Guarding Tess

1994

Guarding Tess

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

57%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 35

48%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 19,721
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Movie Info

This comedy offers a combination of humor, drama, and thrills as it follows the tumultuous relationship between a young Secret Service agent assigned to protect the feisty widow of a U.S. president. Straight arrow agent Doug Chesnic has been guarding widow Tess Carlisle for three years. He is ecstatic when he is finally transferred to a new assignment. Just when it finally looks as if he will escape for good, he is reassigned to Tess' Ohio home. He breaks down and tells them it is the worst assignment there is. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a choice so he grudgingly returns to the high-handed ex-First Lady. He begins his stint with a clear discussion of his duties as presented in his service handbook which Tess blithely ignores. The mulish two engage in a minor power struggle, but when she is kidnapped, agent Chesnic winds up showing his true feelings for her.

Cast

Shirley MacLaine
as Tess Carlisle
Nicolas Cage
as Doug Chesnic
Austin Pendleton
as Earl
Edward Albert
as Barry Carlisle
James Rebhorn
as Howard Shaeffer
Richard Griffiths
as Frederick
John Roselius
as Tom Bahler
David Graf
as Lee Danielson
Don Yesso
as Ralph Buoncristiani
James Lally
as Joe Spector
Brant von Hoffman
as Bob Hutcherson
Harry Lennix
as Kenny Young
Aleta Helena Chappelle
Susan Blommaert
as Kimberly Cannon
Dale Dye
as Charles Ivy
James Handy
as Neal Carlo
Stephen S. Chen
as Jimmy
Katie O'Hare
as Barbara
Mark Conway
as Caleb Harrison
David L. King
as Derrick Hastings
Hugh Wilson
as The President
Jane Beard
as Kidnapper
Michael Gabel
as Kidnapper
Kelly Williams
as Mr. Porter
Beverly Brigham
as Autograph Seeker
Teman Treadway
as FBI Man
Kyle Duvall
as FBI Man
Andrew C. Botthby
as FBI Man
Sharief Paris
as FBI Man
Gary Glaesser
as FBI Man
Brian Deenihan
as Plainclothes Guard
Julie Kurzava
as Opera Singer
Michael Consoli
as Opera Singer
Brenna McDonough
as Doctor
John Leonard Thompson
as Young Doctor
Saige Spinney
as Waitress
Gerald F. Gough
as Store Manager
George Gomes
as James Carlisle
Bob Child
as Shaeffer's Assistant
John Louis Fischer
as Crew Member
Diana Sowle
as Hairdresser
Maggie Linton
as Carlo's Secretary
Jim Hild
as Helicopter Doctor
Will Bellais
as Major Domo
Matilde Valera
as Yvonne Hernandez
Marie McKenzie
as Nurse
Al Cerullo
as Helicopter Pilot
Michael A. Echols
as Orderly
James Redhorn
Hugh Wilson
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Critic Reviews for Guarding Tess

All Critics (35) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (15)

View All Critic Reviews (35)

Audience Reviews for Guarding Tess

  • May 07, 2014
    Nick Cage is solid in it as a incensed bodyguard driven mad by the crazy whims of the ex-first lady. Shirley MacLaine is great in it as the feisty & hard to deal with battle axe. A predictable friendship eventually forms. Family Viewing.
    Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer
  • Feb 24, 2014
    The premise of the movie (differing opinions between a headstrong political widow and her secret service agents) is good. But the movie struggles in the details - especially in last scenes of the movie.
    Red L Super Reviewer
  • Dec 02, 2009
    Guarding Tess is such a Funny movie. A old lady driving a young man Nuts. lol
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
  • Mar 07, 2009
    Wonderful, low key tale told from a very different perspective. Great role for Shirley MacLaine (my idol!). (review to be fcontinued)
    Teresa S Super Reviewer
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