And the Band Played On

And the Band Played On is a 1993 American television film docudrama directed by Roger Spottiswoode from a teleplay by Arnold Schulman, adapted from Randy Shilts's 1987 non-fiction book of the same name. Chronicling the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, the film follows CDC epidemiologist Don Francis as he investigates the emerging disease amid bureaucratic indifference, scientific rivalry, and resistance from the blood industry, alongside San Francisco activist Bill Kraus's efforts to protect the gay community. The film features a large ensemble cast including Matthew Modine, Alan Alda, Ian McKellen, Richard Gere, Anjelica Huston, Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Phil Collins, Glenne Headly, Swoosie Kurtz, Richard Masur, Saul Rubinek, Charles Martin Smith, Christian Clemenson, Jeffrey Nordling, Richard Jenkins, and BD Wong.