June 20, 2002

MARY STUART MASTERSON AND ANTHONY LaPAGLIA STAR IN "BLACK AND BLUE," A SUSPENSE THRILLER TO BE REBROADCAST WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Sam Robards Also Stars in the Drama
Based on the Best Selling Novel by Pulitzer Prize-Winner Anna Quindlen

Mary Stuart Masterson ("Fried Green Tomatoes," "Benny & Joon") and Anthony LaPaglia (CBS's new tall drama, "Without a Trace") star in BLACK AND BLUE, a suspense thriller to be rebroadcast as the "CBS Wednesday Movie," Wednesday, June 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The chilling story revolves around a battered woman who flees with her son to escape an abusive husband and start a new life. (Originally broadcast on 11/17/99)

BLACK AND BLUE, an Oprah Book Club selection, is based on the best selling novel by Pulitzer Prize-winner Anna Quindlen (One True Thing).

Masterson plays Fran Benedetto who, to the casual observer, has a handsome husband, Bobby (LaPaglia), an adoring 10-year-old son, Robert (Will Rothhaar), and a house in a Long Island, N.Y. suburb. But what the neighbors don't see is that Bobby, a New York City cop, beats his wife. Fearing that his next attack could prove fatal, Fran musters every ounce of courage she has and flees with her son to Florida, completely changing their identity and leaving her family and friends forever.

Fran, now called Beth, starts over in a city far from home and tries to put the pieces of her life together. However, Bobby does not want to lose his son and, using his skills as a policeman, begins to track them down in order to reclaim him. Despite the precision of her escape and her healthy, blossoming relationship with Mike Riordan (Robards), a kind-hearted teacher in Robert's new school, Fran remains tormented by the terrifying thought that one day Bobby will find them.

BLACK AND BLUE was produced by Evolve Entertainment. Gerald W. Abrams ("Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," "Family of Spies") and Jennifer Alward ("David's Mother," "Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris") are the executive producers. Paul Shapiro ("Chases of the Heart") directed the film from a script by April Smith.

RATING: TV14-LV

• * *

Press Contacts: Andrea Ballas           323/575-2858            andrea.ballas@tvc.cbs.com
Barbara Abseck  212/975-4637            beabseck@cbs.com