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The Children Nobody Wanted

  • TV Movie
  • 1981
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
6.3/10
277
YOUR RATING
Michelle Pfeiffer in The Children Nobody Wanted (1981)
Drama

Based on the true story of Tom Butterfield and his crusade to provide family life for homeless children, becoming not only the first bachelor caretaker, but the youngest single adult to beco... Read allBased on the true story of Tom Butterfield and his crusade to provide family life for homeless children, becoming not only the first bachelor caretaker, but the youngest single adult to become a legal foster parent in the state of Missouri.Based on the true story of Tom Butterfield and his crusade to provide family life for homeless children, becoming not only the first bachelor caretaker, but the youngest single adult to become a legal foster parent in the state of Missouri.

  • Director
    • Richard Michaels
  • Writer
    • Lee Hutson
  • Stars
    • Fredric Lehne
    • Michelle Pfeiffer
    • Matt Clark
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.3/10
    277
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Richard Michaels
    • Writer
      • Lee Hutson
    • Stars
      • Fredric Lehne
      • Michelle Pfeiffer
      • Matt Clark
    • 15User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos3

    View Poster
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    Top cast37

    Edit
    Fredric Lehne
    Fredric Lehne
    • Tom Butterfield
    • (as Fred Lehne)
    Michelle Pfeiffer
    Michelle Pfeiffer
    • Jennifer Williams
    Matt Clark
    Matt Clark
    • Bill Westbrook
    Noble Willingham
    Noble Willingham
    • McNaulty
    Anne Haney
    Anne Haney
    • Mrs. Lightheart
    Joey Turley
    • Joey
    Barbara Barrie
    Barbara Barrie
    • Hanna
    Jerry Hardin
    Jerry Hardin
    • Dr. Watson
    F. William Parker
    • George Meuschke
    Earl Boen
    Earl Boen
    • Madden
    Ryan Barcroft
    • The Butter Boys - Andrew
    Patrick Holcer
    • The Butter Boys - Dwayne
    James Spinks III
    • The Butter Boys - Zim
    Van Stapleton
    • The Butter Boys - Bobby
    Gary Riefle
    • The Butter Boys - Pete
    John Murphy
    • The Butter Boys - Danny
    Ron Christopher Nielsen
    • The Butter Boys - Ray
    Jeffrey Todd Nielsen
    • The Butter Boys - Billy
    • Director
      • Richard Michaels
    • Writer
      • Lee Hutson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews15

    6.3277
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    Featured reviews

    10alan-buckley-570-297457

    Should be Sir Thomas

    If Tom lived and did what he did here in England he would be Sir Tom now. What a wonderful man I watched the film and was extremely moved. If there were other great men/women like Tom the world would be a happier place. We should hear more about Tom although the film says it all. The USA should have given him The Con Medal of Honour. Plus any other honors they could find. What a great, great man. Such courage and determination I will always be a great admirer. I have recorded the film it has been shown in the UK on 01 January 2013. I am sure many many people here in England were moved by the film too and will write many comments. Here's to you Sir Thomas
    jaychris2010

    Amazing true story respect two you TOM

    What an eye opening film makes you wonder why . There are not a lot more people like tom in this world .Brilliant true story good on you tom.Shows you that there are people out there that do care for our young and vulnerable. But for such a young man two take so much responsibility at such a young age without thought for his self and just for others puts us all two shame .The performance by both main characters was tear jerking.May be we can all learn something from this film. I have that it is for us all two help out in this world no matter how big or how small it all helps in the end .So my message two a lot of people is two watch this truly amazing film you wont regret it trust me .
    carjm3

    Respect

    Just now - 2011 - and have just finished watching this Film. Have to say am blown away, by the courage and hard work it must have taken for all involved. Great Film, great story and even happier to see that it didn't end there. That with thanks to 1 individual hundreds of kids were able to have a place to sleep and food in their stomach.Complete Respect!!Wish i had known about this film earlier. Will def. recommend it to all my friends and family. Guess its kind of an eye opener esp. in today worlds where everyone looks out for Number 1 - themselves.This film and others like it, is what should be taught in todays world if we don't help the children - who will.
    10Zinone

    True story of Tom Butterfield

    This movie is one that will touch your heart. Tom Butterfield a young man in living MO adopts a orphan and then another and then another until he has a house full of kids. Saving them from the terrible orphanages they live in and abuse, with the help of his girlfriend, played by the wonderful Michelle Pfeiffer, in one of her best roles ever. It is a loving story of how one mans drive and open heart saved many young lives and continues to do so even today.
    g-bpearse

    We think it should be No.1

    We seen the movie by Tom Butterfield The Children Nobody Wanted.we really enjoyed the movie, My shows that I like to watch are of true stores and that was just a wonderful movie It sure would be nice if we could get to buy the movie.

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      This was Michelle Pfeiffer's first leading role.
    • Soundtracks
      Happy Birthday to You
      (uncredited)

      Written by Patty S. Hill and Mildred J. Hill

      Performed by Fredric Lehne, Michelle Pfeiffer and the children

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 5, 1981 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Der junge Adoptiv-Vater
    • Filming locations
      • Marshall, Missouri, USA
    • Production companies
      • Blatt-Singer Productions
      • Warner Bros. Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 40m(100 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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