Kate Jackson Movies

The family friendly animal movie Miracle Dogs concerns a boy who befriends a three-legged dog. Soon his relationship with the canine deepens to the point that the boy is attempting to find new homes for a variety of homeless animals. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Hoping with all her heart that her wayward son Kenny (Chad Allen) has been straightened out by two years in prison, Sharon Carlson (Kate Jackson) welcomes Kenny with open arms on the occasion of his parole, as does everyone in his immediate family and circle of friends. For a while, it seems as though Sharon's prayers have been answered, and that Kenny is finally going to lead a decent life. But when he is reunited with his former prison buddy Warren Stubbs (Keith Szarabajka), Kenny's true nature once again rises to the surface, and it isn't long before his behavior has deteriorated dangerously. Though she was worried that this would happen, Sharon loyally sticks by her son -- and when he is implicated in a murder, she does everything in her power to prove his innocence. The grim outcome of this story, taking place during Sharon's emotional courtroom appearance, is implicit in the film's title. Filmed independently in 2000, A Mother's Testimony had been slated for theatrical release, but when a distributor was not forthcoming, the film was licensed for television exposure; it was telecast several times abroad before making its U.S. cable debut over the Lifetime channel on October 22, 2001. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

This film is part of a series that looks at various mental disorders and treatments for them. This episode takes a look at postpartum depression. A woman's body goes through profound changes during pregnancy. When a mother gives birth, her body undergoes great stress. All available energy goes into delivering a healthy baby. Milk production is at its highest level. It is no wonder that her depleted system causes the syndrome known as postpartum depression. Jaclyn Smith narrates this film, which looks at some of the innovative treatments to help mothers and newborns after delivery. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

This video is part of a series that examines some of the mental disorders that afflict the modern mind. In addition to observing the symptoms in patients, the film focuses on the latest research and treatments for diseases of the mind. In this episode, there is a look at post-traumatic stress disorder. While often associated with men returning from battle to civilian life, the disorder can afflict anyone who has had a traumatic experience that has not been processed and accepted in a constructive way. Symptoms include depression, rage, impotence, and detachment. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

This video is part of a series that surveys some of the most common mental disorders afflicting modern society. One of the most prevalent is the condition known as depression, characterized by a state of mood that is discouraged or dejected. Affective disorders may be organic in nature, or brought on by circumstances. One example is SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder, which causes depression in people who do not get enough sunlight in winter months. Depression itself may be a symptom of some other mental disorder. Various treatments are examined, including natural alternatives. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

Although the police investigation is spotty at best and the evidence questionable, Risa Gallagher (Joanna Pacula) receives a life sentence for the murder of her philandering millionaire husband. Managing to escape from prison, Risa goes from friend to friend in hopes of finding out who might have framed her, and to expose the real killer. Her task is of course complicated by the cops that dog her trail, and the fact that someone very, very close to her is responsible for her plight. Without going into further detail, let it be known that Joan Collins and Kate Jackson are respectively cast as Risa's wheelchair-bound mother (with a blonde wig), and the alcoholic ex-wife of Risa's late hubby. Produced for the Family cable channel, Sweet Deception originally aired August 2, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Middle-class mom Rose Earl (Kate Jackson) has always had an excellent relationship with her son Bobby (Drew Ebersole), but ever since he entered college (the first in his family to do so) they have been drifting apart. Blame for this rift could very likely be levied upon the "bad crowd" with whom Bobby is travelling. Rose's premonition that her son's new friends aren't the right kind of kids is aroused by several pungent clues, notably her son's sudden academic slump in his sophomore year, and his ever-growing fascination with firearms. Then one morning, the boy completely disappears--whereupon one of his "buddies" surfaces with the claim that Bobby is on the lam from the law. Rose doesn't buy this, and she intends to uncover the truth as to what happened to her son. Originally telecast January 28, 1997 on CBS, the made-for-TV What Happened to Bobby Earl? is based on a true story, the outcome of which is rather bluntly given away by the film's cable-TV rerun title Murder in a College Town. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A bitter, nasty child custody battle is at the center of this fact-based TV movie. Having long since written off her divorced daughter-in-law Sarah (Tracey Gold) as an unfit mother, DeDe Cooper (Kate Jackson) anxiously awaits the slightest opportunity to take her granddaughter Josie (Laura Harris) away from Sarah for good. When Josie begins making disturbing references to "satanic rituals", DeDe figures it is time to take action. Before long, someone has kidnapped Josie--and Sarah, whose life has only just begun to find meaning via her relationship with her new beau Jack (Jeff Yagher), insists she has a pretty good idea who's responsible. What follows is a maelstrom of lies, deceptions, and ultimate vindication for one of the two principal characters. A Kidnapping in the Family originally aired February 26, 1996 on ABC. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Caring more about justice than her own safety, a courageous Georgian civil service employee agrees to testify about the corruption rampant in the highest levels of her agency. Unfortunately, her testimony will also endanger the lives of her family. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

If you liked the Australian thriller Dead Calm, then the look-alike American TV movie Adrift will probably tickle your fancy as well. Kate Jackson and Kenneth Welsh play a honeymooning couple, relaxing on their yacht in the South Pacific. When they come upon a shipwrecked couple (Bruce Greenwood and Kelly Rowan), the newlyweds pull the castaways on board their vessel. That's their first mistake; the castaways are evil incarnate, and they proceed to put the young marrieds through hell. Filmed off the coast of New Zealand, Adrift premiered on April 13, 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Scientist Robby Benson creates the ultimate home appliance, a computer that handles every conceivable household chore. However, the machine becomes so enamored of its creator that it sets out to murder his wife. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi

The Stranger Within, a frightening, well-done, made-for-TV thriller with a fine performance by Rick Schroder tell the story of a boy trying to convince a unstable woman that he is her long-lost son. Mare Blackburn (Kate Jackson) is an emotionally traumatized woman whose three-year-old son was kidnapped 12 years before. One day Mark (Rick Schroder) appears on her doorstep claiming to be her lost son who has escaped and returned to her. Mare is at first overjoyed then frightened when it is apparent that her "son" is a sociopathic killer. Rick Schroder shows remarkable range in this change-of-pace performance where he plays an unsympathetic and unappealing character with great energy and intelligence. The Stranger Within is a fine, frightening psychological thriller. ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi