Mother’s grief spurs action

Press, 2 December 1987, Page 19

Mother’s grief spurs action

Tonight’s Wednesday Feature: “M.A.D.D.” (screening at 8 on Two), tells the story of a quiet, non-political woman, Candy Lightner, whose 13-year-old daughter is killed by a drunk driver, already on probation for an earlier hit-and-run accident.

Candy’s sorrow turns to rage when she learns the man responsible will probably escape a major jail sentence. Her grief and anger is the catalyst which prompts her to form M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers), in an effort to toughen the drunk driving laws in America.

Candy grows from outraged parent to politically aware campaigner as she struggles in the face of legal and bureaucratic obstacles. This 1983 docudrama is based on a true story, which saw M.A.D.D. gain recognition as a national movement that helped change the country’s attitudes and laws concerning drunk drivers.

Mariette Hartley stars as Candy in a performance which was lauded by critics world wide. The film also stars Paula Prentiss and Bert Remsen.

“M.A.D.D.” is the final Wednesday Feature for this year. Next week there will be a double episode of the Australian series “Carson’s Law.”