Jean Smart Movies
Don't let actress Jean Smart's filmography fool you, because though she seems to have a penchant for appearing in fairly light-hearted fare of the family-oriented variety, she possesses all the skill of the most talented dramatic stage and screen actresses around. Unafraid to take the sort of risks necessary to keep her career and her personal life in fair balance, fans balked when Smart left television's hugely popular Designing Women while the series was in its prime, though her subsequent performances have found her sound judgment well justified. A Seattle native who received her B.A. from the University of Washington, it wasn't long before Smart was taking the stage at the 1975 Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Relocating to New York City, Smart's performance in the off-Broadway play Last Summer at Bluefish Cove earned the emerging actress a Drama Desk nomination. Her performance in the Broadway production of Piaf found Smart heading to Hollywood to tape the play for PBS, and it wasn't long before she began appearing in such films as Protocol (1984) and Project X (1987). A pivotal moment came when Smart was cast in the television series Designing Women; following the show's premier in 1986 she would remain a member of the cast until the 1991 season. It was while on that series that friend and fellow castmate Delta Burke set Smart up on a date with actor Richard Gilliland, whom Smart would later wed. The birth of their son Conner prompted Smart to reassess her career; though she would soon depart from Designing Women, she would continue to act in such efforts as the television feature Locked Up: A Mother's Rage (1991) and Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story (1992), in which she essayed the role of America's most notorious female serial killer. As the 1990s progressed Smart became something of a television fixture, and performances in The Yearling (1994) and A Change of Heart (1998) found her career continuing to flourish. Roles in such features as Disney's The Kid and Snow Day (2000) found Smart ever more associated with family-friendly fare, an association which she would continue to embrace with a role in the 2002 Disney Channel animated series Kim Possible. Other series in which Smart appeared included Hercules, Frasier, and The Oblongs; and in 2003 Smart teamed with her husband for the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation of Audrey's Rain. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2007
CTU's Mike Doyle (Ricky Schroder) is tasked with saving Jack from the Russians. Meanwhile, Logan seeks the help of his ex-wife Martha. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
The threat to the United States in Season 5's white-knuckle day is Russian separatists armed with weaponized nerve gas and led by Vladimir Bierko (Julian Sands). Inciting their ire is an arms and mutual defense treaty that Russian president Yuri Suvarov (Nick Jameson) plans on signing with the U.S. and duplicitous president Charles Logan (Gregory Itzin). As Day 5 begins, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), who faked his own demise at the close of last season, is working at an oil refinery in California under the name Frank Flynn. He returns from his self-imposed exile to fight the good fight after an assassination rocks the nation and he finds himself framed for it and several other crimes. Jack is also reunited with former love interest Audrey Raines (Kim Raver), but tumult continues to follow them. Meanwhile at CTU, there's a new man brought in to oversee operations, Lynn McGill (Sean Astin), and once again, there's a mole in the ranks. A significant subplot centers on Christopher Henderson (Peter Weller), Jack's mentor-turned-nemesis who has information that can help Jack thwart the Russians. Another thread follows First Lady Martha Logan (Jean Smart), who grows increasingly disdainful of her husband's actions in office. ~ Fred Mitchell, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kiefer Sutherland
Noble dog Balto returns in this direct-to-video sequel to the popular animated adventure that bears his name. Balto (voice of Maurice LaMarche) has retired from his chores as a sled dog, and his son Kodi (voice of Sean Astin) has taken his place. But Kodi's livelihood may be in danger when mail airplanes come to the frozen North, which threaten to make the post office's dog teams obsolete. In order to determine who can deliver the mail faster, the pilot of the carrier plane challenges the leaders of the dog teams to a race; however, when the mail plane is involved in a serious accident, Balto and Kodi must put aside the rivalry to help save injured pilot Duke (voice of Keith Carradine). Balto III: Winds of Change also features the voice talents of Jean Smart, David Paymer and Kathy Najimy. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Having lived a respectable and rather dull existence for most of his time on earth, database designer Frank Griffin (Joe Mantegna) is rudely awakened from his ennui when his wife Ellen (Jean Smart) announces that she is having an affair and wants a divorce. Although the couple agrees to stay together for the present out of respect for their daughter Zoe (Jordy Benattar), it is clearly going to be an unhappy Christmas for Frank. In his efforts to get his mind off his problems, Frank signs up to be a volunteer Santa Claus, subjecting himself to a curious training regimen conducted by a relentlessly optimistic fellow named Ozzy (Charles Durning). Although his first Santa experiences are grueling, Frank finds a kindred spirit in photographer Donna (Kari Matchett), who has similarly split from her husband and is raising her son Gabe (Andrew Chalmers) by herself. In his efforts to help Donna and to patch up his own domestic troubles, Frank begins to wonder if he should consider a future not with Ellen but with Donna. . .and that's only the beginning of the story. A few mildly risqué scenes notwithstanding, A Very Married Christmas proved to be suitable family fare when it was first broadcast by CBS on December 5, 2004. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
The cast and creators of the popular sitcom Designing Women are reassembled in this hour-long special originally telecast on the Lifetime cable channel. Yielding 164 episodes from 1986 to 1993, Designing Women centered around the Atlanta design firm headquartered in the home of loquacious feminist Julia Sugarbaker (Dixie Carter). During the series' first few seasons, the firm's personnel included Julia's vapid, much-married sister, ex-beauty queen Suzanne (Delta Burke); divorced mother Mary Jo Jackson (Annie Potts); wide-eyed country girl Charlene (Jean Smart); and the ladies' chief delivery person and severest critic, former convict Anthony Bouvier (Meshach Taylor, who also hosts the reunion special). Created by Linda Bloodworth and Harry Thomason, the series gained a measure of fame (and not a little notoriety) for its pronounced liberal political content, not to mention its ceaseless stumping on behalf of the Bill Clinton presidential campaign of 1992. The Designing Women Reunion features interviews of the stars and clips from the series. When first telecast, it was followed by a broadcast of the series' original pilot episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Meshach Taylor, Delta Burke, (more)
- 2003
Based on a true story, this made-for-cable crime drama stars Jean Smart as veteran FBI agent and divorced mother Candace Long. Burned out by years of tracking down this most vicious criminals in America, Long is about to take a well-deserved retirement and devote her energies to her family and her current lover (A. Martinez), a married man. But she changes her mind and goes back to work with a vengeance when a serial rapist-killer preys upon one of her best friends. First telecast on the Lifetime network, Killer Instinct: From the Files of Agent Candace Long debuted October 6, 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Smart, A. Martinez, (more)
Having promised her dying mother that she would always look after her two young siblings (one of whom is mentally challenged), Audrey Walker (Jean Smart) has deliberately closed herself off from romantic relationships -- and indeed, from most of the other pleasures in life. Now in middle age, Audrey has devolved into a bitter, sharp-tongued spinster, resenting the manner in which her family has robbed her of a life of her own. Thus, Audrey is none too thrilled when, after her married sister commits suicide, she is saddled with raising the dead sibling's two children. Be assured, however, that our heroine's misery will be alleviated when her former boyfriend, Terry Lloyd (Richard Gilliland), comes back into her life to help her with her new responsibilities. Strategically scheduled to air on Mother's Day (or to be precise, on May 11, 2003), the made-for-cable Audrey's Rain was a presentation of the Hallmark Channel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Smart, Richard Gilliland, (more)
- 2002
- Add Baby Time: Baby Talk - The Video Guide for New Parents to QueueAdd Baby Time: Baby Talk - The Video Guide for New Parents to top of Queue
First-time parents often have a zillion questions and are embarrassed to ask some of them for fear of seeming unprepared for the task. Hosted by Designing Women star Jean Smart and her husband, Richard Gilliland, Baby Talk: The Video Guide for New Parents details how to care for a newborn and provides answers to a number of the questions that nearly every parent wants to ask. The American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed this program. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 2002
This weekly animated series revolved around a feisty high school girl named Kim Possible. The daughter of research scientists, Kim did her best to lead a normal teenaged life, going to class, attending proms, and the like. Unfortunately, the world was full pesky master criminals and megalomaniacal supervillains, compelling the high-flying, martial arts savvy Kim to kick butt on occasion in the interests of humanity and the American Way. Acting as Kim's erstwhile sidekick was her nerdish school chum, Ron Stoppable, while teen stud-muffin Josh Manley provided the romantic interest (at least, that's what Kim hoped). Kim Possible debuted June 7, 2002, on the Disney Channel, posting the highest opening-night ratings in that cable channel's history. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christy Romano
- 2002
This NBC sitcom was rather blatantly inspired by the movie comedy hit Meet the Parents. According to network publicity, however, In-Laws was primarily based on the standup routines of comedian Elon Gold, who starred in the series as newlywed Max Landis. Quitting his job to enroll in culinary school, Max and his new bride Alice (Bonnie Somerville) reluctantly moved in with Alice's parents to save money. While Alice's mom Marlene (Jean Smart) pursued a real estate career and Alice herself worked two shifts, poor Max was left home alone with his supremely judgmental father-in-law Victor (Dennis Farina). Perhaps it goes without saying that the humor arose from the prickly relationship between the wisecracking Max and the growling, grumbling Victor. Co-produced by Frasier star Kelsey Grammer, In-Laws debuted September 24, 2002 and was cancelled in January 2003. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Smart, Dennis Farina, (more)
- 2001
Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) is eagerly anticipating his vacation in Belize with his new lady love Claire (Patricia Clarkson). But his eagerness quickly dissipates when Martin (John Mahoney), Niles (David Hyde Pierce), and Daphne (Jane Leeves) decide to go along for the ride. The story climaxes with a "blast from the past" that was supposed to have been a surprise but was well publicized at the time this Emmy-winning episode originally aired. "Cranes Go Caribbean" and the previous episode "A Day in May" were originally telecast in tandem as Frasier's eighth-season finale. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
In the first half of Frasier's ninth-season opener, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) finds himself on familiar territory as he is torn between two loves: Claire (Patricia Clarkson), with whom he'd vacationed in Belize in the series' season-eight finale, and Lana (Jean Smart), a troublesome but undeniably fascinating lady from his past. As he mulls over the dilemma, Frasier reflects upon all the loves of his life -- including (in dream sequences), his ex-wife Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth) and his Cheers inamorata Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). Originally telecast as a one hour-special (and moved from September 18, 2001, to September 25 due to network coverage of the 9/11 tragedy), this episode has since been reedited as two half-hours for syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
In this follow-up to the previous episode "Semi-Decent Proposal", Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) has fallen for Claire (Patricia Clarkson), the attractive friend of cynical divorcée Lana Gardner (Jean Smart). Hoping to take advantage of the situation, Lana offers to fix Frasier up with Claire--but only if he will agree to tutor Lana's son Kirby (Brian Klugman). Alas, Kirby refuses to hunker down to his studies unless Frasier arranges at date between him and Roz (Peri Gilpin). This episode and "A Passing Fancy" were originally telecast in tandem as a single, one-hour "special." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Yes, it's a day in May, and a very busy one for the Frasier gang. First off, Daphne (Jane Leeves) befriends a dog lover named Jim (Tom Verica), which makes Niles (David Hyde Pierce) jealous. Second, the caustic Lana (Jean Smart) suddenly warms up to Frasier (David Hyde Pierce). And finally, Martin (John Mahoney) is unexpectedly reunited with the person who brought about the injury that caused him to retire from the Force. This episode originally aired back-to-back with "Cranes Go Caribbean" as Frasier's eighth-season finale. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Jean Smart reprises her Emmy-winning role as Frasier's former high- school crush Lana Gardner (who was given a different character name in her first appearance -- a name that had to be altered for legal reasons). Now a successful and overbearingly cynical real-estate agent, Lana still believes that Frasier worships at her feet and to that end maneuvers him into escorting her to her own "surprise" party. Upon arrival, however, Frasier only has eyes for Lana's friend, Claire (Patricia Clarkson). This episode was originally shown back-to-back with the thematically similar episode "A Passing Fancy." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2001
In the concluding half of Frasier's ninth-season opener, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) continues mulling over the past loves of his life as he tries to choose between his current amours Claire (Patricia Clarkson) and Lana (Jean Smart). In a surrealistic climax, virtually all of Frasier's women from past episodes (most of them played by the actresses who originated the roles) converge upon him -- including his late mother. Originally telecast as a one hour-special (and moved from September 18, 2001, to September 25 due to network coverage of the 9/11 tragedy), this episode has since been reedited as two half-hours for syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The Man Who Came to Dinner, written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, has been one of the more enduring comedies in American theater. Apart from being filmed most successfully in 1941 at Warner Bros. with Monty Woolley and Bette Davis in the lead roles, it has enjoyed some 500 productions in the six decades since its premiere, despite the fact that few theatergoers remain who know or recognize the figures being satirized by the two authors. In the film, Woolley recreated his performance from the original Broadway production, and knowledge of the existence of that movie does somewhat mute the early impact of Nathan Lane's performance as Sheridan Whiteside, which must inevitably be compared with Woolley's blustery original. This production predated Lane's success in The Producers, and there are times when one must remember that Max Byalistock was in Lane's immediate future. As it is, there are moments where he recalls Orson Welles' performance in the role from a 1972 television adaptation, but after about 23 minutes Lane does get out from behind the shadow of Woolley and Welles, and simply becomes Whiteside. None of the work here is exactly heavy lifting for the talents involved, though one does tend to recall William Duell (an actor best known to television viewers for his role as the tipster on Police Squad) as the literary-minded doctor, and Lewis J. Stadlen -- who has carved a big corner of his career out of resurrecting the Marx Brothers -- portraying Banjo, the play's Harpo Marx stand-in. Directed by Jay Sandrich, a longtime expert at televised comedy (best known for The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Cosby Show), the video production at its best is spirited in the manner of a French farce, with lots of people running in and out of doors to great comedic effect. The period setting is evoked not just by the costumes and hairstyles but also by newsreel footage and vintage newspaper headlines (some referring to Whiteside), which bridge the gaps between the scenes and acts. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
- 2000
Jean Smart won an Emmy Award for her riotous performance as Lorna Lynley, one-time prom queen at Frasier's high school. Escorting Lorna to his call reunion, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) is thrilled beyond words at being in the presence of his former dream girl. Unfortunately, the intervening years have taken a toll on Lorna's personality, as she soon demonstrates at top-of-the-lung calibre. Although Jean Smart would make return appearances to Frasier as this character, the name "Lorna Lynley" would be changed to "Lana Gardner" for legal reasons. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
A marriage explodes when a loving wife, who heretofore thought she had the perfect life, finds her husband in bed with another man. After the initial shock, the two struggle to find peace, acceptance and to rebuild their shattered lives. This drama was made especially for the Lifetime cable network. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Smart, John Terry, (more)
A desperate mother looking to escape her past is faced with a harrowing decision in this made for television thriller starring Jean Smart and Gregory Hines. All Kay (Smart) wants is to live in peace and care for her sickly nine-month-old son. Upon arriving in a small Southern town where no one knows her name or history, it appears as if Kay may have finally gotten her wish. Kay's newfound tranquility is shattered, however, when the menacing Barnes (Hines) appears at her front door claiming to hold the key to her questionable past. Now held as a hostage in her own home, Kay must choose whether to keep running, or risk her own life as well as the life of her child to fight back in hopes of a brighter future. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Smart, Gregory Hines, (more)
- 1994
This much-ballyhooed TV miniseries sequel to Gone with the Wind finds former Agent 007 Timothy Dalton reprising the tough-to-fill shoes of Clark Gable's Rhett Butler, and former Val Kilmer spouse Joanne Whalley-Kilmer beating out thousands of hopefuls to play what was once Vivien Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara role. Loosely based on Alexandra Ripley's sequel novel, the film finds our heroine traversing the country to win back Rhett but inadvertently becoming pregnant with Rhett's baby and absconding to Ireland to raise the tyke. There, she becomes indoctrinated into a royal clan. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joanne Whalley, Timothy Dalton, (more)
