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The Guardian (1984) Online

The Guardian (1984) Online
Original Title :
The Guardian
Genre :
Movie / Thriller
Year :
1984
Directror :
David Greene
Cast :
Martin Sheen,Louis Gossett Jr.,Arthur Hill
Writer :
Richard Levinson,William Link
Budget :
CAD 4,400,000
Type :
Movie
Time :
1h 45min
Rating :
6.4/10
The Guardian (1984) Online

The residents of a New York City apartment building are shocked when one of them is shot during a burglary. They decide to hire a security expert to patrol the building, but he seems a little over-committed to his work. Residents are uncomfortable with the security expert's methods, but choose safety over asking at what cost.
Cast overview, first billed only:
Martin Sheen Martin Sheen - Charlie Hyatt
Louis Gossett Jr. Louis Gossett Jr. - John Mack
Arthur Hill Arthur Hill - Dr. Phil Julian
Tandy Cronyn Tandy Cronyn - Lynn Hyatt
Simon Reynolds Simon Reynolds - Robbie Hyatt
Tom Harvey Tom Harvey - Mr. Wicker
Maury Chaykin Maury Chaykin - Rudy Simbro
Anthony Sherwood Anthony Sherwood - Mr. Chambers
Taborah Johnson Taborah Johnson - Mrs. Chambers
Dinah Christie Dinah Christie - Claire Julian
Kate Lynch Kate Lynch - Fran
Shaaun Taylor Shaaun Taylor - Junkie
Bathsheba Garnett Bathsheba Garnett - Mrs. Jacobs
Hadley Kay Hadley Kay - Jason
Wendy Crewson Wendy Crewson - Marlee Kramer

Some of the film was shot in the abandoned Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital in the west end of Toronto, Ontario, which later became Humber College's Lakeshore Campus. Police Academy (1984) also had scenes filmed at this location.

A TV movie made for the HBO network.


User reviews

Cel

Cel

I've seen this title several times, and I'm still trying to answer the previous question. Louis Gossett Jr. is brilliant in his role as John Mack, the hard to figure out security whiz. This is one of the best made for tv'ers ever made. The kind of stuff that made you run out and get cable after seeing it at a friends house. Unfortunately, they haven't made too many more this good sinse then.

If you can find it, rent it, you'll enjoy it.
Vizuru

Vizuru

I would stay home if they showed quality like this all the time.But

thats asking for a lot.Well acted- dilemma of giving up your

freedom and pride, paying a big price for " big brother" protection a

good analogy of government and citizens.
Agalen

Agalen

This film has some really well performed scenes of high drama. The opening burglary, the rape scene and the second last scene are all convincingly acted and gripping. I like the ending, but others may protest. Fantastic work from Louis Gossett Jr and Martin Sheen, and a story that leaves you guessing right to the end.
Zeks Horde

Zeks Horde

Alongside DEADLY VOYAGE this is one of the best films ever to have been made for television . THE GUARDIAN stars Sheen as a white bleeding heart liberal and Gossett Jr as a black draconian fascistic security guard and it`s no coincidence that these two people are written this way or that one`s black and one`s white . Indeed it`s central to the subtext and character arcs . Best part is the climax when Sheen - who goes slightly OTT in this scene , and that`s by no means a criticism - realises that he has to " Geddit up " . If you`re wondering why he doesn`t want to " Geddit up " then you`ll just have to watch this great TVM . You won`t be disappointed
Winenama

Winenama

I've not seen this for 26 years, but I remember it well and have tried a number of times to find this movie again so I could watch it once more. It seems that only a few old VHS copies are still around at places like Amazon. I've not had a VHS player for 10 years, so that will do me no good.

It's a great movie and if I am remembering it as it was, Louis Gossett did a near perfect job in his part and as unconventional as he was in his role as the Guardian, he was exactly what they needed. It's one of those politically incorrect stories where you'll find yourself glad it is that way.

I'll keep looking for a DVD but I doubt I'll get another shot at this excellent movie! If you have an opportunity to catch it, make the effort. It's a movie worth your time.
Άνουβις

Άνουβις

The Guardian (1984) was one of the many made-for-t.v.-movies that Martin Sheen starred in during the eighties. In this picture he stars as a mealy mouth "liberal" who opposed the strict law enforcement rules of his new apartment security guard (Lou Gossett Jr.) After a several near miss calls for the upper class residents involving the residents, Sheen decides to do some amateur sleuthing and discovers a couple of shady activities that the security guard has been doing. This raises a few questions within Sheen's mind. Does he follow his convictions and rat out the security guard? What about the safety of his neighbors or himself? Will their lives be in peril from the evil hoods that stalk the streets? Why does the Security Guard always acts so shady and secretive? You'll find out the questions to these answers when you watch The Guardian!!

This was a very good t.v. movie. It raises some interesting questions and the film makers leave a t lot of open ended ones as well. Even as a liberal myself, Martin Sheen's character is too stereotypical for my tastes. That's my only qualm with this movie. Other than that, it's a good watch.

Recommended.
saafari

saafari

Both Martin Sheen and Louis Gossett Jnr are absolutely perfect in the role of A middle class white liberal and a black draconian security guard that will do anything to protect and ultimately control the tenants in an apartment building. Watching the tension between the two men rise so gradually and subtly really ratchets up the suspense. The murder scene where the tenant is shot is done very well but it's the rape scene that is so heartbreakingly realistic that it stays with you. The Guardian is a riveting movie with surprisingly little blood compared to many of todays gore fests. I just wish they would make more films like this.
Daigami

Daigami

I recorded it into my video collection from TV many years ago and have made a DVD copy also, but I like the other reviewers would like to own an original copy myself. Currently my Vieod/DVd player is out of action but intend to get a new one and can then make other copies of the film.