Dummy (1979)

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Based on a true story, Dummy stars LeVar Burton as Donald Lang, a deaf-mute teenager accused of killing a prostitute. Paul Sorvino co-stars as Lowell Myers, the hearing-impaired public defender who takes Burton's case. The court, deciding that Lang is incompetent to stand trial, orders the boy to be… More Based on a true story, Dummy stars LeVar Burton as Donald Lang, a deaf-mute teenager accused of killing a prostitute. Paul Sorvino co-stars as Lowell Myers, the hearing-impaired public defender who takes Burton's case. The court, deciding that Lang is incompetent to stand trial, orders the boy to be shunted away to a mental institution. Doggedly following the evidence trail, Myers argues for "due process" in the treatment of his client. While the film's ending is upbeat, real life does not always turn out so well, as the ironic closing title (which details what has happened to Burton's character since this case was resolved) demonstrates. Initially telecast May 27, 1979, Dummy was adapted by Ernest Tidyman from his own book. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Frank Perry
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: May 27, 1979 Wide

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Cast

            Patrick Billingsley as Dr. Morris

            Wilbert Bradley as Bartender

            LeVar Burton as Donald Lang

            Paul Butler as Sgt. Alonzo Hobbs

            Samantha Caulfield as Woman Expert

            Jobe Cerny as Bailiff

            Joe Clarke as Young Donald

            Lorenzo Clemons as 2nd Worker

            Burton Collins as 2nd Orderly

            Paul Cook as Grand Jury Foreman

            Nathan Davis as Cop

            Brian Dennehy as Ragoti

            Rose Gregorio as Jean Markin

            Allen Hamilton as Dr. Romney

            Gregg Henry as Asst. DA Smith

            Helen Martin as Mrs. Harrod

            Jack Orend as Weary Worker

            Holly Robinson Peete as Genettia Lang

            Ira Rogers as Rev. Jamison

            Paul Sorvino as Lowell Myers

            James Spinks as Bar Patron

            Ian Patrick Williams as Court Clerk

            Steven Williams as Julius Lang

            Nancy Baird as Teacher

            Bernard Chestleigh as Jail Guard

            Frankie Hill as Ernestine Williams

            Jonathan Pilurs as Detective Romain

            James O'Reilly as Judge O'Mara

            Ray Price as Black Giant

            Tricia Borha as Mrs. Lang

            Obilo as Husband

            Richard Cosentino as Dock Worker

            Melody Robb as Case Worker

            Bill Nigut as Chief Orderly

            Irma Riley as Black Hooker

            Frank Heinrich as Male Resident

            Yaumilton Brown as Card Player

            J.J. Butler as Jury Foreman
See full cast

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