The Warden is a movie based on the UK television series The Governor with Janet McTeer playing Helen Hewitt (Sheedy's role in The Warden). Helen is appointed the first female warden in a maximum security prison called Wabash State Prison. She is given the position based on the fact that "the powers that be" thought she would be easy to control - they were very, very wrong. She goes on a mission to solve the very suicide (or murder) that she earned her position due to by dealing with the after events of the riot that broke out at the same time the death occurred. She realizes that there was a cover-up and that something was very wrong with the whole situation.

Those who appreciate Linda Hamilton (The Terminator), Demi Moore (G.I. Jane), Meryl Streep (The River Wild) and strong women of that type will really appreciate Alley Sheedy in this film for several reasons. First, the role of Helen Hewitt is a very strong role. She doesn't take any crap from those under her authority (and those over her for that matter).

Second, the situation she's tossed into is very demanding and stressful, and yet she handles it like a pro; as if it were second nature. One scene that truly demonstrated this was when a second riot breaks out in the prison and Helen single handedly faces off with the trouble-making inmates who are armed with wooden planks and various other odd, yet threatening items. She challenges them to make the first move or back off without blinking!

Third, this is Alley Sheedy - good-girl, the girl-next-door from The Breakfast Club??? You might ask, "What's up with the tuff-girl act?" And you might not even accept it at first, but she really does pull it off, and she's very likeable at the same time.

Plus, she's now involved in a elaborate web of deceit and cover-ups revolving around the suicide/murder that she has to unravel...and by the end everything comes together and it all makes sense to her (and us). Basically, we get to don't learn anything before Helen does, as we are experiencing these situations through her eyes. This aspect of the script helps involve the viewer with every situation that Helen goes through and every challenge she faces.

The acting by the entire cast is top-notch! Film work, sets, direction, everything is right up there in quality with most films that are released in theaters. Remember this is coming from TNT, they brag on the air all the time about how they have "The best movie studio on television." Judging from this venture, I'll give them that; I haven't seen any of their other original films in the past however.

I expect we may see Sheedy listed among the Golden Globe or Ace Award nominees next year. I can't tell you how good it is to see her in something good again and to see her stretching herself to successfully take on this difficult role of Helen Hewitt. One thing I will warn you about - stick through the first commercial break and don't give up on this one, because it takes about 15 minutes to really draw you in (at least, it did for me).

Other than that, The Warden ups the ante for quality in tv movies.

All photographs copyright Turner Network Television.

Robert Bach is a writer, a musician and former entertainment editor for an East Coast publication.

Got a problem? Email Robert at filmmonthly@hotmail.com