Daniel (1983 film)


Daniel is a 1983 British-American drama film which was adapted by E. L. Doctorow from his 1971 novel The Book of Daniel. It was directed by Sidney Lumet.

Plot introduction

The film was based on the life story of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were convicted as spies and executed by the United States government in 1953 for giving nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. This story follows their fictionalized son as he attempts to find out the truth. They were both executed by the electric chair.

Cast

Paul and Rochelle Isaacson are played by Mandy Patinkin and Lindsay Crouse. Their son Daniel is played by Timothy Hutton, his wife Phyllis by Ellen Barkin, and their daughter Susan by Amanda Plummer. In actuality, the Rosenbergs had two sons, Michael and Robert.
Ed Asner and Maria Tucci also appear in the film.

Reception

Daniel received mixed reviews and was not a box office success upon its limited release. It currently holds a 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.