Smile Jenny, You're Dead Poster

Smile Jenny, You're Dead 1974

★ 6.47 votes100 min📅 1974-02-03

Step into the gritty world of 1970s crime drama with *Smile Jenny, You're Dead* (1974), a gripping TV movie directed by Jerry Thorpe and starring the iconic David Janssen.

Director: Jerry Thorpe

Cast

David Janssen
David Janssen
Harry Orwell
Andrea Marcovicci
Andrea Marcovicci
Jennifer English
John Anderson
John Anderson
Col. John Lockport
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster
Liberty Cole
Howard Da Silva
Howard Da Silva
Lt. Humphrey Kenner
Tim McIntire
Tim McIntire
Charley English
Zalman King
Zalman King
Roy St. John
Clu Gulager
Clu Gulager
Det. Milt Bosworth
Martin Gabel
Martin Gabel
Meade De Ruyter
Barbara Leigh
Barbara Leigh
Mildred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smile Jenny, You're Dead (1974) about?

*Smile Jenny, You're Dead* follows relentless detective Harry as he navigates the underbelly of crime while forming an unlikely bond with a homeless girl named Liberty. The telefilm blends crime-solving with themes of justice and redemption, all set against the gritty backdrop of 1970s Los Angeles.

Who directed Smile Jenny, You're Dead?

The film was directed by Jerry Thorpe, an accomplished filmmaker known for his work in television dramas.

Who stars in Smile Jenny, You're Dead?

The film features David Janssen, Andrea Marcovicci, John Anderson, Jodie Foster, and Howard Da Silva in key roles, with Tim McIntire rounding out the cast.

Is Smile Jenny, You're Dead (1974) worth watching?

*Smile Jenny, You're Dead* is a solid entry in the crime drama genre, offering a nostalgic yet engaging viewing experience. Janssen's detective work and Foster's early performance add layers of intrigue, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic TV movies.

How long is Smile Jenny, You're Dead?

The runtime of *Smile Jenny, You're Dead* is 100 minutes.

About Smile Jenny, You're Dead (1974) — David Janssen's Crime Drama Pilot Explored

Step into the gritty world of 1970s crime drama with *Smile Jenny, You're Dead* (1974), a gripping TV movie directed by Jerry Thorpe and starring the iconic David Janssen. This telefilm serves as a compelling pilot for Janssen's later series, *Harry O*, and delivers a tense, atmospheric thriller centered on a relentless detective navigating the shadows of urban crime. The story unfolds with a haunting blend of mystery and moral complexity, as Janssen's detective Harry crosses paths with a homeless girl, Liberty, played by a young Jodie Foster, whose wisdom and resilience add depth to the narrative. The film's moody setting and sharp character dynamics create an immersive experience, blending crime-solving with themes of justice and human connection.

With a runtime of 100 minutes, *Smile Jenny, You're Dead* (1974) stands as a time capsule of its era, offering a snapshot of crime drama's evolution. Janssen's portrayal of Harry is a masterclass in understated intensity, while Foster's breakthrough role as Liberty shines as a standout moment in her early career. The film's noir-inspired atmosphere and tight plotting make it a must-watch for fans of classic crime thrillers and TV movie enthusiasts alike.