a fellow patient with whom she developed a romantic relationship. She also started a college degree. This followed with a long-term professional success in the field of mental health.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Marlo Thomas
Marie Balter
Ray Baker
Joe Balter
Caroline Kava
Dr. Blackwell
Kathy Baker
Lucy Stavros
Campbell Lane
Mr. Edmond
Vanessa Santos
Little Marie
Donna Ford
Marie at 16
William Nunn
Pa
Stefania DeStefanis
Ma Bartello
Karen Elizabeth Austin
Natural Mother
Garwin Sanford
Dr. Pitteo
Joseph Golland
Dr. Potts
Sheila Moore
Dr. Sara Steppe
Antony Holland
Dr. Burt
Don MacKay
Dr. Baldanza
Nancy Beatty
Lee
Sandra Seacat
Barbara
Todd Duckworth
Alan
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Lee Grant
- Screenplay & Story
- Ara Watson, Mary Gallagher
- Original Score
- Michael Small
- Original Title
- Nobody's Child
- Country of Origin
- Canada, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Production Studios
- Gaylord Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lee Grant
Ara Watson, Mary Gallagher
Michael Small
Sven Nykvist
Alan Heim
Joseph Feury, Dyson Lovell
Department Leadership Roster
Sven Nykvist
Director of Photography
Joseph Feury
Producer
Ara Watson
Writer
Mary Gallagher
Writer
Lee Grant
Director
Carol Oditz
Costume Design
Michael Small
Original Music Composer
Keith Hein
Production Design
Alan Heim
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Nobody's Child.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nobody's Child
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Nobody's Child about?
Fact-based drama about the life of Marie Balter, who spent most of her young life in mental institutions. At age 16, she first attempted suicide and the next 20 years she spent in and out of the institutions. At last, a caring doctor started treating her for extreme depression and panic disorder. Weened from strong medications she had taken all her life, at age 36, she emerged for the last time and started a rehabilitation program in the home of a volunteer married couple. There she met a fellow patient with whom she developed a romantic relationship. She also started a college degree. This followed with a long-term professional success in the field of mental health.
Who directed Nobody's Child?
Nobody's Child was directed by Lee Grant.
Who stars in Nobody's Child?
The principal cast of Nobody's Child includes Marlo Thomas, Ray Baker, Caroline Kava, Kathy Baker, Campbell Lane.
When was Nobody's Child released and how long is it?
Nobody's Child was released in 1986 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for Nobody's Child?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Nobody's Child was composed by Michael Small.

















