The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976)

The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976) – Life in a Virus-Free sterile environment

The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976) – Based on a true story, Tod Lubitch is born with a deficient immune system (which is unlike being born with AIDS). As such, he must spend the rest of his life in a completely sterile environment. His room is completely hermetically sealed against bacteria and virus, his food is specially prepared, and his only human contact comes in the form of gloved hands. The movie follows his life into a teenager.

The Boy in the Plastic Bubble was John Travolta’s first starring role. It’s a made-for-TV movie, which makes sense given that at the time, John seemed like he was destined to be a made-for-TV actor. His hit sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter was still in full force at the time, but as we’ve seen, he hadn’t made much of a splash in the world of theatrical releases. Nevertheless, John’s popularity was growing ever higher, particularly with young girls. What better way to showcase him than through a… plastic bubble? – Wayninginterests

Directed by Randal Kleiser
Starring: John Travolta, Glynnis O’Connor, Robert Reed, Diana Hyland