Dede is a sole parent trying to bring up her son Fred. When it is discovered that Fred is a genius, she is determined to ensure that Fred has all the opportunities that he needs, and that he is not taken advantage of by people who forget that his extremely powerful intellect is harboured in the body and emotions of a child.
Jodie Foster
as Dede Tate
Dianne Wiest
as Jane Grierson
Adam Hann-Byrd
as Fred Tate
Harry Connick Jr.
as Eddie
David Hyde Pierce
as Garth Emmerick
Debi Mazar
as Gina
P.J. Ochlan
as Damon Wells
Michael Shulman
as Matt Montini
Celia Weston
as Miss Nimvel
George Plimpton
as Winston F. Buckner
Bob Balaban
as Quizmaster
Josh Mostel
as Physics Professor
