And the Band Played On is a 1993 American television film directed by Roger Spottiswoode. The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Randy Shilts. The story revolves around the discovery of the AIDS epidemic in the early 1980s and the political infighting of the scientific community that hampered the early fight with it.
The film begins with the first known case of AIDS being reported in 1981. The disease is initially referred to as "GRID" (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency), and doctors and researchers are perplexed by the sudden outbreak of the disease, which seems to primarily affect gay men.
The film follows several doctors and researchers as they try to understand the disease and find a cure. The film also explores the political infighting that occurred within the scientific community, as various researchers and organizations compete for funding and recognition.
One of the key characters in the film is Dr. Don Francis (played by Matthew Modine), a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who is one of the first to recognize the significance of the disease. Francis is initially hampered by bureaucratic red tape and resistance from his superiors, but he persists in his efforts to understand the disease and find a cure.
Another key character in the film is Dr. Robert Gallo (played by Alan Alda), a researcher who is credited with discovering the virus that causes AIDS. Gallo's research is also plagued by political infighting, as he competes with other researchers for funding and recognition.
Throughout the film, the political infighting and bureaucratic red tape that hampered the early fight against AIDS are contrasted with the bravery and dedication of the doctors and researchers who worked tirelessly to understand and combat the disease. The film ends with a sobering reminder that AIDS continues to be a major public health issue, and that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to understand and combat the disease.