Joey (1974) | Horizon

Documentary with dramatic reconstructions about the life of Joey Deacon, a man whose severe Cerebral Palsy led him to be incarcerated in an asylum until people learned to understand him.
Writers Brian Gibson, Elaine Morgan
Director Brian Gibson
Editor Peter Goodchild
Cast
Anita Carey, Christopher Molesworth, John Prasher, Mark Wing-Davey, Tony Robinson

[@jasonclark3057]

I remember this with a great deal of fondness as I was fortunate enough to play the part of Peter, Joey's younger brother. Although I was only 6 years old at the time of filming, it is something that I shall always remember. The film won a BAFTA award and was shown all over the world. I was also fortunate enough to meet Joey himself during the filming. It was a time when people with Cerebral Palsy were called 'Spastics' and the condition was much understood. It was taken for granted that it wasn't just a physical condition, but also a mental one as well. It was pretty much Joey alone that made the world, including the medical one, realise that just because a person was so severely physically handicapped, it didn't automatically follow that they were also mentally handicapped as well. Joey was an extremely intelligent man and fortunately he was able to convey himself through his best friend, who was able to understand what Joey was saying. I much enjoyed filming this Documentary/Biography even though the part I played was only small. It holds memories that I shall always treasure immensely.

[@adrinathegreat3095]

One of the most moving plays, dramas I've ever seen

[@dawnthatcher1412]

I remember watching it when it first aired So very moving. Im so glad that Joey finally found his "voice" with the help of his friends