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For the Love of Zachary
Also Known as "Two Mothers for Zachary"
1996 ABC Movie (USA)
This fact-based TV movie takes place in Richmond, Virginia, the home of single mother Jody Shaffell (Valerie Bertinelli). Appalled by the fact that Jody has come out of the closet and is living in an openly gay relationship with her female lover, Jody's mother Nancy (Vanessa Redgrave) sues to gain custody of her grandson Zachary (Adam Rehman). A homophobic judge arranges for Zachary to be taken out of Jody's home, whereupon Nancy sets about to thoroughly wipe her grandson's memory clean of his previous "immoral" lifestyle--even unto demanding that the boy refer to her as Momma. The film's script is careful to weigh both sides of the argument equally, demonstrating that for most of her life, Jody was hardly a paragon of responsible motherhood, having supped full of booze and promiscuity before realizing she was gay and promptly cleaning herself up; nor is Nancy depicted as a cold-hearted villain, merely a concerned grandmother who wants what she thinks is best for Zachary. Indeed, if there are truly any "heavies" in the piece, they are the best friend and brother of the beleagured Jody, who callously testify against her in court. Originally seen over the ABC network, Two Mothers for Zachary debuted September 22, 1996. (Sypnosis from Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)

For the Love of Zachary
Peter Werner Director
Linda Voorhees Writer (WGA)
Cast (Cast overview, First Billed Only)
Valerie Bertinelli Jody Ann Shaffell
Vanessa Redgrave Nancy Shaffell
Colleen Flynn Maggie Fergus
Brian McGuire Dwayne
The Rest of the Cast Listed Alphabetically:
Brett Brock Keith Kinchloe
Kim Dickens Nancy
Cynthia Dorn Nurse Smoot
Tony Frank Ben Delaney
James Gammon Chalmer
Barbara George-Reiss Beth
Sheila Gordon Process Server
Alexandria Hunter Lily Delaney (as Alex Hunter)
Bill Kaiser County Clerk
Barbara Lasater Pat Kinchloe
Dennis Letts Judge Crawford
Marietta Marich Melba
Michael Marich Robert Lee
Randy Means Harlan
Toby Metcalf Officer Hamm
Jill Parker-Jones Reporter #1
Marco Perella Reporter #2
Lou Perryman Assistant Manager
Steven Chester Prince Rusty (as Steve Prince)
Larry Randolph Judge Rayburn
Adam Rehmann Zachary
Steve Shearer Frank Martin
Cliff Stephens Judge Paxton
Joe Stevens Eddie
Ramsey Williams Vada
Kenneth Wayne Bradley Wes (uncredited)
Uncredited:
James C. Rogers Jr. Salesman in Sporting Goods Store
Film Content Courtesy of IMDB