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Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night

  • TV Movie
  • 1977
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
247
YOUR RATING
Susan Dey and Natasha Ryan in Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night (1977)
Drama

A disturbed young mother with some serious psychological problems begins to take them out on her infant daughter.A disturbed young mother with some serious psychological problems begins to take them out on her infant daughter.A disturbed young mother with some serious psychological problems begins to take them out on her infant daughter.

  • Director
    • Allen Reisner
  • Writer
    • Joanna Lee
  • Stars
    • Susan Dey
    • John Vernon
    • Kevin McCarthy
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    247
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Allen Reisner
    • Writer
      • Joanna Lee
    • Stars
      • Susan Dey
      • John Vernon
      • Kevin McCarthy
    • 9User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 2 nominations total

    Photos3

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    Top cast31

    Edit
    Susan Dey
    Susan Dey
    • Rowena Harper
    John Vernon
    John Vernon
    • Dr. Orrin Helgerson
    Kevin McCarthy
    Kevin McCarthy
    • Tom Atherton
    Tricia O'Neil
    Tricia O'Neil
    • Dr. Angela Buccieri
    Bernie Casey
    Bernie Casey
    • Dave Williams
    Priscilla Pointer
    Priscilla Pointer
    • Laura Atherton
    Phillip R. Allen
    Phillip R. Allen
    • Mr. Bernards
    Natasha Ryan
    Natasha Ryan
    • Mary Jane Harper
    Ray Buktenica
    Ray Buktenica
    • Dr. Mark Handelman
    Rhea Perlman
    Rhea Perlman
    • Judy
    Sandra Deel
    • Mrs. Ramish
    James Karen
    James Karen
    • Dr. Sutterman
    Ivan Bonar
    Ivan Bonar
    • Judge F.F. Carlson
    Charles Lucia
    Charles Lucia
    • Bill Harper
    • (as Chip Lucia)
    Elizabeth Robinson
    • Jeannie Williams
    Linda Gillen
    Linda Gillen
    • Joy
    • (as Linda Gillin)
    Fritzi Burr
    Fritzi Burr
    • Nancy West
    Lucy Lee Flippin
    Lucy Lee Flippin
    • Mother in Park
    • Director
      • Allen Reisner
    • Writer
      • Joanna Lee
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews9

    7.2247
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    Featured reviews

    6waggsmom

    Mary Jane Harper

    this movie is disturbing but what is the worst is that stupid whiny brat. No wonder her mother couldn't stand her. She was disobedient all the time and I can see why her mom got so fed up. The mother really was a train wreck, but that kid certainly didn't help. The mom came from a bad situation at home and it's too bad she didn't get treatment before she had the brat. I think her husband disappeared to Mexico or something and who can blame him? He probably couldn't stand the brat either. There was just something about that child that was so *** irritating. Maybe it's just me, but she drove me crazy right when she wouldn't listen to a word her mother said.
    10dhogg-2

    Life changing message

    I haven't seen the movie since 1977. However, at that time I had a 5 year old and a newborn. My 5 year old had been misbehaving to the point of making me want to scream. I had picked him up and threw him into a chair just minutes before this movie came on TV. I realized after the movie that he could have hit his head or broken his neck from the way that I flung him into the chair with wooden arms. I have always said that every parent of a strong willed child should watch this movie to wake themselves up to the fact that in their weak moments of frustration they could actually KILL their child. I cried for days after the movie but it prevented me from ever taking my anger out on either of my children in a physical way. So as far as I'm concerned this movie could have actually saved the life of one of my children. I know there were quirky things in the movie. But the message was one that changed my life forever. Thanks to whomsoever made this available for TV viewing in 1977.
    ojibwe2

    OK

    This film is not that bad. As far as Susan Dey's character being an unsympathetic mother - that's the whole point! As for the film being creepy and depressing - child abuse IS creepy and depressing. If you miss the point you miss the point.
    jess198

    Unforgettable

    I remember seeing this movie on TV when I was 10 years old and I've never forgotten it. I can't believe I can still remember this movie. I remember at the time, I found it to be disturbing that a mother could do that to her own child. I came from a family that was not abusive in any way, so to see this happening and nobody stopping it was shocking to me. Neighbors didn't want to get involved? That was weird, too. Amazing when a movie is so powerful that yo never forget it. Susan Dey gave an outstanding performance, and so did Natasha Ryan. I think they should show this movie in reruns on TNT or Lifteime. But, at least it's on YouTube.
    9pysrd

    Funnier the second time around!

    It hard to make a film about child abuse funny but this one makes it wonderfully ! I am a fan of Susan Dey and I thought she did well with the material given to her.The child playing Mary Jane is enough to annoy anyone-she even spits food at poor Susan's face!!!-I'd a slapped her too! Just like mommy dearest I feel more for the "abuser " than the child,and both films were hilarious ! I know this is not p.c. but I rather tell the truth.There are so many funny scenes here I hardly "know were to begin-Rhea Pearlman saying "She's freaking out in a motel room in the dessert" Pricilla pointer telling her daughter that she looks like a rag puller Or the general over acting of the doctor that is on the child's side. Ahh the 70's were good for cautionary tales and this one great example.Hilarious get out the popcorn and have a good laugh.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      When Dr Buccieri first meets the social worker, Dave Williams in his office, she compliments him on the abstract painting on the wall, which he says he did himself. Williams was played by football player/actor Bernie Casey where acting and writing poetry, were among his additional talents.

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    FAQ

    • This made for tv movie was one of the best EVER, I hope I'll still be alive to see it's release. Anyone know if and when, it may be released, or shown on tv again?????

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 5, 1977 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Mary-Jane a pleuré la nuit dernière
    • Production companies
      • Christiana Productions
      • Paramount Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 40 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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