Introduction"Smile Jenny, You're Dead" is a 1974 American TV movie directed by Jerry Thorpe and produced by Eric Bercovici, featuring the characters from the book "The Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man" composed by Thomas Mann. The film stars David Janssen as Harry Orwell, Jodie Foster as Jenny Reoch, and John Anderson as Inspector Becker. The film debuts the character Harry Orwell, which later on caused the '70s cult television series "Harry O".
PlotThe movie "Smile Jenny, You're Dead" revolves around the character Harry Orwell, a previous investigator who has retired from the force due to a bullet lodged near his spine. Harry still fixes criminal activities in a more individual manner in which includes avoiding any battles and automobile goes after. The movie begins with Harry being approached by a pal, Lieutenant Becker, who presumes that someone is stalking his child, Jenny, who is an university student.
In order to find out who is behind this, Harry goes to the college posing as Jenny's uncle. He befriends the students in the college and overhears a discussion about a man called Charlie, a professional photographer who apparently holds bad Jenny in high regard and might be the stalker. As the plot unfolds, it is found that Charlie is blackmailing prominent citizens with jeopardizing pictures, taken using a telephoto lens to ensure their cooperation.
Characters- David Janssen as Harry Orwell: As discussed above, Harry is a previous murder detective who has actually retired due to injury from a bullet. His character is a private detective who assists individuals in trouble however prevents any physical fights.
- Jodie Foster as Jenny Reoch: Jenny is a college student who is uninformed of being stalked up until Harry comes to her help. She belongs to a group of buddies that Harry befriends while on his mission to find the stalker.
- John Anderson as Inspector Becker: Becker is a police and a pal of Harry, who asks him for aid to secure his child, Jenny, from a stalker. He trusts Harry's impulses and capabilities to solve the case.
- James Woods as Charlie: Charlie is a photographer who ends up being obsessed with Jenny. He privately takes jeopardizing images of individuals, consisting of Jenny, to blackmail them.
Themes"Smile Jenny, You're Dead" explores themes of obsession, stalking, and control. Charlie's fascination with Jenny triggers him to go to terrific lengths to obtain control over her life, even resorting to blackmail. The film also looks at the effects of such controls on individuals involved, consisting of the helplessness and confusion felt by the victims.
Additionally, the film showcases the style of rely on friendship. The main character, Harry, builds trust with both Jenny and her buddies and slowly uncovers the fact. Furthermore, the film exhibits the value of examining unpleasant circumstances rather of looking the other method, as appears through Harry's decision to make things right, although the victim is someone that he has never fulfilled.
Conclusion"Smile Jenny, You're Dead" is a suspenseful drama that marked the start of the popular TV series "Harry O", thanks to its interesting plot and effective performances by the stars, especially David Janssen and Jodie Foster. With the movie discussing modern problems, such as stalking, blackmail, and manipulation, it keeps importance and stands as a classic in the noir crime category.
The film gain from a strong movie script and solid direction, highlighting the complexities of the criminal mind and showcasing the human spirit's durability versus fear and adjustment. It serves as an eye-opening suggestion of the risks that in some cases prowl underneath apparently innocent interests and fascinations.
Top Cast
