Susan Dey in Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night

In 1977, Susan Dey starred in one of her most popular and enduring movies, Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night. The CBS made-for-TV movie was a frank exploration of child abuse and is widely credited as the first television project to tackle the subject in such a forthright manner. Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night was written by Joanna Lee, a veteran Hollywood writer who turned to hot-button social issues and tearjerker subject matter in the late-'70s. Joanna Lee also scripted Cage Without a Key, Susan Dey's first TV movie.

In a breakthrough role for her, Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night starred Susan Dey in the role of Rowena Harper, an abusive mother. The movie also featured a number of other veteran actors, all perhaps excited to appear in a semi-controversial project. Kevin McCarthy and Priscilla Pointer play Rowena's parents. Tricia O'Neil plays the concerned physician, Bernie Casey the concerned social worker. John Vernon appears as a hospital administrator who tries to downplay the obvious abuse of a child. Future Cheers star Rhea Perlman also has a smaller role in the film.

Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night, like many similar 'big' TV movies which made a lasting impact on viewers, has never been released on VHS or DVD. It seems odd because this is a movie that many people remember and want to see again. Whether it is because of the subject matter or the performers, this seems like a movie that would sell quite a few copies if it were released. But what do I know....


Here are some promotional images of Susan Dey and Natasha Ryan for Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night:

And a newspaper clipping:

Advertisement for a rebroadcast of Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night from The Modesto Bee (August 20, 1978)

Image from a preview advertisement for Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night

Here are some pictures of Susan Dey in Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night:

Susan Dey and Kevin McCarthy