"Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night" (1977) Part 1 of 4 (TV MOVIE)

Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night is a Golden Globe nominated CBS television film starring Susan Dey as an abusive mother. The film , which aired in October 1977, was written and produced by Joanna Lee (based on her novel of the same name) and featured a supporting cast including Rhea Perlman, Kevin McCarthy and Natasha Ryan as Mary Jane Harper. FROM WIKIPEDIA

WARNING! Although this is a Made for TV film, it depicts acts that can or could easily upset viewers who can't stomach Teleplays about child abuse. Just remember to tell yourself, all acts are simulated. Sad this happens more than we care to hear.

Susan Dey ... Rowena Harper
John Vernon ... Dr. Orrin Helgerson
Kevin McCarthy ... Tom Atherton
Rhea Perlman ... Judy
Tricia O'Neil ... Dr. Angela Buccieri
Bernie Casey ... Dave Williams
Priscilla Pointer ... Laura Atherton
Phillip R. Allen ... Mr. Bernards
Natasha Ryan ... Mary Jane Harper
Alma Beltran ... Maria

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• susan
• dey
• abuse
• child
• girl
• 1977
• tv
• movie
• controversial
• disturbing
• rare
• social
• worker

[MBlackford409]

one scene I didnt' see here was the park scene? was that cut out?

[SeeUatThePreviews]

@MBlackford409 If there was a park scene in the original then it must have been TBS cutting the film for time. I personally don't remember which one you are referring to but then again it has been 34 years since I saw the premiere.

[maxeythecat]

WAHOOOO!! FINALLY someone's posted this!! Talk about a hard movie to track down....I've been searching for a copy for about 8 years with no luck, so thank you thank you thank YOU!!!

[SeeUatThePreviews]

@maxeythecat You're welcome. Only way to see this film is off the air way back and seems to never run any more.

[Bijoushow]

Wow. . . I saw this when it first aired. The scene that always stayed with me was when she takes her daughter's hand for the final time. . . scary stuff. Thanks for posting!

[SeeUatThePreviews]

@Bijoushow No problem. It's odd but the very same scene stayed in my mind since watching it for the very first time in '77. I'm wondering if this film had different prints in syndication with scenes added or removed from the CBS version. Too long ago to know.

[ManTexDal]

Could someone remind me what the phrase "Cops too" mean I have foregotten my 70s volcabulary thanks

[ManTexDal]

@Zombie00Goddess I Belive the  reason Rowena gave was that Mary Jane was a bed wetter

[Zombie00Goddess]

If she's almost 4 why is she still sleeping in a crib?

[judaspriestess69]

@ManTexDal Your welcome

[sarkissamuel]

This movie makes me cry. Why do I do this to myself......

[ManTexDal]

@judaspriestess69 Thank you

[judaspriestess69]

@ManTexDal it means "up yours","f*ck you" ,things along those lines

[ManTexDal]

and no one (including the Dr) thought to ask why Mary Jane was so muddy if she "fell out of a crib" as she claims

[ManTexDal]

Does anyone know was there REALLY a recording of Wigley Bear at that time  the record the Rowena played for MaryJane ?

[GaryAltonRussell]

This was one of the earliest depictions of child abuse I had ever seen. As an abuse survivor, I am so glad to see this is available on YouTube for others to see and learn from.