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Her dad sabotages her literacy campaign—turns out he's hiding his own secret.
TMDB
90
IMDb
44

Daddy Can't Read (1988)

Made-for-TV realness80s earnestnessFamily secrets

Overview

Drama

Teenage girl doesn't understand why her father is against her campaign to promote literacy at his factory. Until she discovers that her father can't read.

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Content warning

Standout Aspects

Acting

Edward Albert's quietly devastating portrayal of wounded pride.

Writing

TV movie that trusts silence over melodrama.

Best for:Solo: Rainy afternoon nostalgia trip with tissues ready.·Family: Discussion starter about hidden struggles and compassion.
Heads up:Emotional: Father-daughter confrontation hits hard if you've hidden struggles.
G

Director

Gilbert Moses

ReleasedMar 16, 1988
Runtime1h
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady
Intensitymedium
Tonemixed
Feelheavy
ABC
Videofilm Convergence Group

Top Cast

Edward Albert

Edward Albert

Bill Watson

Cheryl Arutt

Cheryl Arutt

Alison Watson

Marcia Strassman

Marcia Strassman

Mary Watson

Joey Travolta

Joey Travolta

Bobby

Harold Pruett

Harold Pruett

Gary Watson

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

Self

Cathy Rigby

Cathy Rigby

Lenore Luellen

Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree

Jason Ruigh

Ask about Daddy Can't Read

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Made for ABC's 'Afterschool Special'—yes, the same slot that gave us 'The Wave' and 'Zack, the Lego Genius.'

Cultural

Filmed during peak adult literacy crisis awareness; 1988 saw multiple campaigns targeting workplace illiteracy stigma.

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