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And the Band Played On
A long outdated in preparation, then completed by Spottiswoode after two directors left-hand during shooting, this talkie is stifled past palatable intentions and a distractingly generous cast of stars in leads and cameos who, rightly caring about the pathetic inadequacy of the American agencies and politicians to take the AIDS upsurge seriously, wanted to remain on the sidelines up and be counted. Based on a best-seller by a crusading journalist, it was financed by small screen (HBO) but limped out theatrically in the UK, where its committed timidity ensured solicitous notices and minimal audiences.
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