And the Band Played On, based on Randy Shilts' controversial book, is a stunning achievement. An interesting mix of all-star names make this a must-see film for anyone interested in, or affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The stellar ensemble cast is led by Matthew Modine, who is quite good in his usual nice-guy role. Modine plays Dr. Don Francis, researcher for the Center for Disease Control who is called in to look into the mystery virus which began killing gay men across America circa 1980. The real gems of the film however are the supporting players. Ian McKellan delivers a terrific, heartbreaking performance as Bill Kraus, and Alan Alda is excellent as the devious Dr. Robert Gallo. The film has several villains. The main evil in the movie is the Reagan administration, who ignored the early evidence of the epidemic, and starved the CDC out of money it desperately needed. If this movie had been a feature film in theatres it would most certainly have garnered Oscar nominations. It ranks up among Schindler's List as a harrowing account of a terrifying time on earth.