Mad at the Moon is a 1992 American Western-romantic horror film co-written and directed by Martin Donovan. It stars Mary Stuart Masterson, Hart Bochner and Fionnula Flanagan.

Mad at the Moon
DVD cover
Directed byMartin Donovan
Written byMartin Donovan
Richard Pelusi
Produced byMatt Devlen
Cassian Elwes
Michael Kastenbaum
StarringMary Stuart Masterson
Hart Bochner
Fionnula Flanagan
Stephen Blake
CinematographyRohn Schmidt
Edited byPenelope Shaw
Music byGerald Gouriet
Distributed byRepublic Pictures Home Video
Release date
  • May 1992 (1992-05)
Running time
98 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Synopsis

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In 1892, Jenny Hill (Masterson), a young woman living on the frontier, is infatuated with Miller Brown, the local outlaw. However, her mother (Flanagan) strongly disapproves and marries her off to Miller’s half-brother, James Miller, who is an apparently meek farmer. James Miller loves Jenny, but his love is not reciprocated by her. Eventually, Jenny discovers James' hidden secret of being a werewolf, and asks for Miller Brown's help to protect her from his half-brother.

Cast

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  • Mary Stuart Masterson ... Jenny Hill
  • Hart Bochner ... Miller Brown
  • Fionnula Flanagan ... Mrs. Hill
  • Stephen Blake ... James Miller
  • Cec Verrell ... Sally
  • Daphne Zuniga ... Young Mrs. Miller
  • Eleanor Baggett ... Older Mrs. Miller
  • Pat Atkins ... Mrs. Russell
  • Morgan Stuart ... Young Jenny
  • Ryan Slater ... Young James
  • Jonathan Tripp ... Opera Singer
  • Janet Momjian ... Opera Singer
  • Raymond De Felitta ... Piano Player
  • Jacqueline Stansbury ... Saloon Girl (as Jackie Stansbury)
  • Alix Koromzay ... Saloon Girl
  • Kathy Messick ... Saloon Girl
  • Melissa Moore ... Miss Saunders (as Melissa Anne Moore)
  • Stephen Cole ... Priest

Release

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Reception

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Mad at the Moon received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon its release. Derek Elley from Variety wrote a particularly scathing review, stating, "A bad attack of miscasting and some klutzy development take[s] the shine out of Mad at the Moon... Slimly plotted item may attract the midnight crowd at specialized outings but is unlikely to raise much of a howl with mainstream audiences."[1]

TV Guide awarded the film a mixed two out of five stars, commending the film's ambiance, and cinematography; while criticizing the film's underdeveloped plot, minimal character development, and abrupt ending.[2] Fred Beldin from Allmovie gave the film a more positive review, commending the film's cast, cinematography, and soundtrack, writing "While horror and Western fans won't have much patience with this deliberately paced romantic drama, Mad at the Moon is a unique meld of genre influences that succeeds on its own terms."[3]

References

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  1. ^ Elley, Derek (May 11, 1992). "Mad at the Moon – Variety". Variety.com. Derek Elley. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  2. ^ "Mad At The Moon – Movie Reviews and Movie Ratings". TV Guide.com. TV Guide. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  3. ^ Beldin, Fred. "Mad at the Moon (1992) – Martin Donovan". Allmovie.com. Fred Beldin. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
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