Death Be Not Proud (1975)

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Based on the book, Death Be Not Proud, John Gunther, Sr. wrote on the true account of his son's death, this is a television experience not to be missed. You can tell the minute a film opens with its first image, the first spoken word, if it's going to be good. I knew instantly this was going to be a great film. Robby Benson as the young Johnny Gunther was truly moving. His performance embodied vitality and strength, along with naiveté and sensitiveness of that college age. After his father, who's a noted writer among other things and underplayed wonderfully by Arthur Hill, had decided to try and be more present for his son, as young Johnny would come to need him more and more as he matured, it is discovered that Johnny has a brain tumor. Through all the operations and hope and strong will and resolve, we see young Johnny slowly deteriorate, but he never lost his love of life. If you've never seen this, I ask you to Youtube this, so you can witness one of the few essential television movies to see in your lifetime.

I was 11yrs old when I saw this movie and I'm now 46yrs old. It touched me dearly and I've loved Robby Benson the rest of my life so far. I agree with all reviews on this movie it's High Emotion and my Empathy for this character is still impressed on my mind and WHERE CAN I GET IT ON DVD. If they put all these useless TV movies on DVD, Why not this one its worth so much more than the others! I have for years told the story to everyone about the movie Robby Benson stared in and he played this boy that was very sick and I couldn't have a conversation with anyone about it because no one had ever seen it. I am so glad to see a few others remember this wonderful movie and wish it could cause a least a cult following like some movies do experience. Robby B. was great in this movie. I've also enjoyed the rest of his he has stared in and directed or produced.

I have yet to read the book, but the compelling story of Johnny Gunther's struggle to maintain normalcy is something to take note of. Robby Benson gives a sweet and emotional performance as Johnny, a teenager suddenly inflicted with a malignant brain tumor. There were times i wanted to just yell at his parents for their callousness, but you do realize they did love him and tried every means possible to save his life. There could have been more emotion on their part, especially with such a charged and enthusiastic person Robby made the son Johnny, who is too often neglected by his father. However the cast did very well with the material they had I'm sure. This one is not to be missed. It may be out of print.

"Death Be Not Proud" is a fine film which is based on the memoir of the same name. If you've never read the book, you ought to. In the film, Robby Benson gives a wonderful performance, as does Arthur Hill. This is a story that has stayed close to my heart for nearly 25 years now. Rent it today and you'll never forget it. Trust me.