Joni (film)

Joni
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJames F. Collier
Screenplay byJames F. Collier
Based onJoni:An Unforgettable Story
by Joni Eareckson and Joe Musser
Produced byFrank R. Jacobson
StarringJoni Eareckson Tada
CinematographyFrank Raymond
Edited byDuane Hartzell
Music by
  • Tedd Smith
  • Rob Tregenza
Production
company
Distributed byWorld Wide Pictures
Release date
  • October 24, 1980 (1980-10-24)
Running time
107 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$2 million[1]

Joni is a 1980 independent drama film and biopic directed by James F. Collier. It is based on her autobiography of the same name. It is the true story of Joni Eareckson Tada (played by herself), a seventeen-year-old girl who becomes paralyzed after a diving accident. Through her physical, emotional and spiritual struggles, Joni learns to trust in God. Billy Graham financed the film through his company World Wide Pictures and appeared in a cameo.[1]

Plot

In 1967, at age 17, Joni Eareckson is involved in a diving accident that leaves her quadriplegic. As she attempts to come to terms with the reality of her new disability, she seeks the Bible for guidance and her Christian faith grows.

Cast

Production

This film was shot on location at Kernan Hospital and the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. In Los Angeles, California, it was shot at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, Veterans Administration and Wadsworth Hospital Center. This movie was filmed in sequence, to help Joni revisit her events surrounding the injury.[2]

Release

Joni premiered on October 24, 1980, in Los Angeles. It played in New York City on March 4, 1983.[3]

Reception

Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote the film is made more interesting and poignant by casting Tada as herself.[4] TV Guide rated it 2/4 stars and called Tada "a natural actress".[5]

References

  1. ^ a b Steele, Lee (1981-01-16). "Quadriplegic Courageously Portrays Spiritual Journey". Toledo Blade. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  2. ^ "Joni (1979) - Trivia". IMDb. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  3. ^ "Joni". American Film Institute. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  4. ^ Maslin, Janet (1983-03-04). "EVANGELICAL 'JONI'". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
  5. ^ "Joni". TV Guide. Retrieved 2016-04-28.


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