Melissa Gilbert Movies
Actress Melissa Gilbert literally grew up before our eyes in the role of Laura Ingalls on the TV series Little House on the Prairie. A professional from the age of 3, Gilbert was ten years old when she assumed the role of Laura, and in her mid-20s when Little House branched off into a handful of TV movies in the 1980s. Outside of this series, Gilbert was the uncrowned queen of the TV remakes: She starred as young Helen Keller in 1979's The Miracle Worker, played the title role in 1980's The Diary of Anne Frank, and assumed the old Natalie Wood role in 1981's Splendor in the Grass. More recently, she has been showing up in made-for-TV biopics, e.g. Babymaker: The Dr. Cecil Jacobson Story (1993) and Against Her Will: The Carrie Buck Story (1994). Gilbert's latter-day series-TV work has included the parts of Kate Delany in Sweet Justice and Rochelle in Stand By Your Man; she has also been heard as the voice of Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl, in the daily Batman: The Animated Series. In all of these, she has been billed under her married name of Gilbert-Brinkman (her marriage to Bo Brinkman has since dissolved). Melissa Gilbert is the sister of Sara Gilbert, who played Darlene on TV's Roseanne; her grandfather, Harry Crane, was one of the creators of the Jackie Gleason series The Honeymooners. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Rising business executive Jake Peterson (Tim Matheson) is given a make-or-break assignment when he is sent to a small town for the purpose of severely downsizing the local tractor factory. Upon his arrival, Jake is mistaken by the townsfolk as the man sent to save rather than destroy their community, and is treated as such, much to his discomfort. Making his task even more difficult is Jake's blossoming romance with factory employee Emma Murphy (Melissa Gilbert), whose daughter Noelle (Michelle Trachtenberg) regards our hero as Santa Claus Incarnate. Made for the CBS TV network (and filmed under the title A Holiday for Love, Christmas in My Hometown premiered December 10, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Vanessa Stewart (Janine Turner) has the soul of an artist, but her business tycoon father insists that she follow in his footsteps. As a result, Vanessa convinces herself that she wants to be a globetrotting executive, and also that she truly loves the man to whom she is engaged. But while in Venice on a business trip at the behest of her father, Vanessa meets and falls in love with adventurous Irish TV war correspondent Bill Fitzgerald (Paudge Behan). Deciding to kick over the traces, Vanessa is prepared to turn her back on her family obligations and plight her troth with Bill. But Fate, as it often does, takes a hand in matters when Bill is reported killed during a dangerous combat assignment. Based on a novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford (as if the full title of this made-for-TV feature left any doubt), A Secret Affair first aired October 27, 1999 on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Janine Turner, Paudge Behan, (more)
- 1994
This made-for-television movie is based on the true story of a landmark Supreme Court decision. Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God) stars as Carrie Buck, a woman who was used as the test subject in a 1927 experiment to sterilize mentally-challenged women. The test was allowed after a controversial Supreme Court ruling came down in favor of the procedure. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Having finally figured out the Shadows' strategy, Sheridan launches a pre-emptive strike against the enemy forces. Dr. Franklin has an epiphany and tries to do a good deed -- nearly losing his life in the process. And Delenn gains a valuable ally on behalf of the Rangers. Melissa Gilbert makes a significant guest appearance. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Shadow Dancing" first aired in America during the week of October 21, 1996, some six weeks after its British TV bow on September 15. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1996
The third-season Babylon 5 saga "Point of No Return" arrived at a cliffhanger conclusion with its 22nd installment, "Z'Ha'Dum." Melissa Gilbert guest-stars as Anna, Captain Sheridan's wife, whom he believed was killed five years earlier. Against his initial protest, Anna guides Sheridan to Z'ha'dum, the homeworld of the dreaded Shadows, ostensibly to settle the hostilities that have dominated the past 21 or so episodes. In other developments, Londo is informed of the fruits of his ruthless political jockeying. The episode ends with a disturbing development, indicating that the troubles between B5 and the Shadows are far from over. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Z'Ha'Dum" was first broadcast in England on September 22, 1996; alas, the series' American fans would have to wait until the week of October 28. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)
- 1987
A blushing bride (Melissa Gilbert) doesn't catch on that something's fishy when her new husband (Joe Penny), last name "Moran", introduces her to his distinctly Italian family, who kiss each other's hands a lot. In fact, she doesn't tumble to the fact that her "perfect" spouse is a Mafiosa until it's Too Late. Before she knows what's happening, the wide-eyed (and soft-headed) girl is swept up in drug trafficking. To keep the Italian anti-defamation league at arm's length, the producers of this film contrive to have Tony Franciosa portray an Italian-American FBI agent who comes to the heroine's rescue. Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife was originally telecast January 18, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Crystal Bernard stars as a woman searching for answers about her eccentric grandfather's death, in this made-for-television movie. Bernard stars as Shelly, a woman who wants to find out why her grand-dad was killed after she uncovers that he and a partner were secretly masquerading as costume-wearing, crime-fighting, super-heroes. The film was intended as the pilot for a series. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marcus Gilbert, Crystal Bernard, (more)
- 2000
Co-producers and former TV child stars Tony Dow of Leave It to Beaver and Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie are among those who take part in this video's panel discussion about the advantages and pitfalls of spending all or part of one's childhood as a television or movie star. Other panel members include The Partridge Family's Danny Bonaduce and Margaret O'Brien who appeared in many notable films, including Meet Me in St. Louis. The actors talk about protecting kids from unscrupulous family members who spend their children's earnings, the quality of education offered on TV and movie sets, and the problems child stars often have with maintaining positive relationships with peers outside the industry and their own family members. The panel members also talk about how difficult it can be to enter adulthood once fame is gone. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Greg Davis (Michael Reilly Burke) was 12 years old when his childhood sweetheart Karen Carlson disappeared while en route to his home. 17 years later, Greg, now a schoolteacher, is astonished by the sudden appearance of an enigmatic young woman (Melissa Gilbert) who claims to be the long-missing Karen. The woman's vivid recollections of abduction, and the fact that she knows many of Karen's innermost secrets, convince Greg that she's the genuine article. But Karen's father Warren (Ronny Cox) and detective James Walker (Leon Russom) are not so easily persuaded--and when Karen begins to behave in a bizarre, erratic fashion, the possibility arises that she may not be whom she claims to be...and that her past is far more sinister than anyone could imagine. Alternating between a full-color "present" and black-and-white vignettes of "the past", the made-for-TV Childhood Sweetheart? debuted March 18, 1997, on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Choices of the Heart (aka In December the Roses Will Bloom Again) recounts the life and death of Irish lay missionary Jean Donovan. Together with three American nuns, the 27-year-old Donovan (here played by Melissa Gilbert) was murdered in El Salvador in 1980. Constructed in a complex flashback-flashforward style, the film shows how Donovan went from a selfish, materialistic girl to a champion of human rights. Martin Sheen plays the priest who is instrumental in Donovan's turnaround. The increasing demand for the US to withdraw its support of El Salvador's military-oriented government is a secondary but vital ingredient to the full dramatic impact of this made-for-TV movie. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Gilbert, Martin Sheen, (more)
- 2007
- PG13
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A widow in mourning and a heartbroken artist enter into a passionate affair that helps to heal old wounds in this romantic drama starring Melissa Gilbert and Brad Johnson. Ofelia (Gilbert) is a single mother who recently lost her husband, and Matt is an artist who wanders the beach in search of inspiration. When these two damaged souls cross paths on a secluded beach, both begin to sense that they may one day love again. But even as their passions begin to reignite the dark clouds of the past begin to gather overhead, ominously threatening to snuff out what could be their last chance at love. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Gilbert, Brad Johnson, (more)
Melissa Gilbert stars in the title role of this made-for-television adaption of the novel by Danielle Steel. Gilbert stars as Zoya, an Russian orphan who flees her homeland and falls in love with an American Army soldier stationed in Paris. The two settle in New York, start a family and all seems well, but the dramatic twists and turns for Zoya have only just begun. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Gilbert, Bruce Boxleitner, (more)
- 1990
Donor is a variation on a familiar theme, played to the hilt by a topnotch cast. Doctor Melissa Gilbert-Brinkman is shocked when her close friend is strangled by an elderly patient. Before she has a chance to investigate, the killer himself dies in a mysterious accident. Probing further, Melissa deduces that the hospital administators are hiding something from her. She's right: there's a conspiracy in the making, and it's all traceable to a new organ-donor program. Pernell Roberts and Jack Scalia costar in Donor, which made its broadcast premiere December 9, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Gilbert, Jack Scalia, (more)
- 1993
Fashion designer Melissa Gilbert is Dying to Remember in this USA Cable Network potboiler. Plagued by vivid nightmares, the fashion designer begins to believe that she's suffering from repressed-memory syndrome. It gets better: she might be conjuring up memories of a previous life. Whatever the case, it comes up murder. She may well have been killed in her past existence, and it looks as though her number will soon be up in the present. Dying to Remember debuted on December 2, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Roy (Kevin Tighe) tries to arrange a date between wife's cousin and his coworker John (Randolph Mantooth)--and one can only imagine how happy John is over this situation. Squad 51's caseload in this episode includes saving a youngster whose arm is caught in a swimming-pool drainpipe, a woman who suffers an epileptic fit after barely averting a car accident, and a young man who has been shot by his own father-in-law. Also: a case of tetanus poisoning, and an overweight man whose pacemaker fails at a crucial moment. Featured in the cast is a very young, pre-Little House on the Prairie Melissa Gilbert, and former child actress Patricia McCormack (The Bad Seed). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
This version of Hans Christian Andersen's story was produced for Faerie Tale Theatre. It is the story of a young maiden who bravely faces the fearsome ice-hearted Snow Queen in order to free her beloved. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Maureen Stapleton, Stefanie Powers and Melissa Gilbert represent three generations of women in one family in this made-for-TV movie. Recently widowed, Stapleton invites her divorced daughter Powers, and Powers' illegitimate daughter Gilbert, for a weekend get-together. The catalyst for the film's cascade of bickering, reminiscences, and regrets is Stapleton's announcement that she plans to move from the family home and into a condominium. In addition to starring, Stefanie Powers also came up with the film's premise and functioned as co-producer. A "General Foods Showcase" TV presentation, Family Secrets first aired on May 13, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This made-for-television drama is based on the true story of a woman's search for her birth parents. Melissa Gilbert-Boxleitner stars as Julie, a woman about to undergo surgery. Confronted with questions about her medical history, Julie learns for the first time that she in fact was adopted as an infant. The revelation sparks a desire within Julie to seek out her birth parents and sends her on a quest for the truth. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Forbidden Nights is set in the Red China of 1979. Robin Shou plays a Chinese radical, working on behalf of bringing political reform to his homeland. Melissa Gilbert costars as an American teacher who falls in love with Shou. The dramatic thrust of the story is Ms. Gilbert's willingness to put her own life on the line for Shou's ideals. This made-for-TV star-crossed romance was filmed in Hong Kong, seven years before it too would fall within the Mainland China orbit. Forbidden Nights was directed by Waris Hussein, the Indian-born craftsman responsible for such theatrical features as Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx (1970) and The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Cassie Broadbeck (Melissa Gilbert) is the matriarch of a highly dysfunctional family whose home is invaded by an escaped convict (Thomas Cavanaugh) and his two henchmen. Painfully aware that her husband Wayne (Brian Wimmer) will be of no help whatsoever, the desperate Cassie is willing to do anything--anything--to save the lives of her two daughters. Making a bad situation even worse is the fact that a hurricane is rapidly approaching! Somewhat prophetically set in New Orleans, Heart of the Storm was first screened at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival on November 5, 2004, then made its cable-TV debut over the Lifetime channel seventeen days later. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Though she has realized a measure of success in her career, Meredith Sanders (Melissa Gilbert) has never found true happiness. Haunted by fragmentary memories of her childhood, she returns to England, the first time she has set foot in native country since being adopted and brought to the United States. Conducting a lengthy and frustrating search for her birth mother's grave, Meredith ultimately makes a shocking discovery--and, this being a Barbara Taylor Bradford adaptation, she also falls in love, with handsome architect Lucas Kent (Jeremy Sheffield. Veteran stage and screen star Jean Simmons plays a pivotal role in Her Own Rules, which first aired October 13, 1998, on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Gilbert, Jean Simmons, (more)
- 1993
Mimi Leder, director of several 1990s action-adventure flicks directed this made-for-television drama. Melissa Gilbert-Boxleitner stars as Marion Ravinel, a wife who conspires to kill her husband with the aide of his ex-lover. The film is based on the story featured in several movies, including Diabolique. Gilbert-Boxleitner's real-life husband Bruce Boxleitner stars as her abusive husband. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Gilbert, Bruce Boxleitner, (more)
- 1989
This movie is based on the stage play Ice House by Bo Brinkman, who plays the lead in this film. In the story, Pake (Brinkman) has given up a well-paid job in the oil fields of Texas to try to break into the music business. Instead, he finds himself broke and dejected in a hotel room in L.A. He arranges a meeting with his old girlfriend Kay (Melissa Gilbert). She turns up with her current boyfriend and fiancee (Andreas Manolikakis), a Greek immigrant who hopes that by marrying her he will obtain permanent resident status in the U.S. His plans are jeopardized by Pake's efforts to convince Kay that she should go back to Texas with him and become his wife. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Gilbert, Bo Brinkman, (more)
