First Steps (1985) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A researcher and a paralyzed participant pursue a difficult graduation goal through computer-feedback experiments, public outreach, and continued effort.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Research Takes Shape

A 1982 demonstration frames the story before flashbacks trace Petrofsky's early computer experiments and growing interest in muscle dynamics. His move to Wright State carries the research toward work with paralyzed participants.

Key Events

• 1982 Research Demonstration — Petrofsky demonstrates Nan taking several steps with computer-feedback controls. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Press conference
• Flashback to 1969 — The story moves back to 1969 and Petrofsky's early experiments. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Unspecified
• Early Computer Experiments — Petrofsky experiments with an old computer. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Unspecified
• Interest in Muscle Dynamics — His computer experiments lead to a fascination with muscle dynamics. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Unspecified
• Meeting Sherry — Petrofsky becomes intrigued by Sherry as he tries to begin a relationship. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Sherry Petrofsky Location: Unspecified
• Sherry Respects His Work — Sherry understands and respects Petrofsky's dedication to research. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Sherry Petrofsky Location: Unspecified
• Move to Wright State — Petrofsky moves from St. Louis University to Wright State University. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
• Muscle Stimulation Research — Petrofsky continues efforts to stimulate the muscles of paralyzed people. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Wright State University

Nan Enters the Work

Petrofsky begins working with Nan, whose leg muscles remain strong enough to participate in the experiments. The need to preserve research funding leads him to seek public attention.

Key Events

• Muscle Stimulation Research — Petrofsky continues efforts to stimulate the muscles of paralyzed people. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Wright State University
• Nan Joins the Experiments — Petrofsky begins working with Nan and other paraplegics. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Wright State University
• Nan's Recent Paralysis — Nan's leg muscles remain strong enough to take part in the experiments. Characters: Nan Davis, Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Wright State University
• Funding Pressure — Petrofsky realizes publicity is needed to maintain research funding. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Unspecified
• Television Interviews Begin — Nan and Petrofsky begin television interviews about the research. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Television programs

A Public Promise

Nan and Petrofsky explain the research in television interviews. Despite limited results and colleagues' dismay, Petrofsky says Nan will walk at her college graduation.

Key Events

• Television Interviews Begin — Nan and Petrofsky begin television interviews about the research. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Television programs
• Explaining the Research — They explain the research and the science behind the experiments. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Television programs
• Colleagues Disagree — Some colleagues are dismayed by Petrofsky's public claim about Nan's future walking. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: Unspecified
• Graduation Promise — Petrofsky states that Nan will walk at her college graduation despite limited results. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Unspecified
• Further Experiments — Petrofsky and Nan continue experiments after his public promise. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Unspecified

Ten Steps to the Diploma

Further experiments continue as the graduation goal approaches. With help from Petrofsky and an aide, Nan takes ten steps to receive her diploma.

Key Events

• Further Experiments — Petrofsky and Nan continue experiments after his public promise. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Unspecified
• Limited Results — The account notes limited results as the work continues. Characters: Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky, Nan Davis Location: Unspecified
• Graduation Day — Nan reaches her graduation ceremony with Petrofsky's help and an aide's assistance. Characters: Nan Davis, Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: College graduation ceremony
• Nan Takes Ten Steps — With help from Petrofsky and an aide, Nan takes ten steps to receive her diploma. Characters: Nan Davis, Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: College graduation ceremony
• Promise Fulfilled — Nan's ten steps fulfill the graduation goal Petrofsky had publicly stated. Characters: Nan Davis, Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky Location: College graduation ceremony

Story Breakdown

• Early Research — Petrofsky's early computer work leads him toward the study of muscle dynamics.
  • Old Computer — In flashbacks beginning in 1969, Petrofsky experiments with an old computer.
  • Muscle Dynamics — The experiments spark his fascination with muscle dynamics.
• Personal Connection — Petrofsky attempts to begin a relationship with Sherry, who respects his commitment to research.
  • Attraction to Sherry — Petrofsky finds Sherry intriguing and attractive.
  • Respect for Research — Sherry understands and respects his passion for work.
• University Research — Petrofsky moves to Wright State and continues work on stimulating paralyzed muscles.
  • Move to Dayton — He moves from St. Louis University to Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
  • Muscle Stimulation — He continues developing efforts to stimulate paralyzed muscles.
• Nan Joins Experiments — Nan becomes a central participant because her leg muscles can respond to the experimental work.
  • Recent Paralysis — Nan's paralysis followed a 1978 car accident.
  • Responsive Muscles — Her leg muscles remain strong enough for the experiments.
• Publicity and Funding — Petrofsky seeks public attention to keep funding for the research.
  • Television Interviews — Nan and Petrofsky appear on television programs.
  • Science Explained — They explain the research and its scientific basis.
• Graduation Promise — Petrofsky publicly predicts that Nan will walk at her college graduation, despite limited results.
  • Colleague Dismay — Some colleagues are dismayed by his statement.
  • Continued Experiments — Petrofsky and Nan continue working toward the stated goal.
• Ten Graduation Steps — Nan reaches the graduation ceremony and takes ten steps with assistance to receive her diploma.
  • Aide Assistance — An aide helps Nan alongside Petrofsky.
  • Diploma Received — Nan takes ten steps to receive her diploma.

Directed by

Sheldon Larry

Key Cast

• Amy Steel — Nan Davis
• Judd Hirsch — Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky
• Kim Darby — Sherry Petrofsky
• Darlene Dotto — Reporter
• Frances Lee McCain — Louise Davis