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Karen Allen Television

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Made for Television Movies and Miniseries:

Title Character When & Where Notes Ads (please support this site)

November Christmas
Claire Sanford November 28, 2010
CBS November Christmas centers around a small Rhode Island community, where a group of neighbors band together to create holiday moments for a girl who is facing a serious illness. The cast features Karen Allen, John Corbett, Sam Elliott, and Emily Alyn Lind. Based on Greg Coppa's short story of the same name, November Christmas was written by P'Nenah Goldstein.

guide

Knots Landing Reunion: Together Again
Annie Fairgate December 2, 2005 CBS is going back to the cul de sac for Knots Landing Reunion: Together Again, a special that was inevitable given soaring ratings for similar shows. The two-hour program lives up to the title. Almost everyone who ever was a regular participates. Featured are snippets of guest shots by then lesser known actors who have since zoomed to A-list status: Halle Berry, Billy Bob Thornton, Gary Sinise, Karen Allen and David James Elliott.

Plain Dirty
Butcher Lee May 4, 2004 Filmed in and around High Point, North Carolina as Briar Patch for theatrical release starring Dominique Swain, Henry Thomas (E.T.), Arie Verveen and Karen Allen. Premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival on January 20, 2003.

Shaka Zulu: The Last Great Warrior
Katherine Farewell August 6, 2002 Production of this four-hour mini-series was completed August 2000. It stars David Hasselhoff, Karen Allen, Grace Jones, Omar Sharif, James Fox and Henry Cele. Litigation prevented its showing in the US, but it was shown on European television and released on VHS & DVD in Germany as Der Krieger - Shaka Zulu. A 120-minute edited-for-theater version was screened August 6, 2002 at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, and there are plans for a general theatrical release. The DVD linked to here has been cut further to only 94 minutes. Only the German DVD (Der Kruger) has the nearly-complete 179-minute version. It has both German and English soundtracks, but it is Region 2, so you may not be able to view it in the USA.

My Horrible Year!

Belinda Faulkner July 8, 2001, Showtime Annus Horribilis was the working title. Costars Mimi Rogers and Allison Mack; Eric Stolz directed a script by P J McIlvaine. See more pictures.

Wind River

Martha Wilson June 7, 2000, UK Sky Premier Originally filmed in 1998 for theatrical release, Wind River was shown on Sky Premier, a cable/satellite channel in the UK, in June, 2000. It was released on DVD November 27, 2001 from Porchlight Entertainment, a division of Lions Gate Entertainment.

Falling Sky
Resse Nicholson November 1999, European TV Filmed in 1997 in Las Vegas for theatrical release, Falling Sky first aired on television in Europe in November of 1999. It stars Karen Allen, Brittany Murphy (Clueless), Jeremy Jordan (Leaving Las Vegas), Patrick Renna (The Sandlot). Falling Sky was directed by Russ Brandt and Brian J. De Palma, who also wrote the screenplay. The working title was Crocodile Tears.

All the Winters That Have Been
Order the Book
Helen Raven September 21, 1997, CBS Co-star: Richard Chamberlain; filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia; based on the novel by Evan Maxwell

Hostile Advances: The Kerry Ellison Story
Margaret Walker May 27, 1996, Lifetime Based on a true story; filmed in Toronto

Voyage

Catherine 'Kit' Norvell June 2, 1993, USA Network Filmed in Malta. Connie Nielsen (Ronnie Freeland) starred in the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator as Lucilla, sister of Emperor Commodus.

Rapture
Georgianne Corcoran March 1993, Syndicated Filmed in Toronto

Secret Weapon
Ruth Beckman March 19, 1990, TNT When an Israeli engineer flees with atomic secrets, it's up to a sexy government agent (Karen) to retrieve him. Based on a true story.
"Film Focuses on Israel Spy Case" Los Angeles Times - January 2, 1990

Challenger
Christa McAuliffe February 25, 1990, ABC filmed in Houston

Backfire

Mara McAndrew June 18, 1989, Showtime Originally filmed in 1987 on Vancouver Island, no distribution deal could be found. After a very limited theatrical release on June 21, 1988, the film was finally sold to Showtime. Producer Dan Rissner. Director Gil Cates. Screenwriters Larry Brand and Rebecca Reynolds. Stars Karen Allen, Keith Carradine, Jeff Fahey, Dinah Manoff, Dean Paul Martin and Bernie Casey.

East of Eden
Abra February 8, 9 & 11, 1981, ABC From John Steinbeck novel; 1955 film starred James Dean

Lovey - A Circle of Children, Part II Elizabeth December 13, 1978, CBS Sequel to A Circle of Children, which in turn was based on the book Circle of Children: A Teacher's Dedication and Love (Lippincott, 1973), by Mary McCracken. Despite the soap-opera trappings, Lovey: A Circle of Children shines with the light of truth from first frame to last, with Jane Alexander matching the brilliance of her earlier performance in the same role.

Title	Character	When & Where	Notes
November Christmas	Claire Sanford	November 28, 2010 CBS	November Christmas centers around a small Rhode Island community, where a group of neighbors band together to create holiday moments for a girl who is facing a serious illness. The cast features Karen Allen, John Corbett, Sam Elliott, and Emily Alyn Lind. Based on Greg Coppa's short story of the same name, November Christmas was written by P'Nenah Goldstein.	guide
Knots Landing Reunion: Together Again	Annie Fairgate	December 2, 2005	CBS is going back to the cul de sac for Knots Landing Reunion: Together Again, a special that was inevitable given soaring ratings for similar shows. The two-hour program lives up to the title. Almost everyone who ever was a regular participates. Featured are snippets of guest shots by then lesser known actors who have since zoomed to A-list status: Halle Berry, Billy Bob Thornton, Gary Sinise, Karen Allen and David James Elliott.
Plain Dirty	Butcher Lee	May 4, 2004	Filmed in and around High Point, North Carolina as Briar Patch for theatrical release starring Dominique Swain, Henry Thomas (E.T.), Arie Verveen and Karen Allen. Premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival on January 20, 2003.
Shaka Zulu: The Last Great Warrior	Katherine Farewell	August 6, 2002	Production of this four-hour mini-series was completed August 2000. It stars David Hasselhoff, Karen Allen, Grace Jones, Omar Sharif, James Fox and Henry Cele. Litigation prevented its showing in the US, but it was shown on European television and released on VHS & DVD in Germany as Der Krieger - Shaka Zulu. A 120-minute edited-for-theater version was screened August 6, 2002 at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, and there are plans for a general theatrical release. The DVD linked to here has been cut further to only 94 minutes. Only the German DVD (Der Kruger) has the nearly-complete 179-minute version. It has both German and English soundtracks, but it is Region 2, so you may not be able to view it in the USA.
My Horrible Year!	Belinda Faulkner	July 8, 2001, Showtime	Annus Horribilis was the working title. Costars Mimi Rogers and Allison Mack; Eric Stolz directed a script by P J McIlvaine. See more pictures.
Wind River	Martha Wilson	June 7, 2000, UK Sky Premier	Originally filmed in 1998 for theatrical release, Wind River was shown on Sky Premier, a cable/satellite channel in the UK, in June, 2000. It was released on DVD November 27, 2001 from Porchlight Entertainment, a division of Lions Gate Entertainment.
Falling Sky	Resse Nicholson	November 1999, European TV	Filmed in 1997 in Las Vegas for theatrical release, Falling Sky first aired on television in Europe in November of 1999. It stars Karen Allen, Brittany Murphy (Clueless), Jeremy Jordan (Leaving Las Vegas), Patrick Renna (The Sandlot). Falling Sky was directed by Russ Brandt and Brian J. De Palma, who also wrote the screenplay. The working title was Crocodile Tears.

All the Winters That Have Been Order the Book	Helen Raven	September 21, 1997, CBS	Co-star: Richard Chamberlain; filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia; based on the novel by Evan Maxwell
Hostile Advances: The Kerry Ellison Story	Margaret Walker	May 27, 1996, Lifetime	Based on a true story; filmed in Toronto
Voyage	Catherine 'Kit' Norvell	June 2, 1993, USA Network	Filmed in Malta. Connie Nielsen (Ronnie Freeland) starred in the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator as Lucilla, sister of Emperor Commodus.
Rapture	Georgianne Corcoran	March 1993, Syndicated	Filmed in Toronto
Secret Weapon	Ruth Beckman	March 19, 1990, TNT	When an Israeli engineer flees with atomic secrets, it's up to a sexy government agent (Karen) to retrieve him. Based on a true story. "Film Focuses on Israel Spy Case" Los Angeles Times - January 2, 1990
Challenger	Christa McAuliffe	February 25, 1990, ABC	filmed in Houston
Backfire	Mara McAndrew	June 18, 1989, Showtime	Originally filmed in 1987 on Vancouver Island, no distribution deal could be found. After a very limited theatrical release on June 21, 1988, the film was finally sold to Showtime. Producer Dan Rissner. Director Gil Cates. Screenwriters Larry Brand and Rebecca Reynolds. Stars Karen Allen, Keith Carradine, Jeff Fahey, Dinah Manoff, Dean Paul Martin and Bernie Casey.
East of Eden	Abra	February 8, 9 & 11, 1981, ABC	From John Steinbeck novel; 1955 film starred James Dean
Lovey - A Circle of Children, Part II	Elizabeth	December 13, 1978, CBS	Sequel to A Circle of Children, which in turn was based on the book Circle of Children: A Teacher's Dedication and Love (Lippincott, 1973), by Mary McCracken. Despite the soap-opera trappings, Lovey: A Circle of Children shines with the light of truth from first frame to last, with Jane Alexander matching the brilliance of her earlier performance in the same role.

Television Series, Shows, Episodes and Pilots:

Title Character When & Where Notes

Gateway
2012
TNT Gateway is set in the Colorado town of the same name in the 1880s and tells the story of three Flynn brothers � Terence (David Denman), Daniel (Keir O�Donnell) and Jake (Cam Gigandet) � who step in to save their town when their sheriff father is murdered, pitting them against a corrupt cattle baron determined to make the town his own. Karen Allen will play the brothers� mom, a rancher�s daughter. Donal Logue will play Auggie, Jake�s drinking buddy, an aristocratic soul who inherited the town store from his father. Ana De la Reguera will play the practical and feisty co-owner of Lola�s saloon. The cast also includes Keith Carradine, Shannon Lucio, and Eric Lange. The project is being directed by Danny Cannon and penned by Band of Brothers scribe Bruce McKenna, with location filming in Sante Fe, NM. [Karen Allen]
Jeff Bridges: The Dude Abides Herself January 12, 2011
8pm EST, PBS This American Masters profile gives viewers an unexpected window into the life of the Academy Award-winning actor whose easy going style has endeared him to audiences for almost 40 years. Helping to illuminate time and place in Bridges� work are on-screen interviews with the directors Terry Gilliam, Taylor Hackford and Peter Bogdanovich; the actors Robin Williams, Robert Duvall, John Goodman and Stacey Keach; the actresses Cybil Shephard, Mercedes Ruehl and Karen Allen; the musicians T-Bone Burnett and Michael McDonald.

Entertainment Tonight
Episode 72 dated 13 October 2003 Herself October 13, 2003, Syndicated Interviews with Karen Allen and other cast members about the future of Indy IV

Premier Movie Mag with Jill Bernstein Herself March 21, 2002, AMC Interview with Karen Allen about the filming of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Q: Why did you chose this part? KA: I loved the introduction of Marion — the drinking scene in Nepal. . . When I first read the script, it was so secret that a courier sat in my hotel room, waiting for me to finish.
Q: What was your favorite scene? KA: Marion and Belloq's dinner scene in the tent. I remember it fondly because Paul Freeman and I were allowed to improvise much of it. Paul's outburst of laughter when I pull the knife was one of Paul's ideas. . .
Of course, there was the scene where Steven [Spielberg] threw a snake on me. One of the pythons had gotten the cobra pissed one day, so the cobra bit it and the python promptly died. Steven then kept the dead python on ice. That's the snake that was dropped around my neck in the Well of Souls. My quick reaction to throw it free and my pissed-off stare were more than just good acting. Also, the rapidly decomposing body left quite a bit of slime on me.
Q: What was the most difficult scene to shoot? KA: The fire and fight in the Raven bar — if the actors' timing was off, or if anything else went awry, it took them a whole day to set everything up for another take.
Q: What about the upcoming Indy 4, and your rumoured involvement. KA: I really don't know anything about it yet, but would be happy to do it.

Behind the Movies: Animal House
Herself June 30, 2001, NBC Interviews with Karen Allen and other cast members about the filming of Animal House

Law & Order: SVU
Episode: Scourge
season 2,
episode 21
Paula Varney May 11, 2001, NBC SEASON FINALE -- After four brutal murders in 24 hours, detectives canvass the streets searching for signs of a madman who exclaims paranoid and twisted religious rhetoric while committing his crimes. Once suspect Daniel Varney (Richard Thomas) is in custody, Benson wades through his "religious" justifications with the help of his distraught wife Paula (Karen Allen), who provides key information with profound implications for the case.
Written by Robert F. Campbell & Jonathan Greene, Directed by Alex Zakrzewski [Law & Order:SVU: Season 2]

A&E's Biography
Episode: Cleopatra: Destiny's Queen

Narrator 2000, A&E Cleopatra (69-30 BC) was the last of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt. This fascinating portrait of the Queen of the Nile traces her short life, from her noble birth to her legendary suicide. Ancient records combined with modern re-enactments and computer-generated graphics bring her remarkable story to life.

Law & Order
Episode: Survivor
season 7,
episode 4 Joan Sandler October 23, 1996, NBC Karen plays the daughter of Holocaust survivors. Briscoe and Rey's investigation of the murder of a rare coin dealer nets them a millionaire as a suspect, but Ross has to play detective too as the DA's office tries to establish a provenance for the missing coin collection. Written by Jeremy R. Littman, Directed by Jace Alexander Law & Order

The Making of the Leopard Son Narrator September 22, 1996, Discovery Channel Behind-the-scenes footage of the making of Discovery Channel Pictures' first theatrical film, which follows an African leopard cub from birth to his coming of age. The special also profiles the film's producer and composer. Making Leopard Son

Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye Host August 6, 1995, Disney Channel Repeat (and re-titling) of Making of the Indiana Jones Adventure, previously shown May 8 on CBS, promoting Walt Disney World's new ride.

Salute to Steven Spielberg
Appearance May 27, 1995, NBC Tribute to Steven Spielberg, the 23rd recipient of the American Film Institute's career achievement award. Originally taped March 2, 1995. A two-hour version was shown on A&E in September 1995.

Making of the Indiana Jones Adventure Host May 8, 1995, CBS Half-hour special promoting Disney World's newest virtual reality ride, hosted by Karen Allen and John Rhys-Davies. This special was originally to air April 19th but was pre-empted by coverage of the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Indiana Jones Adventure

The Road Home Allison Matson 9pm March 5 through April 16, 1994, CBS Karen Allen's only TV series, 6 episodes. The Road Home was titled Down Home until just a couple of weeks before its debut.

Beauty

A CBS-TV Pilot about the cosmetic business, directed by thirtysomething's Ken Olin, and written by Joseph Doughtery. Probably never filmed.

Toonces, The Cat Who Could Drive a Car Fugitive 8pm February 14, 1992, NBC A half-hour prime time special with Saturday Night Live's Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Victoria Jackson, Linda Hamilton, Randy Quaid, Karen Allen and others. Toonces

Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Episode: The Creeper Jackie Foster March 16, 1986, NBC A fashion designer (Karen Allen) is terrified that she may be the next target of the creeper who may have the key to her apartment.
Teleplay by Steve Bello & Stephen Kronish, based on the Teleplay by James Cavanagh and a Story by Joseph Ruscoll; Directed by Christopher Crowe Alfred Hitchcock

Great Movie Stunts: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Host 1981, PBS A one-hour documentary hosted by Harrison Ford

The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark
Host 1981, PBS A one-hour documentary co-hosted with Harrison Ford

Friday's Host 1981-82, ABC Friday's was the ABC-TV network's answer to NBC's Saturday Night Live in the 1980's. Regulars included Michael "Kramer" Richards and Mark Blankfield. On one episode, Karen was the host and the musical guest was Stray Cats

Knots Landing
Episode: Pilot
Annie Fairgate December 27, 1979, CBS Karen only appeared in the pilot episode, as Annie Fairgate, who was only mentioned once more, later in the first season.

Title	Character	When & Where	Notes
Gateway		2012 TNT	Gateway is set in the Colorado town of the same name in the 1880s and tells the story of three Flynn brothers � Terence (David Denman), Daniel (Keir O�Donnell) and Jake (Cam Gigandet) � who step in to save their town when their sheriff father is murdered, pitting them against a corrupt cattle baron determined to make the town his own. Karen Allen will play the brothers� mom, a rancher�s daughter. Donal Logue will play Auggie, Jake�s drinking buddy, an aristocratic soul who inherited the town store from his father. Ana De la Reguera will play the practical and feisty co-owner of Lola�s saloon. The cast also includes Keith Carradine, Shannon Lucio, and Eric Lange. The project is being directed by Danny Cannon and penned by Band of Brothers scribe Bruce McKenna, with location filming in Sante Fe, NM.
Jeff Bridges: The Dude Abides	Herself	January 12, 2011 8pm EST, PBS	This American Masters profile gives viewers an unexpected window into the life of the Academy Award-winning actor whose easy going style has endeared him to audiences for almost 40 years. Helping to illuminate time and place in Bridges� work are on-screen interviews with the directors Terry Gilliam, Taylor Hackford and Peter Bogdanovich; the actors Robin Williams, Robert Duvall, John Goodman and Stacey Keach; the actresses Cybil Shephard, Mercedes Ruehl and Karen Allen; the musicians T-Bone Burnett and Michael McDonald.
Entertainment Tonight Episode 72 dated 13 October 2003	Herself	October 13, 2003, Syndicated	Interviews with Karen Allen and other cast members about the future of Indy IV
Premier Movie Mag with Jill Bernstein	Herself	March 21, 2002, AMC	Interview with Karen Allen about the filming of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Q: Why did you chose this part? KA: I loved the introduction of Marion — the drinking scene in Nepal. . . When I first read the script, it was so secret that a courier sat in my hotel room, waiting for me to finish. Q: What was your favorite scene? KA: Marion and Belloq's dinner scene in the tent. I remember it fondly because Paul Freeman and I were allowed to improvise much of it. Paul's outburst of laughter when I pull the knife was one of Paul's ideas. . . Of course, there was the scene where Steven [Spielberg] threw a snake on me. One of the pythons had gotten the cobra pissed one day, so the cobra bit it and the python promptly died. Steven then kept the dead python on ice. That's the snake that was dropped around my neck in the Well of Souls. My quick reaction to throw it free and my pissed-off stare were more than just good acting. Also, the rapidly decomposing body left quite a bit of slime on me. Q: What was the most difficult scene to shoot? KA: The fire and fight in the Raven bar — if the actors' timing was off, or if anything else went awry, it took them a whole day to set everything up for another take. Q: What about the upcoming Indy 4, and your rumoured involvement. KA: I really don't know anything about it yet, but would be happy to do it.
Behind the Movies: Animal House	Herself	June 30, 2001, NBC	Interviews with Karen Allen and other cast members about the filming of Animal House
Law & Order: SVU Episode: Scourge season 2, episode 21	Paula Varney	May 11, 2001, NBC	SEASON FINALE -- After four brutal murders in 24 hours, detectives canvass the streets searching for signs of a madman who exclaims paranoid and twisted religious rhetoric while committing his crimes. Once suspect Daniel Varney (Richard Thomas) is in custody, Benson wades through his "religious" justifications with the help of his distraught wife Paula (Karen Allen), who provides key information with profound implications for the case. Written by Robert F. Campbell & Jonathan Greene, Directed by Alex Zakrzewski
A&E's Biography Episode: Cleopatra: Destiny's Queen	Narrator	2000, A&E	Cleopatra (69-30 BC) was the last of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt. This fascinating portrait of the Queen of the Nile traces her short life, from her noble birth to her legendary suicide. Ancient records combined with modern re-enactments and computer-generated graphics bring her remarkable story to life.
Law & Order Episode: Survivor season 7, episode 4	Joan Sandler	October 23, 1996, NBC	Karen plays the daughter of Holocaust survivors. Briscoe and Rey's investigation of the murder of a rare coin dealer nets them a millionaire as a suspect, but Ross has to play detective too as the DA's office tries to establish a provenance for the missing coin collection. Written by Jeremy R. Littman, Directed by Jace Alexander
The Making of the Leopard Son	Narrator	September 22, 1996, Discovery Channel	Behind-the-scenes footage of the making of Discovery Channel Pictures' first theatrical film, which follows an African leopard cub from birth to his coming of age. The special also profiles the film's producer and composer.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye	Host	August 6, 1995, Disney Channel	Repeat (and re-titling) of Making of the Indiana Jones Adventure, previously shown May 8 on CBS, promoting Walt Disney World's new ride.
Salute to Steven Spielberg	Appearance	May 27, 1995, NBC	Tribute to Steven Spielberg, the 23rd recipient of the American Film Institute's career achievement award. Originally taped March 2, 1995. A two-hour version was shown on A&E in September 1995.
Making of the Indiana Jones Adventure	Host	May 8, 1995, CBS	Half-hour special promoting Disney World's newest virtual reality ride, hosted by Karen Allen and John Rhys-Davies. This special was originally to air April 19th but was pre-empted by coverage of the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
The Road Home	Allison Matson	9pm March 5 through April 16, 1994, CBS	Karen Allen's only TV series, 6 episodes. The Road Home was titled Down Home until just a couple of weeks before its debut.
Beauty			A CBS-TV Pilot about the cosmetic business, directed by thirtysomething's Ken Olin, and written by Joseph Doughtery. Probably never filmed.
Toonces, The Cat Who Could Drive a Car	Fugitive	8pm February 14, 1992, NBC	A half-hour prime time special with Saturday Night Live's Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Victoria Jackson, Linda Hamilton, Randy Quaid, Karen Allen and others.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents Episode: The Creeper	Jackie Foster	March 16, 1986, NBC	A fashion designer (Karen Allen) is terrified that she may be the next target of the creeper who may have the key to her apartment. Teleplay by Steve Bello & Stephen Kronish, based on the Teleplay by James Cavanagh and a Story by Joseph Ruscoll; Directed by Christopher Crowe
Great Movie Stunts: Raiders of the Lost Ark	Host	1981, PBS	A one-hour documentary hosted by Harrison Ford
The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark	Host	1981, PBS	A one-hour documentary co-hosted with Harrison Ford
Friday's	Host	1981-82, ABC	Friday's was the ABC-TV network's answer to NBC's Saturday Night Live in the 1980's. Regulars included Michael "Kramer" Richards and Mark Blankfield. On one episode, Karen was the host and the musical guest was Stray Cats
Knots Landing Episode: Pilot	Annie Fairgate	December 27, 1979, CBS	Karen only appeared in the pilot episode, as Annie Fairgate, who was only mentioned once more, later in the first season.