Lindsay Crouse Movies
Tall, thin, and blonde, Oscar-nominated actress Lindsay Crouse has been appearing onscreen since the mid-'70s -- though contemporary, television-savvy fans may be more familiar with her thanks to memorable small-screen roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Providence, and Hack. Crouse is a New York City native and the daughter of Life With Father author Russel Crouse; her literary father named her after his longtime writing partner Howard Lindsay. An education at Radcliffe first led Crouse to a career as a dancer, though it wasn't long before she began leaning toward acting; she made her screen debut in 1976's All the President's Men. Roles in Slap Shot (1977) and The Verdict (1982) found Crouse managing to hold her own opposite screen heavy Paul Newman, and after remaining under the direction of Sidney Lumet for Daniel (1983), Crouse earned an Oscar nod for her performance opposite Sally Field in the 1984 drama Places in the Heart. With the exception of a season of Hill Street Blues, Crouse would stick mainly to feature films for the remainder of the 1980s. Her leading role as a conflicted psychiatrist in 1987's House of Games (under the direction of then-husband David Mamet) seemed to capitalize on her status as one of John Willis' Screen World's "Most Promising New Actors of 1984."If the 1990s found Crouse edging almost exclusively into small-screen work, the occasional feature, such as The Juror (1996) and Prefontaine (1997), proved that she had lost none of her enduring big-screen appeal. Indeed, Crouse was equally effective in both film and television; small-screen roles in Norma Jean and Marilyn and If These Walls Could Talk (both 1996) proved just as compelling as her turn in Michael Mann's acclaimed 1999 drama The Insider. In 2000, Crouse took on the role of Caroline Ingalls in the made-for-TV family film Beyond the Prairie: The True Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Before returning to the character in the 2002 sequel, she played supporting roles in Imposter and Cherish (both 2002). ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1989
A video review of the WWII career of Adolph Eichmann, with rare footage and interviews. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2002
KACL manager Kenny (Tom McGowan) figures that Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) could improve his following amongst younger listeners if he agrees to appear on the station's public-service program "Teen Scene." Confidentially, Frasier gears up for questioning from the show's panel of high-school journalists. Unfortunately, the show's host has nothing but contempt for Frasier, and as a result, our hero ends up a laughing stock to listeners of all ages. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2002
Master chef Wolfgang Puck appears as himself in this episode, wherein Niles (David Hyde Pierce) busily prepares for the big moment when he will propose to Daphne (Jane Leeves). Leaving nothing to chance, Niles has planned an all-out assault on Daphne's heart, complete with a stirring speech, an expensive ring, a string quartet, a trumpet player, and a choir. As a final touch, he has arranged for Daphne's intrusive mom (Millicent Martin) to be far, far away. Unfortunately, he has overlooked one minor item...Daphne herself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In his directorial debut, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet creates a stylish cinematic puzzle of games within games, as con men are joined by a psychologist in creating the perfect caper. Dr. Margaret Ford (Lindsay Crouse), the writer of psychological self-help books, meets Mike (Joe Mantegna) as she attempts to help a patient who owes heavy gambling debts. When she herself is the victim of a con, she becomes intrigued by the psychological drama of the con game and joins in a complicated scam involving a suitcase of cash. Mamet directs his extremely complicated plot with skill and complete control until it is impossible to tell who is the con and who is the victim. The suspense builds to an amazing surprise ending which is both reasonable and believable but completely unpredictable. Crouse and Mantegna are outstanding as are all the supporting performances. Mamet and his cinematographer Juan Ruiz-Anchia create a visually stunning, compelling film that does justice to Mamet's superbly written screenplay ~ Linda Rasmussen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, (more)
- 1985
This riveting ABC Afterschool Special addresses the potent issue of children being kidnapped by non-custodial parents. Because of a nervous breakdown, divorcée Louise Sanders (Lindsay Crouse) has lost custody of her children, 13-year-old Mary Lou (Maddie Corman) and eight-year-old Tommy (yes, that's a young Seth Green). When her husband reluctantly lets Louise take care of the children on a two-week trial basis, the troubled woman skips town with the kids in tow. Thereafter, Louise and the children must remain on the run, forever telling lies, adopting new "identities," and covering their tracks -- an ordeal that has a particularly negative effect on little Tommy. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lindsay Crouse, John Getz, (more)
We first see Asian cave dweller John Lone as he wanders around what seems to be his natural habitat of some 10,000 years ago. Soon we learn that Lone is in a controlled environment in a scientific lab--and that his frozen body was recently discovered during an expedition to the North Pole (hence the nickname "Iceman"). Scientists Lindsay Crouse and Timothy Hutton hope to learn to communicate with Lone, and in so doing discover life was truly like for our neanderthal ancestors. The other, less altruistic scientists want to dissect Lone and analyze his innards. With Hutton's help, Lone escapes, but soon both men realize that there's really no place for "the Iceman" in modern society. Though the settings are convincingly arctic, Iceman was filmed in Manitoba. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Timothy Hutton, Lindsay Crouse, (more)
The compilation film If These Walls Could Talk consists of three short films that each deal with the controversial issue of abortion. Although each of the stories is set in a different decade, the unifying element (aside from the subject matter) is that all three transpire in the same house. The first story stars Demi Moore as the widow of a soldier killer in combat. She becomes pregnant and does not feel it would be morally appropriate to have the baby. Because it is the '50s, she must attempt to secure an illegal abortion. The second story, set in the '70s, stars Sissy Spacek as a mother of a struggling family. Having successfully raised four children on a meager income, Spacek's character must now decide if she should seek an abortion after finding out she is expecting a fifth. The final story takes place in the '90s. Anne Heche portrays a grad student who crosses protestors' picket lines in order to consult a doctor (Cher) about having an abortion. The first two parts, "1952" and "1974," were directed by Nancy Savoca, and the last part, "1996," was helmed by Cher, in her directorial debut. If These Walls Could Talk aired originally on HBO. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
This long-delayed science fiction thriller from director Gary Fleder was actually filmed prior to his box-office hit Don't Say a Word (2001), which preceded it in theaters by several months. Based on a 1953 short story by Philip K. Dick, the film shares that schizophrenic author's long-running obsessions with concealed identity and humanity's potential inferiority to alternative life forms. Gary Sinise stars as Spencer John Olham, a respected government scientist in the year 2079 trying to devise a secret weapon that will help his fellow humans win a decade-long war with invading aliens that are cloning human subjects and using the replicas as walking time bombs. Suddenly, Olham is accused of being an alien spy and a nationwide manhunt to capture him ensues. With even his doctor wife (Madeleine Stowe) unsure that she can trust him, Olham must uncover the truth on his own, even as he's relentlessly pursued by Hathaway (Vincent D'Onofrio), a federal agent charged with destroying the clones. Imposter has a complicated history, originally produced in early 2000 as a 30-minute short to be included in an anthology entitled "The Light Years Trilogy," a project that never got off the ground. So impressed was Dimension Films with the completed piece, however, that the footage was incorporated into a new feature version. That film was then shuffled around the release schedule for more than a year as effects were completed, reshoots were ordered, and the film was recut for a PG-13 rating instead of its original R. The R-rated "director's cut" was later released on DVD. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gary Sinise, Madeleine Stowe, (more)
- 1999
Lindsay Crouse guest stars as Denise Grobman, a civil court judge who is shot in her building's parking garage. The detectives haul in an extremely likely suspect, only to discover that Grobman refuses to prosecute -- nor even to believe that the suspect had anything to do with the attack. Clearly, someone is hiding something, but what and why? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1993
A young female doctor is found murdered. While seeking out evidence, the detectives come across the woman's diary. The book paints a sordid picture indeed, suggesting that the woman's death may have been the outgrowth of a romantic triangle involving her fiancé, Danny Garrett (Frederick Weller), and Garrett's domineering psychiatrist, Diane Meade (Lindsay Crouse). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Originally written in 1970, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lanford Wilson's play Lemon Sky was brought to television by way of PBS' American Playhouse anthology. Based loosely on Wilson's own experiences, the story concerns a 17-year-old boy (Kevin Bacon) who hasn't seen his father in a dozen years. Utilizing a complex flashback-flash forward technique, the protagonist recalls his six-month stay with his dad (Tom Atkins) and dad's second wife (Lindsay Crouse). Featured in the cast is Bacon's actress wife Kyra Sedgwick, here playing his half-sister. Lemon Sky premiered February 10, 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Bacon, Tom Atkins, (more)
A hardened detective enters into a tenuous symbiotic relationship with the vicious serial killer she is tracking after earning the respect of the murderous madman in this vicious psychological thriller starring Demi Moore, Kevin Costner, and William Hurt. Earl Brooks (Costner) is a successful businessman, noted philanthropist, and loving father. He's the kind of man whom no one would ever suspect of being a notorious serial killer, but then again history's most dubious psychopaths are often the quiet neighbor whom no one would ever suspect was capable of committing such unspeakable atrocities. Until now, no one has had any reason to link Earl Brooks with the heinous crimes of the dreaded Thumbprint Killer. Even his beautiful wife (Marg Helgenbeger) and teenage daughter (Danielle Panabaker) could never conceive of such an awful truth. But when Mr. Brooks' dark side begins to outshine his sane exterior, an amateur photographer (Dane Cook) captures the killer succumbing to his murderous instinct on film. Now, as Mr. Brooks is pursued by tenacious detective Tracy Atwood (Moore) and forced to bend to the will of an opportunistic bystander, the killer who was once able to keep his murderous alter ego (Hurt) in check finds his control steadily slipping. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kevin Costner, Demi Moore, (more)
- 1993
While on tour promoting her book, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) is slated to be interviewed at a prairie radio station by a Stern-ish "shock jock" named Marcus Rule (Jeff Yagher). It should not be surprising that Jessica makes short work of the abrasive Rule, coming out the victor in their on-air confrontation. It should also not be surprising that a murder occurs, the victim being one of the station's two feuding owners. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Simone (Jimmy Smits) has dinner with Jill (Andrea Thompson). A million dollars' worth of diamonds turns up missing -- along with the sister of a diamond dealer. Martinez (Nicholas Turturro) is galvanized into action when Gina Colon (Lourdes Benedicto) is attacked and slashed, while the rest of the precinct tries to shield Gina from further emotional damage. And after filing her report on the Liery case, recovering alcoholic Diane (Kim Delaney) thinks seriously about crawling back into a bottle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
A mentally challenged girl who was assaulted by a group of prep-school boys commits suicide, and investigating detectives Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and Simone (Jimmy Smits) demand justice. The precinct house is "invaded" by an escaped mental patient (Raphael Sbarge) who has trouble communicating an important message to the detective who had him committed. Still working undercover, Diane (Kim Delaney) witnesses the violence beneath the smooth veneer of handsome hoodlum Jimmy Liery (Christopher Meloni). Gina Colon (Lourdes Benedicto) takes over the troublesome Geri's duties. And Simone takes notice of new detective Kirkendall (Andrea Thompson). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Originally made for cable television, this imaginative biopic chronicles the life of Marilyn Monroe (Mira Sorvino), including the years before she changed her name from Norma Jean Baker (Ashley Judd) and was transformed into the screen persona that made her a legendary sex symbol. The movie employs unconventional, dream-like storytelling techniques in which Marilyn and her former self, Norma Jean, frequently appear in scenes together, with Norma Jean often taunting Marilyn for not living up to her earlier aspirations. Many facets of Monroe's life are examined, including her childhood and adolescence when Norma Jean had to live with foster families because of her mother's psychological problems. In addition to referencing Monroe's work on such films as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and Some Like It Hot (1959), the movie explores her marriages to baseball great Joe DiMaggio (Peter Dobson) and famous playwright Arthur Miller (David Dukes), and her romances, including her purported relationship with U.S. President John F. Kennedy (Steven Culp). The film also offers a hard-hitting look at Monroe's struggle with drug- and alcohol-dependency. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1998
In this romantic comedy, Rob Lowe plays an emissary of the Devil who is sent to Earth to corrupt the spirit of a sweet, well-meaning waitress (Alexandra Powers). However, the plan backfires when the imp finds that he's falling in love with his intended victim. One Hell of a Guy also stars Michael York and Lindsay Crouse. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rob Lowe, Alexandra Powers, (more)
- 1994
In this drama, a woman attempts to recovering following a bout of schizophrenia. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Directed by Linda Yellen, this made-for-cable movie originally aired on the Showtime network and featured a star-studded cast including Dudley Moore, Liza Minelli, and James Belushi. The plot centers around several fraternity and sorority graduates who have decided to regroup at their alma mater. Nick (Belushi), a determined but gloomy reporter, attends on the sole hope of finding some good gossip. His highest hope lies within the career ties of his ex-lover Winnie (JoBeth Williams), who now serves as publicist to rising politician Rebecca Ferguson Stone (Patricia Wetig). Fellow alumni Charlie (Ben Gazzara) is returning for equally dishonest reasons--he's hoping to convince his ex Francie (Gena Rowlands) to pay off his gambling debts. Francie, however, has found herself more interested in bonding with a single mom/housekeeper (Ally Sheedy). All of their lives take a turn for the unexpected when the big man on campus mysteriously dies. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
This family oriented made-for-TV adaptation of a story by Willa Cather, tells the tale of a poor but ambitious young man living in the poor section of Pittsburgh in the early 19th century as he works his way to the highest levels of New York society. Henry Fonda introduces the story. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Of the three "mortgage on the farm" films of 1984 (Country and The River were the other two), Places in the Heart is the only one set during the Depression. After her husband is killed, Sally Field is forced to take over the debt-ridden Texas family farm herself. Though slightly embittered by the fact that a black man was responsible for her husband's death, Field accepts the help of another African-American, Danny Glover. She is also given aid and comfort by her blind boarder, John Malkovich. Despite almost insurmountable odds, Field manages to bring in the cotton crop and to hold her farm and family together. Throughout the film, director Robert Benton stresses the importance of solidarity in facing down disaster, underlining this point with a remarkable surrealistic finale, in which the "live" members of the cast are seen singing a hymn with the characters who have "died" in the course of the film. Places in the Heart won Sally Field her second Academy Award. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sally Field, Lindsay Crouse, (more)
This biographical sports drama is the true story of an Olympic runner whose life ended tragically short. Jared Leto stars as Steve Prefontaine, a teen who develops a running talent despite unorthodox physical traits such as a short stature and legs of different lengths. "Pre" is still sufficiently impressive enough on the track field to be recruited by Bill Bowerman (R. Lee Ermey), an Oregon college coach who creates homemade running shoes in his garage. His arrogant attitude vexes even his girlfriend (Amy Locane), but Pre's athletic skills prove to be the real deal, as he wins an NCAA championship and qualifies for the 1972 Olympics. Prior to his event, however, a terrorist attack in Munich leaves several athletes dead, and a shaken Pre doesn't medal. Back home, Bowerman turns his shoe-making enterprise into the global sneaker giant Nike, while Pre chafes under the poverty enforced by Olympic rules. He becomes an outspoken advocate for amateur athletes and tries to organize an exhibition, which leads to criticism by the press. Before he can compete, however, Pre is killed in a car wreck. Prefontaine (1997) was one of two motion pictures made about the runner at the same time; the other was Without Limits (1998). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jared Leto, R. Lee Ermey, (more)
Inspired by a true story, Prince of the City stars Treat Williams as a Manhattan detective who agrees to help the US Department of Justice weed out corruption in the NYPD. Williams agrees on the assurance that he'll never have to turn in a close friend. Wired for sound, Williams almost immediately stumbles upon a police conspiracy to smuggle narcotics to street informants in order to insure cooperation. While this might be condonable in a stretch, the fact is that the many cops are using the drugs on their own, and are also highly susceptible to bribes. Williams gets the goods on the miscreants, but in so doing he breaks the "code" and becomes a pariah to his fellow officers. As we learn in the unsettling final scene, Williams will always be considered a "fink," even by honest cops. Prince of the City is too long for its own good, but its opening expository sequences and its final twenty minutes more than compensate for the duller stretches. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Treat Williams, Jerry Orbach, (more)
Brian Yuzna directed this sci-fi horror film with creature design by Screaming Mad George. Sherry (Jillian McWhirter) and Craig Burton (Arnold Vosloo) are zapped by a white light while making love, suffer a later memory loss of the incident, and see a psychiatrist (Lindsay Crouse) and UFO investigator Dr. Clavell (Brad Dourif). Hypnotic sessions prompt memories of steel medical instruments, tentacled aliens, and an operating table. When Sherry's gynecologist (Wilford Brimley) checks with ultrasound, alien technology zaps his pacemaker, and the situation begins to get grim. Progeny was shown at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Arnold Vosloo, Jillian McWhirter, (more)
