Nov 2: Celebrate Adoption Today

Day #2 Rent a video that shows adoption in a positive way. I plan on watching the free streaming video one (Out of the Fog) and choosing a few of the others to put in my netflix queue.


A few that are recommended:


Classics


Blossoms in the Dust (1941)
Greer Garson stars as Edna Gladney, a pioneer in the world of adoption agencies. While instrumental in having the word "illegitimate" removed from Texas adoption files, she remained a staunch supporter of sealed records. Drama. Not rated.

Curly Top (1935)
Bachelor millionaire, orphaned youngsters, love, romance and lots of song and dance. Happily ever after with Shirley Temple in her prime. Musical. Rated G.

Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958)
The story of Gladys Aylward, adoptive parent and missionary in China, starring Ingrid Bergman. Not rated.

Men of Boys Town (1941)
Spencer Tracy as Father Flanigan is back in Boys Town, this time for three stories geared to touch the heartstrings. Drama. Not rated

The Lady is Willing (1942)
You just can't miss Marlene Dietrich as a woman whose maternal instincts get fired up when she finds an abandoned baby. Comedy. Not rated.


Contemporary

Big Daddy (1999)
Adam Sandler stars in this story of a man who adopts to impress his girlfriend. Oh well. Foolishness for the family. Comedy. Rated PG-13.

Flirting With Disaster (1996)
Jealous adoptive parents, hippie birth parents, and an over-sexed adoption consultant are only a few of the hurdles Mel Coplin (Ben Stiller) faces on his way through a farce of search and reunion. Comedy. Rated R.

Immediate Family (1989)
Couple seeking to adopt meets teenage expectant couple. Excellent cast includes Glenn Close, James Woods, Mary Stuart Masterson and Kevin Dillon. Drama. Rated PG-13.

Losing Isaiah (1995)
A strong story of conflict and resolution very much in tune with today's issues of addicted babies, transracial adoption, and birthmother rights. Jessica Lange, Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson. Rated R.

Mommie Dearest (1981)
As an adoptive mother, Joan Crawford was very different from the picture she presented to the world, according to this film based on the story by her daughter Christina. Drama.

Second Best (1995)
Single parent adoption is the backdrop for this exploration of a man's and a boy's dreams and disillusionment. Drama. Rated PG-13.

Secrets & Lies (1996)
The phrase "secrets and lies" is commonly used in the adoption community to mean sealed records, shame, guilt, or fear. But the secrets and lies of this remarkable film go far beyond and take us into the very real - and very human - failure to communicate that marks so many family relationships, adoptive and not. Rated R.

The Lost Child (2000)
A Hallmark Hall of Fame original film (2000), this true story of a Jewish adoptee's discovery of her Navajo heritage is a powerful work that explores adoption and interpersonal issues, as well as these two strong cultures.

Stuart Little
The movie isn't like the book. No movie ever is, but the story line has been altered - making Stuart an adoptee rather than biological child - and, of course, there's the usual book-to-movie change from imagination (book) to visual certainty (movie).


Documentary/Educational

Bonding Through Touch: Infant Massage for Adoptive Families
This video, produced by Three Hearts, LLC, teaches parents how to massage their infants and children with a loving touch. Massage promotes attachment and bonding by reinforcing gentle, close, loving contact between parents, siblings, and the new child.

In The Sun: A Complete Guide to Adoption
A "how to adopt" video. It includes information about the various types of adoption, children (ages, domestic, international), legal and financial considerations, presented in a series of conversations with couples and comments by adoption professionals.

Precious Cargo
Originally aired on November 11, 2001 (PBS), this remarkable film is being made available on video. The story follows a group of young Vietnamese adoptees on a homeland visit, and includes information on Operation Babylift. The film is both political and intensely personal.

Out of the Fog: Mothers' Voices
This educational video featuring birthmothers is being made available free on the Web. Addressing issues such as open records, language, choice, and adoption practice, the video is the creation of independent filmmaker Suzie Kidnap.... It can be found here.

Seven Core Issues of Adoption
Sharon Kaplan and Deborah Silverstein discuss the issues of loss, rejection, guilt and shame, grief, identity, intimacy, and mastery/control with an audience of triad members. Excellent choice for support groups and adoption educators.

Unlocking the Heart of Adoption
This documentary, filmed by Sheila Ganz over the course of several years with input from families around the entire spectrum of adoption, is intended to educate, encourage dialog, and raise awareness. An excellent choice for educators and adoption professionals, as well as our families.

Was I In Your Tummy, Mommy?
This 90-minute video was created by Spence-Chapin's Adoption Resources Center and presents teaching sessions with parents addressing the "tummy" question, as well as questions about children who don't ask questions, and dealing with questions and comments from others.