''An American Daughter'' (also known as ''Trial by Media'') is a 2000 Lifetime Television film directed by Sheldon Larry. The teleplay was written by Wendy Wasserstein, based on her 1997 play of the same name.

Plot

Dr. Lyssa Dent Hughes (Lahti) is the daughter of

U.S. Senator The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, with the House of Representatives being the lower chamber. Together they compose the national bicameral legislature of the United States. The composition and powe ...

Alan Hughes (

Stanley Anderson Stanley Anderson (October 23, 1939 – June 24, 2018) was an American character actor who played Drew Carey's father on ''The Drew Carey Show''. Early years Born in Billings, Montana, Anderson attended Garfield Elementary School, Lincoln Junior ...

). She appears to be headed for nomination as the U.S. Surgeon General until a background check reveals she once neglected to return a jury duty notice. Then, she makes a faux pas in comments about her homemaker mother that leaves her open to a media blitz and her certain nomination suddenly appears to be in doubt. She is supported by her best friend, Judith Kaufman (

Lynne Thigpen Cherlynne Theresa Thigpen (December 22, 1948 – March 12, 2003) was an American actress of stage and screen. She was known for her role as "The Chief" of ACME Crimenet in the game show '' Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?'' and various spi ...

), an "African American Jewish feminist"Nelson, Valerie J
"Differing Views on Raising This 'Daughter'"
latimes.com, June 2000 physician, who has her own set of troubles.

Cast

* Christine Lahti as Lyssa Dent Hughes * Tom Skerritt as Walter Abrahmson *

Jay Thomas Jay Thomas (born Jon Thomas Terrell; July 12, 1948 – August 24, 2017) was an American actor, comedian, and radio personality. He was heard in New York from 1976–1979 on top-40 station 99X, and later on rhythmic CHR station 92KTU, and in L ...

as Timber Tucker * Mark Feuerstein as Morrow McCarthy *

Lynn Thigpen Cherlynne Theresa Thigpen (December 22, 1948 – March 12, 2003) was an American actress of stage and screen. She was known for her role as "The Chief" of ACME Crimenet in the game show '' Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?'' and various spi ...

as Dr. Judith Kaufman *

as Sen. Alan Hughes *

Blake Lindsley Blake Lindsley (born Norma Blake Lindsley Schlei) is an American actress. Early life She was born Norma Blake Lindsley Schlei in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from Harvard-Westlake High School in 1992 and then graduated from Yale U ...

as Quincy Quince * Scott Michael Campbell as Billy Robbins * Matt Weinberg as Nicholas * Will Rothhaar as Kip * Caroline Aaron as Veronica *

Teri Austin Teresa "Teri" Austin (born April 17, 1957) is a Canadian animal activist and former actress. She had her greatest acting success in the 1980s and 1990s, and is best known for her role as Jill Bennett in the CBS primetime soap opera '' Knots Landi ...

as Greta * Karen Kim as Hope * Cynthia Harris as Charlotte "Chubby" Hughes

Production

The made-for-TV film was broadcast on the Lifetime network in June 2000.Salamon, Julie
Review
nytimes.com, June 5, 2000 The TV film is based on Wasserstein's play of the same title, ''

An American Daughter ''An American Daughter'' is a play written by Wendy Wasserstein. The play takes place in a living room in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Production history ''An American Daughter'' opened under the New Play Workshop Series at Seattle Repertory Theat ...

'', which ran on Broadway in 1997.

Critical response

The '' Variety'' reviewer noted that the "screenplay is much more than an exploration into the mutual adulation of and animosity toward powerful women. It’s also a provocative look at the complex issues that converge when the definition of roles, be they gender or political, are called into question."Fries, Laura
Review
variety.com, June 5, 2000

Awards and nominations

;

Golden Globe Awards The Golden Globe Awards are accolades bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association beginning in January 1944, recognizing excellence in both American and international film and television. Beginning in 2022, there are 105 members of t ...

* Best Actress - Miniseries or Television Film (Lahti, nominated)

References

External links

* 2000 drama films 2000 television films 2000 films American films based on plays 2000s English-language films American television films Films directed by Sheldon Larry {{US-tv-drama-film-stub