Question 1

Which famous choreographer is Richard Gere's unnamed character based on?

Accepted Answer

Richard Gere's character is Michael Bennett, the choreographer who created A Chorus Line and Dreamgirls and died of AIDS in 1987.

Question 2

Why did NBC originally drop the adaptation of this story?

Accepted Answer

NBC withdrew because the book's structure didn't work as a four-hour, two-night mini-series, not due to controversial subject matter.

Question 3

What scientific prediction about a Nobel Prize is made in the film?

Accepted Answer

Don Francis mentions Dr. Robert Gallo would win a Nobel Prize if his retrovirus research successfully found the cause of AIDS.

Question 4

Which major stars took small roles after Richard Gere broke taboos?

Accepted Answer

After Richard Gere accepted a small role, Steve Martin, Alan Alda, Phil Collins, and Anjelica Huston were willing to appear.

Question 5

What controversial idea about HIV's spread does the film present as fact?

Accepted Answer

The film presents the idea that French-Canadian airline steward Gaetan Dugas was heavily responsible for introducing HIV to the U.S. and its spread.

Question 6

Which major stars broke taboos by taking small roles in this TV production?

Accepted Answer

Richard Gere's acceptance of a small role broke taboos, leading Steve Martin, Alan Alda, Phil Collins, and Anjelica Huston to appear.

Question 7

What real-life choreographer is Richard Gere's unnamed character based on?

Accepted Answer

Richard Gere's character is Michael Bennett, the choreographer who created A Chorus Line and Dreamgirls and died of AIDS in 1987.

Question 8

Why did NBC drop this project before HBO picked it up?

Accepted Answer

NBC withdrew because the book's structure didn't work as a four-hour mini-series, not due to controversial subject matter.

Question 9

What prediction about a Nobel Prize is made in the film, and how did it play out in reality?

Accepted Answer

Don Francis predicts Dr. Robert Gallo would win a Nobel Prize for retrovirus research, but in 2008, Luc Montagnier and Françoise Barré-Sinoussi won instead.

Question 10

Which festivals or awards recognized this film?

Accepted Answer

It was recognized at the Directors Guild of America and Golden Globes in 1994, and the Tribeca Film Festival in 2013.

And the Band Played On

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