Father and Son (1981 film)

Father and Son is a 1981 television film directed by John Erman and starring Martin Sheen and Ricky Schroder. The film is a drama focusing on the complex relationship between a divorced father, Gene, and his young son, Jackie.

The plot centers around Gene's attempts to reconnect with Jackie after a period of limited contact following his divorce. He takes Jackie on a cross-country road trip from New York City to Los Angeles, California, hoping to build a stronger bond. The journey is fraught with challenges, as the two characters have differing personalities and struggle to understand each other.

Throughout the trip, the film explores themes of responsibility, forgiveness, and the changing dynamics of a father-son relationship in the context of a broken family. Gene grapples with his own flaws and past mistakes while trying to be a good father to Jackie. Jackie, in turn, learns about his father's strengths and weaknesses, developing a more nuanced understanding of him.

The film received mixed reviews upon its release but is notable for its portrayal of a father-son relationship undergoing significant change and for the performances of Sheen and Schroder.