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John Travolta, Diana Hyland, Robert Reed, Ralph Bellamy, Glynnis O'Connor ... see more see more... , Karen Morrow , Victor Brandt , John Friedrich , Hilda Haynes , John Megna , Howard Platt , Anne Ramsey , P.J. Soles , Kelly Ward , Vernee Watson , Darrell Zwerling , Jack McLaughlin-Gray , Seth Wagerman

Welcome Back Kotter star John Travolta headlines the made-for-TV Boy in the Plastic Bubble. Douglas Day Stewart's fact-based teleplay casts Travolta as Tod Lubitsch, a teenager who was born without di... read more read more...sease immunities. Tod is forced to live out his life in incubator conditions; whenever he vetnures into the outdoors, he must be encased in a huge plastic bubble. When he falls in love with Gina Biggs (Glynnis O'Connor), Tod must decide between staying safe and following his heart, which would mean facing near-certain death. Diana Hyland won an Emmy for her portrayal of Travolta's mother. Incidentally, Hyland and Travolta became real-life lovers, a relationship that was tragically terminated when the actress died of cancer. Boy in the Plastic Bubble was first telecast November 12, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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47% want to see it

8,341 ratings

PG, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Randal Kleiser, Ranal Klaiser

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Flixster Reviews (297)


  • January 3, 2011
    This is one of the best made for TV movies ever. It's a very sad drama with a great, unique story and I loved it. I highly recommend it.
  • August 8, 2007
    Touching story, when John Travolta was still a boy. We watched this on TV and were fascinated by it. In 1976, it seemed so hi-tech.
  • November 9, 2006
    Well done performances.
  • March 9, 2006
    I may have watched this a hundred times when I was younger late at night when no one was around. All I remember are some pushups and him riding off on a horse to where he would have died after the credits rolled.
  • June 26, 2008
    Good movie. Interesting story plot. One of my favorite movies from John Travolta.
  • March 17, 2007
    Heartwarming TV movie is carried by Travolta's great performance.
  • May 29, 2007
    I didnt get to see all of this...but from what i saw it was good! john travolta living in a plastic bubble...man i got to see the rest!

Critic Reviews


Randy White
January 2, 2011
Randy White, Common Sense Media

Worthwhile tale of adolescence and difference. Full Review

Phil Hall
December 7, 2007
Phil Hall, Film Threat

Typical disease-of-the-week TV fare, made memorable by a young John Travolta on the cusp of superstardom. Full Review

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The Boy In The Plastic Bubble Trivia


  • I have been in Broken Arrow, Urban Cowboy, and the Boy in the Plastic Bubble. Who am I?  Answer »
  • In "Superstar," Mary ranks the film 'The boy in the plastic bubble" as her _____ all-time favorite movie  Answer »
  • Who starred in "The Boy In The Plastic Bubble" & as a sweathog on "Welcome Back Kotter"  Answer »
  • what movie did John Travolta star in?   Answer »

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