

Smile Jenny, You're Dead
David Janssen (The Fugitive) portrays dogged detective Harry in the telefilm that was the second of two pilots preceding his memorable Harry O series. Among the highlights: young Jodie Foster as Liberty, the wise-beyond-her-years homeless waif Harry befriends.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, Jenny, experiences terrifying premonitions and visions after her sister's apparent suicide. As the unsettling events escalate, she begins to suspect foul play and that her own life may be in danger. Jenny must uncover the dark secrets surrounding her family before she becomes the next victim.
Critical Reception
Smile Jenny, You're Dead was a made-for-television movie that garnered moderate attention for its suspenseful atmosphere and psychological horror elements. While not a groundbreaking film, it was noted for its effective tension and performances, particularly from its lead actors, fitting within the popular made-for-TV horror genre of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its suspenseful direction and unsettling atmosphere.
- The performances, especially by Melinda Dillon, were highlighted as a strong point.
- Felt like a solid, albeit standard, made-for-TV thriller of its time.
Google audience: Audience reception for this film is not widely documented on Google platforms. However, contemporary reviews generally found it to be a competently made suspense film that delivered scares effectively for a television broadcast.
Fun Fact
This film was originally intended to be a pilot for a television series, which was ultimately not picked up.
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