Dummy (1979 film)

Dummy is a British television film broadcast on BBC1 in 1979, directed by Franc Roddam and written by Jack Rosenthal. The film explores the experiences of Donald, a deaf and mute young man living in London.

The plot centers around Donald's struggles to communicate and integrate into society. He faces prejudice and misunderstanding due to his disabilities. He eventually finds solace and a means of expression through art, specifically drawing. The film depicts his relationships with his family, a social worker (played by Miriam Margolyes), and others he encounters, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of a life lived without hearing or speech.

Dummy is notable for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of deafness and mutism. It avoids sentimentality and presents a nuanced depiction of the protagonist's inner world and external interactions. The film garnered critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and script, and is remembered as a landmark television drama addressing disability.