Joni (film)
Joni is a 1980 drama film and biopic directed by James F. Collier. It is based on her autobiography of the same name. It is the true story of Joni Eareckson Tada (played by herself), a seventeen-year-old girl who becomes paralyzed after a diving accident. Through her physical, emotional and spiritual struggles, Joni learns to trust in God. Billy Graham financed the film through his company World Wide Pictures and appeared in a cameo. Plot In 1967, at age 17, Joni Eareckson is involved in a diving accident that leaves her quadriplegic. As she attempts to come to terms with the reality of her new disability, she seeks the Bible for guidance and her Christian faith grows. Cast Joni Eareckson Tada as herself Bert Remsen as John Eareckson Katherine De Hetre as Jay Eareckson Cooper Huckabee as Dick Filbert John Milford as Dr. Sherrill Jay W. MacIntosh as Lindy Eareckson Louise Hoven as Diana Michael Mancini as Don Bertolli Richard Lineback as Steve Estes Ernie Hudson as Earl Betsy Jones-Moreland as Mrs. Barber Production This film was shot on location at Kernan Hospital and the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. In Los Angeles, California, it was shot at