Women in peril! Fave 70's, 80's and 90's made-for-TV movies
I really love a good tv-movie about addiction, abduction, mental disorders, or women in peril getting revenge! i love 'em even better than movies in today's cinemas! There's some special nostalgia to me about each of these movies. Most of these i have seen multiple times over and over.
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- DirectorArthur Allan SeidelmanStarsMeredith BaxterBen MastersGeorgann JohnsonA beautiful woman married to a successful lawyer and the perfect suburban mother turns out to be a closeted bulimic.People say this is an important film about eating disorders but i don't give a frigg about subject matter if the movie doesn't "gel" for me. And i always LOVE IT when i can tell from the very first opening scenes whether or not i will like a film. And i was right about this one... even before the opening credits stopped i could tell it was my kind of movie! I really love the pacing and storytelling in this film. I could watch it over and over. Baxter's acting is outstanding, and believable. Overall this film is very realistic about the ways people with mental illness go to such lengths to hide their behavior - so they can keep doing it unnoticed, compulsively, destructively, deceitfully. So good!
- DirectorGlenn JordanStarsJames FarentinoKathryn HarroldStephen ElliottA young couple is overjoyed when they find out that, after having had two girls, the wife is pregnant again, and this time it will be a son. However, the boy turns out to autistic. Unhappy with the diagnoses and treatments available, they decide to work out their own therapy program for their son.Very good movie that does an amazing job on taking the viewer on a journey. As with some very great movies, nothing major happens, it's just the life story of a family. The little details are very engrossing. The time the child recognized himself in the mirror, and also when he asked for juice, i have remembered for about 20 years. The visit the parents made to various institutions was unforgettable, and i always wondered what was supposed to be behind the last door Farentino opened. From the institution scene, i have never forgotten the blond girl standing, clapping her hands, and when she turned to look at the camera.
- DirectorRanda HainesStarsTed DansonGlenn CloseOlivia ColeCounseling helps a family deal with the discovery that their daughter was sexually abused by a close relative.A very difficult subject for a film. I have watched this several times and could watch it over. The slow burn of Close’s character and her realizations. The benign normality of Danson’s character that hides a monster. The understated acting of Zal who portrays realistically the characterizations of someone in her position. All 'Grade A' stuff here! While I don’t agree with everything the film says, it kept me entertained.
- DirectorKaren ArthurStarsRichard CrennaMeredith BaxterPat HingleSeattle veteran cop Richard Beck becomes a sexual assault victim and must deal with the painful aftermath.What a topic! How interesting for an actor (Crenna) and yes, a very entwined plot that is complex and interesting. Crenna portrays a character with a family, a past, an attitude, personality flaws, and a life. The actual scene in this film, where it gets its title from, is done with suspense and enough realism to feel the disgust, fear, pain and sheer atrocity! The film is also about recovery from pain and moving forward with life. After all, isn't that what any of us can only ever hope to do?
- DirectorArmand MastroianniStarsLesley Ann WarrenBruce DavisonShirley KnightA girl is beaten and raped by someone from the school, but he doesn't go to prison because there is no proof about it. Now, the girl's mother tries to reveal the truth...Why is it always the mothers that suffer the most? To be a mother means feeling "it" deep in your gut. Everybody else gets on with their lives to some extent - but a mother who has their child hurt - is a force to be reckoned with! Great film.
- DirectorArthur Allan SeidelmanStarsNancy McKeonValerie HarperStephen MachtA family begins to fall apart when they find out their eldest daughter, Nicole, is a victim of schizophrenia.A mother's love provides the tug of war in this story about the grip of complex, devastating mental illness and the hope of a better day for a bright young all-American woman. Harper and McKeon are fabulous!
- DirectorJoseph SargentRichard CarpenterStarsCynthia GibbMitchell AndersonPeter Michael GoetzStory of the meteoric rise and sudden fall of Karen Carpenter, who became a famous singer before battling anorexia and bulimia.A very long, detailed story of the Carpenters and the struggles and perils of coping with fame. A great snapshot of the 70's as well and the groovy music scene of the time. Highly recommended!
- DirectorStanley R. JaffeStarsKate NelliganJudd HirschDavid DukesEstranged New Yorker (Kate Nelligan) turns to the police after her son disappears.What happens when your child disappears? Cops, and fears and anger and following up every little lead in the hopes of a fruitful investigation and successful outcome. The ending is extremely satisfying - No words are needed. Highly recommended.
- DirectorRobert MarkowitzStarsNancy McKeonDale MidkiffGraham JarvisA victim of domestic violence winds up in an ongoing struggle to get the police to take her seriously, until the abuse escalates to the worst extreme.A film about domestic violence and how difficult it is to escape from a madman. Midkiff is truly terrifying as the brute and McKeon does a great job as the victim.
- DirectorWilliam HaleStarsNancy TravisArt MalikSarah MilesJessica, a young British girl, goes off to Arabia with her father to be with her fiancé when he's called there suddenly on diplomatic duty. On a tourist journey she's kidnapped by what appears to be a Beduion tribe and sold into the harem of the Sultan. The man that took her captive is not actually a Beduion but an Oxford educated revolutionary who traded Jessica for the release of his friends from the Sultan's prison. As her fiancé struggles to free her from the harem he inadvertently hires the very man who put her there to get her out. Meanwhile, Jessica is fending of the Sultan's advances and coming to know a new way of life. Romance, political intrigue, and the jealousies of the harem all threaten Jessica's narrow view of the world. If she escapes will she actually be able to return to life in Victorian England?I recall watching this as a child and thinking the character played by Ava Gardner was so evil! The best part is Travis, she carries this entire film wonderfully. And boy!... She can certainly deliver a watchful glare that communicates a thousand words with her penetrating, pensive eyes.
- DirectorDonald CrombieStarsImogen AnnesleyPeter PhelpsMouche PhillipsA discontented Sydney teenager travels back in time to 1873, whilst watching an old fashioned children's game.So much story for a little movie! A simply wonderful insight into life at the turn of the century. This is a time-travel, adventure, romance, action, mystery bag of fun! Watch it now!
- DirectorDavid Lowell RichStarsGeorge C. ScottJacqueline BissetMelissa GilbertA 19 year old girl suddenly finds herself pregnant. Not wanting to face motherhood or dealing with the consequences of a child, she contemplates an abortion without the knowledge of her boyfriend. However, her father, a retired 62 year old judge discovers her situation and is strongly opposed to abortion in principle. However, he soon finds he has to re-examine his own beliefs as his younger 38 year old second wife suddenly announces she is also pregnant. The two, when first married, agreed that there would be no additional children. This accidental pregnancy is unacceptable to the older man who cannot see him being involved in a young child's life. In the end, all three must make choices.I first watched this when i was 12 and felt very grown-up learning all about the complicated problems of being an adult woman of the 80's. PS. Gilbert's 80's fashion selections were highly coveted by me - her short perm, white sneakers and acid wash denim jacket!
- DirectorArmand MastroianniStarsMichele LeeJames FarentinoJohn SpencerJessica has been married to her controlling husband Gary for years. The abuse only gets worse when she gets a job at a bakery and makes two really caring friends: her co-worker and neighbor Lee, and her boss Walter.Don't ya just love to hate a really bad domestic abuser?! They are always so slimy, can talk their way out of a paper bag and think the world owes them something big! When i was a kid Farentino genuinely scared me in this. Yay!
- DirectorJorge MontesiStarsArt HindleRosemary DunsmoreSusan HoganA young Canadian girl accuses her father of child molestation. She's upset to discover that most of the people in her life believe that she's lying about it, and struggles with the public backlash.A film about incest. Difficult subject matter. This film explores why children lie, cover up things, get confused, and can be at times so easily manipulated by the adult predators in their life. Very well acted and kept me interested in what would happen next.
- DirectorEric LaneuvilleStarsMarkie PostGerald McRaneyJeffrey NordlingA desperate mother becomes detective to solve her 5-year-old daughter's death. The authorities suspect that a member of the family has killed the girl.A terrible thing occurs to a woman's daughter and she gets suspicious of everyone in her life and will stop at nothing to get justice for her daughter!
- DirectorJud TaylorStarsDonna MillsJohn GetzJohn RubinsteinLaura Elias' daughter is raped and murdered by Peter Lipton, who pleads "guilty due to insanity" with his affluential parents' support, and the jury acquits him. Unable to bear the injustice done to her daughter, Laura tries every possible option to obtain justice, but is unsuccessful every time, so she finally decides to take things into her own hands.A mother's love is deeply programmed so when a child is hurt - a mother is hurt on a primal level to her pure, undiluted core - and will stop at nothing for revenge! Yay!
- DirectorRod HardyStarsDonna MillsDaniel J. TravantiNia PeeplesKate (Donna Mills) is an alcoholic--and, as is often the case, she is in full denial regarding her illness. Only when she is threatened with mass desertion by her husband, children and best friend does the sullen Kate agree to seek out treatment. A lengthy and often harrowing rehabilitation period with a varied group of recovering addicts seems to have a enlightening effect on Kate, who promises her loved ones--and herself--that she has taken her last drink.Mills plays an alcoholic who thinks she is "functioning", but her family thinks she is falling apart. She goes through denial, regret, realizations and the whole journey of emotions to get to know herself more deeply and understand her compulsion to drink destructively. Very good.
- DirectorNoel BlackStarsMichael BiehnMadolyn Smith OsborneCloris LeachmanYoung, naive Katherine falls for, marries, and has a child with Dr. Charles Raynor. Then she realizes that he is a tormenting sadist. She divorces him and tries to take their child away, so he decides to kill her.Another nostalgia hit for me. watched this in the 80's and Biehn's character truly terrified me with his weird, psychotic actions of a madman possessed with controlling his wife at all costs!
- DirectorFrank PerryStarsFaye DunawayDiana ScarwidSteve ForrestThe abusive and traumatic adoptive upbringing of Christina Crawford at the hands of her mother, screen queen Joan Crawford, is depicted.This is a case of story telling so bizarre and engrossing you cannot look away. Dunaway simply becomes the incarnation of Crawford and it's impossible to know fact from fiction in real life, but it makes for a great tv movie!
- DirectorRobert M. YoungStarsFarrah FawcettJames RussoAlfre WoodardA woman takes revenge on the man who invades her home and tries to rape her.Fawcett carries this film and does an amazing job! She portrays such fear and then such strength you will need to take a nap after watching this movie, just to comprehend all that she has gone through! Good tension and acting!
- DirectorJohn Llewellyn MoxeyStarsMariette HartleyKathleen BellerArlen Dean SnyderAmy is the Mannings only daughter. After the death of her rich father, she lives together with her stepmother. Recently she sees a man in black following her, waiting for her in her car, wanting to kill her. The police can't help her. But who is this man in black? Is it the strange young man whom she recently dated? Or the psychologist her mother told her to visit? Or is she really insane...?Just to watch a breathtaking, young, Beller is reason enough to view this film. Good twists and turns to navigate and then some interesting developments.
- DirectorJohn PattersonStarsVeronica HamelLee GrantRay BakerA successful career woman is raped by a prominent lawyer. However, when she takes the case to court, it results in a hung jury. When the DA's office declines to retry the case, the lawyer opts to sue the woman for malicious prosecution and slander leaving her feeling raped again.A great film about a woman and her right to say NO and the courtroom drama that follows. Sleazy perp does his best to twist everything around and get away with rape, but she must prevail! Interesting scenes showing how he got her into his car, the restaurant, the charming yet mundane conversation with a man she is not interested in...etc. The prelude to the rape and the aftermath was also very believable.
- StarsDiana RiggJames WilbyDavid McCallumA British yuppie couple have a seemingly idyllic existence. But there is one troubling factor in their lives - the husband's eccentric and sometimes difficult mother. Her odd behavior manifests itself in a series of incidents involving her ex-husband, a concert musician, and her ex-husband's new wife, an artist. Flashbacks reveal bits of her troubled past. Little by little, the young couple's life begins to fall apart as the mother begins to act out her feelings of intense jealousy in the form of revenge, implicating a dear old friend, and leading to murder.Diana portrays one of the most complex, dangerous unassuming villains you would ever hope not to meet. Like Hannibal Lecter meets Pollyanna. Her inner thoughts are often narrated to the viewer, so we catch a delicious glimpse into her very reasonable insane cockamame musings. She creates absolute havoc for her family around her - better watch your step!!!
- DirectorKen WiederhornStarsLauren TewesJennifer Jason LeighJohn DiSantiA news anchorwoman begins to suspect a man living in the same apartment complex as her to be the serial killer that's been raping and killing women in the Miami area.I never knew this existed! Great type of 80's serial killer film, with young sassy Lauren carrying much of the film. She gets suspicious about a strange, lurky man in her high-rise apartment complex, thinking he could be a killer... And brutal killings are gripping the public all over the city that she is reporting on in the media, in her job. She also lives with her blind, mute sister who is an adorable teenage Jennifer Jason Leigh. Exploitative towards women, I have read. It is about gory sex murders done to sexy women, so whadday want? Worth watching!!!
- DirectorGeorge SchaeferStarsLucille BallDaphne ZunigaWilliam Converse-RobertsIn an effort to understand the plight of homeless women living on the streets, young social worker Carrie Lange attempts to befriend a homeless woman named Florabelle. So begins Carrie's education in survival on the streets of Manhattan.Everything fantastic about made-for-tv movies of the 80's! Lucy is a revelation. At first unrecognizable but then she speaks! And you recognize her voice! Her acting chops, facial expressions and demeanor all add to a very enjoyable film, where she conveys survival, human spirit and most of all, human vulnerability that does not want to be discovered! Towards the end, in a matter of seconds, you see her struggle with "believing".... having "hope"... saying "could it happen?" and finally taking the "chance" that everything will work out OK, in a life where everything has been going wrong... Go Lucille!
- DirectorWilliam CoselJames GoldstoneStarsJaclyn SmithDavid DukesMaureen StapletonA precocious child has a profound effect on the lives of a successful Broadway producer and her husband.The beautiful Jaclyn Smith needs to win over a child's love. It is a difficult and heartbreaking task for her. I remember watching this when i was younger, and i identified with the child, and also with the mother. Bottom line - Mother/Daughter relationships can be savage! This curly-headed little bean puts Jackie through the ringer and she ends up questioning her worth as a human being and as a mother! Kids can be so selfish! A-ha!
- DirectorIvan NagyStarsSally StruthersDavid AckroydDick Anthony WilliamsEmily Cates is left at home alone when a stranger breaks in and holds her hostage.Great little film about some neighborhood rapes of local housewives by some no-good degenerates. Sally Struthers is a married gal whose husband travels frequently for work as a pilot. She's aware of her surroundings and pretty sharp. But she gets targeted! Some genuinely creepy scenes with the attackers on the kitchen floor. Some 'iffy' ideas on how these perps get access to their next victims, but hey, it's true if a perp really wants to get you - they'll find a way!
- DirectorPaul BogartStarsShirley JonesLaurence LuckinbillSam GroomAn average American housewife who is addicted to gambling gradually destroys her "ideal" suburban life and that of her family.There is no horror element here but Shirley Jones is definitely in peril! Good film about gambling, even the long takes of people playing their hands were interesting to watch. Shirley does a great job of being cool and collected, walking the edge of high stress and rationale, even though her life is falling apart, penny by penny. She meets up with a low-life who at first seems charming, and it doesn't end well. Yay for Shirley!
- DirectorMichael CrichtonStarsMichael DouglasRip TornGeneviève BujoldWhen a young female doctor notices an unnatural amount of comas occurring in her hospital she uncovers a horrible conspiracy.I LOVE this movie with LOVE. I will always remember the creepy medical building. Apparently it is now an office complex in real life. Genevieve is a solid, tenacious, strong, little, formidable force of nature in this film. I know I sure would want her on my side if I needed someone to pull for me. She is determined and genuinely smart, and goes looking for trouble, and finds it! Michael Douglas is her boyfriend and is fantastic in everything, as per usual.
- DirectorBob RafelsonStarsDebra WingerTheresa RussellSami FreyA federal investigator tracks down a gold-digging woman who moves from husband to husband to kill them and collect the inheritance.Don't ya just love two women playing off each other in a movie? Here we have an alleged villain, and an alleged good girl and we see them weave their lies and tales and of course, there is some investigating and mystery thrown in for good times. Plus some 80's fashion!
- DirectorFred WaltonStarsCarol KaneCharles DurningRutanya AldaA psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again.Is this film a vintage classic, or what? Nothing creepier than a person alone in a house, and the phone rings and an unknown and unseen presence suddenly enters the room - via the phone. Creeps on the phone can be really scary! This manages to create a swell of suspense and bad vibes, until the horrible conclusion! Watch it!
- DirectorCorey AllenStarsShanna ReedJohn MartinLuAnne PonceA teen girl is stalked and harassed by a perverted man ten years older than she is, but despite help from her family, there's little the police can do to get rid of him.A man stalks a young girl from girlhood until college and this story tells her side, and her family's side and steps they took to manage this malignant, no-good presence in her life! Very watchable and great story.
- DirectorMichael TuchnerStarsVictoria PrincipalKerrie KeaneJoanna KernsA woman who's been having an affair with a married man who's been taking care of her. When he dies she finds herself with nothing. So she tries to rebuild her life but not without the stigma of being a kept woman following her.Victoria plays a collected, smart, attractive gal who is involved with a married man who treats her well. When he is out of the picture, her whole life starts falling apart, and she realizes how much she depended on him, how he made her depend on HIM, and without him, she needs to start her life all over again.
- DirectorJ. Lee ThompsonStarsGeorge KennedyVera MilesWilliam WindomA middle-aged aerospace engineer has his whole life changed when he is suddenly laid off from his job. Unable to find work because of his age and a bad economy, he watches his bills pile up, his wife forced to go back to work, and his marriage start to break up.Story of how a family can crumble, despite best laid plans, solid hard work, and good intentions. Decisions made are wrong, forks in the road come along, and this family must sink, before it can swim again! Great 70's vibe too!
- StarsMark HarmonFrederic ForrestGeorge GrizzardThe story of serial killer, Ted Bundy.Well yes, there are several women in peril in this movie about a serial killer. You feel like screaming, "Don't go down that hallway!" but it will be too late. Creepy and effective - just how normal can a killer seem to the outside world?
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsLauren HuttonDavid BirneyAdrienne BarbeauA woman is being watched in her apartment by a stranger, who also calls and torments her. A cat-and-mouse game begins.The sassy Lauren is an about-town business gal in the 70's living life. She moves into a new building and her independent life is thrown in turmoil because of an unknown creep who watches her every move. Good creepy fun!
- DirectorDan CurtisStarsRobert BurtonJohn KarlenGeorge GaynesThree bizarre horror stories, all of which star Karen Black in four different roles playing four tormented women.Three shorts in one film, with each being a different short story. Good viewing. A woman in peril is depicted in all three shorts and the fabulous and wonderful Karen displays her acting chops in formidable 70's vibe! Karen is in a camp all of her own, in the campiest of 70's over-the-top-ness! Yay!
- DirectorEd BianchiStarsLauren BacallJames GarnerMichael BiehnDouglas, a record salesman, is an obsessive fan of actress Sally Ross. When his letters are rejected, he strikes out at her and her loved ones.Stalker type of obsessed fan movie. This is great and is watchable many times. 80's in NYC is predominately on display, and the ever lovely Lauren is always fabulous, sour, selfish, obnoxious and always demanding, but she is worth it. Tension builds and great story along the way!
- DirectorTim MathesonStarsPeter CoyoteCourtney Thorne-SmithKeith AmosHelen attracts the unwanted attention of the commander of her husband's new army base. Colonel Andrew Case arranges to have Helen's husband travel on base business so that he can force Helen to be his new plaything. Helen fights back.Man in power displays extreme little-man-syndrome and Alison must evade and avoid him at all costs but she is a Woman on the Run. Relentlessly pursued and action from her in this dramasituation, and its good to see the bad guy finally see where its at! Good stalker - woman in peril movie from the 90's.
- DirectorJames A. ContnerStarsPaula AbdulAdrian PasdarSusan RuttanA woman attacked by a serial rapist begins to suspect her new boyfriend.
- DirectorKevin ConnorStarsVeronica HamelJack ScaliaJonathan BanksWoman get accused of killing her stalker. He turns out to be alive and nothing cant stop him to be with her.
- DirectorCorey AllenStarsAndrea MarcovicciPeter CoffieldGreg MullaveyA man who is arrested for rape swears it wasn't him but somebody who looks just like him, but the victim insists it was him.
- DirectorJohn GrayStarsCheryl PollakDale MidkiffKirk BaltzAn aspiring model moves to New York City and meets a man during a photo shoot who helps her get an apartment in one of the buildings he manages. He then keeps hitting on her but she keeps rejecting him. Out of spite, he sends two men to assault her. She is left disfigured and is further traumatised when she has to fight justice for herself at the trial.