MOVIES ON TV Richard Crenna stars in 'Murder Times Seven'
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See the article in its original context from October 1990.
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Even when other aspects of the productions have been less than first-rate, the character has remained a perfect one for Crenna. Janek is tough enough to take on New York crime, but he is also a man who has feelings. In "Murder Times Seven," take note of the way he shows real regret and longing for an ex-flame (Susan Blakely) implicated in the case he is investigating. As the two are once again drawn to each other, we witness that rarity: romance blooming between two "mature" characters. Returning in roles they originated in the earlier movies are Cliff Gorman, Caroline Kava, James McDaniel and Kenneth Welsh.
There's a kind of gritty New York vitality that "Murder Times Seven" can't muster. Although it is tamer and more prosaic, it holds the viewer. Much of the credit must go to Crenna's portrayal of Janek-(May be pre-empted by the American League Championship Series).
• In the TV movie "In Defense of a Married Man" (ABC, Oct. 14), Michael Ontkean plays a man accused of murdering his mistress. And guess who gets to defend him? His wife (Judith Light), the "best defense attorney in town."
• It's Danielle Steel week on NBC. Two different adaptations of Steel books turn up on consecutive nights. In "Kaleidoscope" (NBC, Oct. 15), Perry King plays a detective hired to reunite three sisters who were separated during childhood. Surprises await. Jaclyn Smith plays the sister who has had it the worst experience. Patricia Kalember ("thirtysomething") and Colleen Dewhurst also star.
Danielle Steel's "Fine Things" (NBC, Oct. 16) pivots on a high-powered exec whose wife has died. Juggling his career and family, he's barely on his feet again when new tragedy strikes. His stepdaughter's natural dad appears, demanding custody and willing to use extortion to get it. D.W. Moffat ("An Early Frost"), Tracy Pollan ("The Kennedys of Massachusetts") and Cloris Leachman star.
