The storyline of And the Band Played On is centered on the studies and efforts of Dr. Don Francis. The immunologist was among the first to recognize the dangers of a new disease known as AIDS. Dr. Francis began his research after reports of homosexual men dying from unexplained causes became more widespread in major US cities. He raised the alarm, going to politicians and medical colleagues. Nevertheless, not everyone readily accepted the presence of a deadly threat and the virus.
Dr. Francis attends the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to learn more about this illness, and the narrative commences. They must also deal with bureaucracy and an uncaring government. Throughout the investigation, Don and CDC workers uncovered strong evidence that AIDS may be spread not just via homosexual intercourse but even among heterosexuals in hemophiliacs and newborns. They conceived the idea that the illness can be transmitted through blood transfusions. The movie focuses on the competition between Dr. Robert Gallo, an American virologist, and his French colleague, Dr. Luc Montagnier, which ultimately results in competing claims over who first discovered AIDS.
Aside from lab labor and prominent scientists, And the Band Played On displays a lot of epidemiology, particularly in San Francisco. The crucial issue is the time-consuming questioning of AIDS patients regarding their sexual history to determine the transmission path and patient zero. The narrative is concluded by Reagan’s re-election in 1984 and Francis leaving San Francisco to work as an independent researcher. One of the film’s lessons is not to ignore minor ailments since they can occasionally get out of hand. The story of AIDS should serve as a model for public services so that when other diseases occur, they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately.