And the Band Played On

USA, 1993. 140 mins. HBO

The late journalist Randy Shilts' best-selling book on the burgeoning AIDS crisis was adapted for cable TV by Arnold Schulman. In 1981, researchers begin discerning a mysterious new disease that apparently affects only homosexual males. Working independently (and with marked hostility towards one another), an American and a French research team manage to identify and name the dreaded HIV virus. The long-range effects of AIDS is experienced through the first and second-hand experiences of several unfortunates, including a choreographer (Richard Gere) whose character is said to be based on Michael Bennett.

Director: Roger Spottiswoode