movielover9090's profile

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Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 7:06 PM

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Name of an '80s TV Movie about an illiterate man struggling to hide his illiteracy at work?

I think the actor who played the main character was Hispanic and it takes place in Los Angeles. He worked at a factory, not sure what kind of job he did but I do remember that he drew his work activities on his clipboard instead. 

There was a scene where his boss introduced a computer to him and asked him to hit "enter", he illiterate employee pretended to be upset about computers being the issue and walked away from his job.

I remember another scene where he pulled over right next to a call box on the freeway to report an accident, but when the operator asked him which exit he was closest to, he couldn't answer. I think he eventually learns to read and write.

Does anyone know the name of this movie? Thank you very much.

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2 years ago

I think it might be the TV movie "Bluffing It" with Dennis Weaver from 1987.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092679

You can watch the whole movie on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNcQm_bCvbY

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@justin_6415368​ 

I'm guessing that is the one. I should have done a better review of the keyword "adult-illiteracy," because that keyword was on this title all along.

If that isn't it, here is one other possibility.

Daddy Can't Read

 

26. ABC Afterschool Specials (1972–1997)
Episode: Daddy Can't Read (1988)

60 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

  3.1
 
  Rate this

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.

Director: Gilbert Moses | Stars: Edward AlbertCheryl AruttMarcia StrassmanJoey Travolta

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@justin_6415368​ "Bluffing It"! That's the one! Yes!!! Thank you so much!! You're awesome and have great memory! Dennis Weaver! I thought the actor was Hispanic, I knew he had a mustache though, lol.

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1 year ago

This post has been answered and should be closed, but I don't know why IMDB hasn't closed it yes. The correct answer is "Bluffing It" (1987), with Dennis Weaver.

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47K Points

2 years ago

Maybe this one?

The Pride of Jesse Hallam

 

20. The Pride of Jesse Hallam (1981 TV Movie)

97 min | Drama

  6.4
 
  Rate this

Jesse Hallam, an illiterate coal miner from Kentucky, moves to Cincinnati so that his daughter may receive spinal surgery. Determined to support his family in the city, he decides he must ... See full summary »

Director: Gary Nelson | Stars: Johnny CashBrenda VaccaroBen MarleyEli Wallach

106 Messages

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@keyword_expert​ Thank you for replying but this isn't the one. I'm quite sure that the movie was shot in Southern California and the lead actor was Hispanic.

(edited)

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2 years ago

Another possibility.

29. Quincy M.E. (1976–1983)
Episode: A Loss for Words (1983)

TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

  6.8
 
  Rate this

When a young man who dies in an industrial accident because he couldn't read the hazard signs. Quincy takes on the problem of adult illiteracy. A problem that hits close to home with Quincy, when he finds that his friend can't read.

Director: Georg Fenady | Stars: Jack KlugmanGarry WalbergJohn S. RaginVal Bisoglio

106 Messages

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2.8K Points

@keyword_expert​ Thank you for replying but this isn't the one.  The one I'm looking for was a TV movie.

(edited)