Kenneth Welsh Movies
Lead actor, onscreen from the '70s. ~ All Movie Guide
- 2000
Former Max Headroom star Matt Frewer made his first appearance as master detective Sherlock Holmes in this well-appointed adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. On this occasion, Holmes and his chronicler Dr. John Watson (Kenneth Walsh) set about to protect young Sir Henry Baskerville (Jason London) from falling victim to what seems to be an old and inexorable family curse. Eventually the two sleuths converge upon Baskerville Hall, near the dreaded Grimpen Mire, where a huge and voracious hound threatens the wellbeing of all concerned. But who is really behind the sinister plot against Sir Henry -- and is anyone involved in the case truly whom he or she claims to be? Largely filmed on-location at Montacute House in Somerset, England, The Hound of the Baskervilles made its American TV bow over the Odyssey cable network on October 21, 2000, and seven days later debuted in Canada courtesy of CTV. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jason London, Matt Frewer, (more)
- 1999
Turn of the century frontiersman John Hawk (Kenneth Welsh) has swallowed up as much of the fertile land in the town of Promise as he can. Eventually, local homesteaders begin to fight him for a fair deal-a deal he has no intention of giving them. In the end, a blossoming love between the classes will prove to be a force that could finally create fairness and equality, or a tragedy that could be the ruin of all the families involved. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
TV director David Steinberg (Mad About You, Seinfeld) helmed this Canadian comedy satirizing The Fugitive and similar actioners. Cleveland corporate climber Nelson Hibbert (Dave Foley) is confident his promotion to company prez is just around the corner, but when it doesn't happen, he goes postal during a meeting, aiming threats at the boss who passed him over. Later, he barges into the boss' office, finds him dead, and runs from the office holding the bloody weapon. Since this was witnessed by his co-workers, he thinks they have accused him as the killer. Unaware surveillance cameras revealed the real killer, Hibbert hightails it for Mexico, certain that he's a most-wanted fugitive. Made in Toronto in 1996, this film expands on a sketch Foley scripted for Kids in the Hall. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dave Foley, Jennifer Tilly, (more)
- 1998
Reuniting several China Beach talents, this three-hour, fact-based TV miniseries dramatizes the apparent government cover-up of the after-effects of the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Exposure to toxic agents by some 100,000 men and women led to skin rashes, respiratory infections, and cancer, but the Department of Defense claimed the Gulf War Syndrome was psychosomatic. When Vietnam veteran and retired U.S. Secret Service agent Jim Tuite (Ted Danson) begins work with Sen. Donald Riegle (Brian Dennehy), he sees vets denied proper medical benefits and concludes billions in payouts would result if the government admitted that toxic chemicals were sprayed about during the war. Healthy Chris Small (Matt Keeslar) comes back from the Gulf War in only a few months with digestive and respiratory problems, while his wife Teri (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and baby daughter both experience rashes from contact with Chris. In the post-war operations, Waco farmer Jared Gallimore (Steven Weber) stumbles across uranium dust and has brain tumors by the time he goes home to his sister Jerrillyn Folz (Marg Helgenberger). Interview footage with real soldiers and officers is intercut into the drama, filmed in Toronto and the California Mojave Desert. Premiered May 31, 1998 on Showtime. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ted Danson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, (more)
- 1998
The chief suspect in the disappearance and probable murder of a couple is turned in by his own brother. Once in custody, the suspect refuses to cop an insanity plea -- much to the consternation of his brother, who had hoped to secure medical treatment for his sibling who must now face the emotional burden of a first-degree conviction. Tovah Feldshuh makes another appearance as aggressive defense attorney Danielle Melnick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1998
Made for television, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is adapted from the suspense novel by John Godey, previously filmed as a theatrical feature in 1974. The earlier version was highlighted by the verbal cat-and-mouse game between a cynical veteran NYPD detective, played by Walter Matthau, and a world-weary master criminal, played by Robert Shaw. The remake offers two detectives, Piscotti (Edward James Olmos and Ray (Lorraine Bracco), who match wits with a man calling himself Mr. Blue (Vincent D'Onofrio), who has masterminded the hijacking of a New York subway car. As his cohorts hold the 14 passengers hostage, Mr. Blue demands a $5 million ransom, to be delivered in one hour, or else the captives will be killed one by one. Though the dark humor which pervaded the 1974 version is largely absent here, the remake pulls off the neat trick of being highly suspenseful and subtle and low-key at the same time. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three debuted February 1, 1998, on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edward James Olmos
This chilling sci-fi drama is set in a sun-ravaged world no longer protected by the ozone layer. Human life has managed to continue, but it isn't easy. The tale centers on the insanely brilliant Hank Symes, a scientist who disregards the rules of his laboratory and swipes some biological materials and uses them to build the house he hopes can save humanity. Unfortunately, something goes horribly wrong and he becomes a mutant while the house itself turns into a living, unfriendly organism. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Balthazar Getty, Tchéky Karyo, (more)
In this thriller, an aging cat burglar becomes a crusader embroiled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game involving murder and a government cover-up. Adapted by distinguished scenarist William Goldman from a novel by David Baldacci and featuring a powerful all-star cast, the story works at different levels, not only as a straight-forward thriller but also as an insightful look at the love between the old thief and his estranged daughter, a highly successful prosecuting attorney. The trouble begins when ex-con Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood, who also directed) decides to pull off one last heist before retiring. Just as he finishes looting the vault of a well-fortified mansion, a drunken couple enters the adjoining bedroom apparently eager to start making love. But something goes awry and a violent tussle ensues that abruptly ends when gun-wielding men bust in and shoot down the woman. During the ensuing chaos, Luther slips out. Only later does the audience learn that the would-be lovers were U.S.-President Alan Richmond (Gene Hackman) and Christy Sullivan (Melora Hardin), the young wife of the President's biggest supporter Walter Sullivan (E.G. Marshall). As the investigation and cover-up begins, Luther, who has already been contacted by hard-boiled and suspicious detective Seth Frank (Ed Harris) begins to fear that he will be blamed for the killing and prepares to leave the country. He tries to see his daughter Kate (Laura Linney) to make peace with her for having been absent in prison during most of her life, but she rejects him. Luther goes to the airport, but just before he flies, he sees a press conference in which President Richmond, without so much as a twitch, goes on a tirade concerning his stand against violence. Something inside him snaps and he abruptly decides to stay and fight for justice. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, (more)
- 1997
In this two-part suspenser inspired by Ken Follett's bestselling novel, university pscyhobiologist Jenny Ferrami (Kelly McGillis), in the process of studying a possible link between genetics and criminal behavior, stumbles upon a secret cloning experiment conducted by a major company. Figuring prominently in the proceedings is likeable law student Steve Logan (Jason Gedrick), who may or may not be the identical twin of a serial rapist. . .or possibly two rapists! It turns out that there are far more human "duplicates" in the world than Jenny could ever have imagined--and as she tracks down these clones to convince the public that there is dirty work afoot, sinister forces, tied in with a powerful triumverate, conspire to silence Jenny for keeps. Originally telecast by CBS, Ken Follett's The Third Twin first aired on November 9 and 11, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelly McGillis, Jason Gedrick, (more)
- 1997
A tense hostage situation erupts when three escaped convicts commandeer a school bus full of deaf children and take them and their courageous teacher (Marlee Matlin) to an abandoned slaughterhouse to negotiate with the cops. No sooner are the crooks and their captives inside the plant than it is surrounded by policemen. An FBI unit led by John Potter (James Garner) arrives. Though a veteran agent, Potter has been laid off since he was accused of botching a bombing situation in Texas. He and the leader of the police force Budd (Kenneth Welsh) are immediately at loggerheads as to how to handle things. The situation is worsened when a publicity hungry assistant D.A. (Charles Martin Smith) shows up with a camera crew. Meanwhile, the clever and determined Melanie devises her own imperfect solution to the problem. Though basically a routine thriller, it does feature a couple of surprising twists at the end. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1996
- R
This suspenseful thriller originally aired on the Showtime cable network. Successful insurance executive Richard Ramsay has had a pretty good life until the day he is called by a paid assassin and informed that his wife is planning to have him killed. The hitman then makes Richard a most unusual offer. Later both the assassin and the faithless wife are found dead. Naturally Richard becomes the prime suspect of Detective Ferrand's investigation, but Richard is innocent and so sets off on his own investigation, one that leads him on serpentine trail of grim surprises. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Andrew McCarthy, Kate McNeil, (more)
A man must decide how long can he hold onto his dream in this drama. Tiff Wood (Colin Ferguson) is a world-class amateur rower whose dream is to compete in the Olympic games. While competition is fierce and Wood suffers more than his share of disappointments, in 1980 he makes the U.S. Olympic team and is thought to be a sure thing to bring home a gold medal in the Moscow games. Political tensions heat up between the United States and Russia, however, and President Jimmy Carter announces that America will be boycotting the Olympics. Crushed, Tiff sees only one option available to him -- to train himself to beat younger and stronger rowers so he can make the team in 1984. Based on the book The Amateurs by David Halberstam, Rowing Through was jointly produced by Japanese and Canadian production companies; the supporting cast includes Leslie Hope, Helen Shaver, and Peter Murnik. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Colin Ferguson, Leslie Hope, (more)
- 1996
Set in Australia, this romantic drama chronicles the renewal and the vengeance of an abused child who grows up to become the troubled April, a young mother who is kidnapped during a robbery and taken to an abandoned warehouse where she later falls for a crook who is as physically scarred as she is emotionally scarred. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1996
- R
A son is left in a dangerous situation as he struggles to deal with his father's legacy, in this made-for-television drama. After his father dies, Chris King (Andrew Lowery) is left to figure out why some determined thugs are interested in getting their hands on a suspicious package that his father may have had. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leslie Hope, Andrew Lowery, (more)
This Canadian-Japanese co-production uses both vintage historical footage (including armed forces films and period newsreels) and contemporary dramatic reenactments to tell the story of how the scientific and military minds behind the Manhattan Project, under the orders of President Harry Truman (Kenneth Welsh), developed the first atomic bomb. The weapon was first used to attack the city of Hiroshima near the end of World War II, changing forever the shape of modern warfare and bringing fearsome devastation to a previously quiet Japanese city. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Fraser (Paul Gross) and Ray (David Marciano) appear in Federal court to testify against Randal Bolt (Kenneth Welsh), the terrorist leader who attempted to hijack a trainload of singing mounties in the previous episode "All the Queen's Horses." Unfortunately for the two lawmen, the courtroom is invaded by Ray's cousins, who intend to free the terrorist and kill off his accusers. The climax finds our heroes strapped to a bomb that is set to go off if their combined heartrate exceeds 200 beats per minute. First broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on May 24, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
- 1995
Leslie Nielsen makes a return appearance as "legendary" Canadian mountie Sgt. Buck Frobisher, as do Alex Carter and Mark Melymick as well-meaning but bumbling FBI agents Ford and Deeter. Frobisher is among a group of singing mounties on board a train bound for an American concert. These redcoated songbirds as hijacked by a group of terrorists, led by Randal Bolt (Kenneth Walsh), who intend to kill everyone on board the train whether their demands are met or not. The climax involves a runaway choo-choo and Frobisher's sudden attack of "excess gas." Drama students will appreciate the character names given the members of the phony movie production crew. First broadcast on Canadian television, this episode made its US debut on April 12, 1996. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Gross, David Marciano, (more)
Victoria Principal stars as a woman twice-victimized in this made-for-TV drama. Principal stars as Anna Forbes, a married woman who is raped by her father-in-law. Traumatized, Anna keeps this secret to herself until she summons the courage to reveal the truth to her family. Instead of sympathy or understanding, she encounters vehement denial from her husband and family who refuse to believe the accusation. Her troubles only worsen when her husband decides to commit her to a psychiatric ward for treatment, where she not only must fight for justice, but also for her freedom. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Victoria Principal, Nicholas Campbell, (more)
A man has a near-death experience and awakens to find himself spiritually attached to another who went through a similar experience in this horror movie. The story is based on a Dean Koontz novel. Hatch Harrison, an antique dealer, finds himself in an extraordinary position following the car wreck in which he was broad-sided by a semi-truck. Although his wife and teenage daughter survive, Hatch was actually dead for two hours before innovative resuscitator Dr. Jonas Nybern was able to bring him back. Hatch tries to resume his normal life, but encounters difficulty when he begins having horrific hallucinations. It turns out that the "visions" are really the experiences of Vassago, a Satanist who ritually kills people. Somehow he and the killer are connected. Vassago, too can experience events in Hatch's life; he begins to threaten Hatch by telling him he will use his daughter for a virgin sacrifice. The two men must battle it out spiritually. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeff Goldblum, Christine Lahti, (more)
- 1995
Walter Isaacson's book Kissinger: A Biography served as the basis for this made-for-television movie about the famed political leader. Beau Bridges stars as President Richard Nixon and Ron Silver portrays Henry Kissinger, Nixon's national security advisor. The adaptation shows how Kissinger worked to try and end the Vietnam crisis while Nixon maneuvered to keep his political image strong until election time. Bridges was nominated for an Emmy for his lead performance. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ron Silver, Beau Bridges, (more)
- 1995
- R
The often tragic lives of the residents of a Nova Scotia coal mining town are viewed through the eyes of a depressed young woman in this grim period drama. Set in the 1940s, the film begins with a brief, intentionally puzzling interlude before flashing back several years to focus on the story of Margaret MacNeil (Helena Bonham Carter). Margaret has suffered through the death of her father and her brother, both of whom perished while working as coal miners, and has subsequently developed a hatred for the mines that provide the town's primary source of economic support. When she finds herself attracted to charming stranger Neil (Clive Russell), she is thrilled to learn that he has no plans to work in the mines. When Margaret and Neil marry over the opposition of Margaret's stern mother (Kate Nelligan), financial troubles force him to go back on his word, with unfortunate results. Based on several short stories by Sheldon Currie, the film draws an unrelentingly bleak picture of its subject, concentrating on the numerous hardships, from black lung to deadly cave-ins, that haunt the coal-mining community, resulting in a gloomy and at times morbid drama. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helena Bonham Carter, Clive Russell, (more)
A mother is forced to come to terms with her past in this made-for-television adaptation of the novel by Danielle Steel. Set in the 1930s, Lisa Rinni stars as Marielle Delauney, a wife and mother who harbors a secret about a marriage she once had and a child she lost many years ago in an accident. In an attempt to re-build her life after the trauma, Marielle left her husband, re-married, and started a new family. When her second son suddenly disappears though, and her ex-husband (Maurice Godin) is considered the prime suspect, the truth about all involved is slowly revealed. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
The tragic and true story of a family dealing with AIDS is re-told in this heart-wrenching made-for-cable drama. Amy Madigan and Dennis Boutsikaris star as Roxy and Vinnie Ventola, a successful television screenwriting couple. After struggling to become pregnant and finally conceiving a child, the couple learns that their newborn has AIDS. Soon afterward, the two parents are also diagnosed with the fatal virus. The film follows the family as they struggle to deal with the social, spiritual and physical tolls that the disease exacts on its sufferers. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Amy Madigan, Dennis Boutsikaris, (more)
