And Your Name Is Jonah

Watch And Your Name Is Jonah

"Seven year old Jonah is not retarded. He just can’t hear…"
  • PG
  • 1979
  • 1 hr 40 min
  • 7.1  (472)

"And Your Name Is Jonah" is a gripping 1979 made-for-television drama that deals with one of the most heart-wrenching issues faced by families across the world- the phenomenon of child abduction. Directed by Richard Michaels, this movie stars Sally Struthers, James Woods, and Randee Heller in leading roles. The story revolves around a couple, Richard and Barbara Quinn, who get separated from their 7-year-old son, Jonah, at a busy shopping mall. The frantic parents inform the local police, who launch a massive search campaign, but all efforts to locate the boy go in vain. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, until hope is almost lost.

Just when the Quinns have given up on finding their child, they receive a shocking revelation- Jonah has been abducted by a former school teacher, Max Rainer, who has been off the grid for several years. Rainer, who is now homeless and mentally unstable, had lost his son to sickness and had had an intense emotional connection with Jonah ever since he saw him at the schoolyard. Taking advantage of Richard's absence while on a business trip, Rainer had kidnapped the boy and had taken him to a remote cabin in the woods, where he lived a reclusive life with the innocent Jonah.

The movie then delves deep into the psyche of the Quinn family as they once again begin a quest to get their child back. The story tackles various themes that are still relevant today, such as the trauma, despair, and frustration that parents go through in such situations. As the Quinns go through various stages of grief, they begin to think outside the box and enlist the help of a private investigator, who goes undercover to track down Max Rainer and Jonah.

One of the most powerful narratives of the movie is James Woods' portrayal of Max Rainer. Woods portrays the character with an eerie calmness, bringing out both his inner turmoil and instability. As the story progresses, we see Rainer's obsession with Jonah increasing, creating a sense of foreboding as to what he might do with the child.

Sally Struthers, who plays Barbara Quinn, also delivers a powerful performance. Her vulnerability and helplessness as a mother torn from her child's embrace is palpable and heartrending.

Randee Heller, who plays Jonah's Aunt Melanie, is also noteworthy, adding humor and sensitivity to the film's otherwise somber tone.

"And Your Name Is Jonah" is a classic thriller that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats, all while inspiring conversations about the importance of child safety and emotional stability. With its strong narrative, coupled with some of Hollywood's most competent actors, this movie remains one of the most impactful works around the issue of child abduction.

Overall, "And Your Name Is Jonah" is an emotional and thought-provoking movie that leaves a lasting impact on all who watch it.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1979
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 40 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (472)
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