Occasionally, a TV movie rises head and shoulders above the common herd of issue - or disease-of-the-week dramas. This true tale of a woman's decision to abort her unborn child, damaged by the Thalidomide tranquilisers she had unwittingly taken, is a fine example. Sissy Spacek, who knows a good script when she sees one, is is top form as Sherry Finkbine, a childrens TV show host, who had to make that heartbreaking decision in 1962, when abortion was illegal. Her doctor (Richard Venture) agrees to perform the operation in secret. She believes others should be warned of the dangers of Thalidomide and talks to a reporter who promises anonymity, but her name is eventually revealed and she is the centre of heated controversy. Spacek is marvellous, as is Aidan Quinn in the unsung role as her husband. Director Joan Micklin Silver keeps a firm grip on things and makes a strong and involving drama, which in lesser hands could have descended into melodrama.


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