An uplifting family drama about the danger of drug addiction, DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN stars Meredith Baxter (TV's FAMILY TIES). Baxter plays Mary Ann, a nurse at a methadone clinic who falls in love with one of her patients, Guy (Stephen Lang). While helping him overcome his drug addiction, she still manages to hide her own dalliances with narcotics--so well, in fact, that no one suspects at all. The pair marry and have a child, but soon Mary Ann's troubled past and hidden addiction threaten the stability of the happy life that she and Guy finally have for themselves. DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN illustrates the power of family love and how it can overcome even the greatest personal problems.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Meredith BaxterMary Ann Guard | Mary Ann Guard |
 Stephen LangGuy Grand | Guy Grand |
 Kirsten DunstSandra Guard (age 8) | Sandra Guard (age 8) |
 Gwynyth WalshSandra Guard | Sandra Guard |
| CChelsea HertfordJennifer | Jennifer |
 Michael Bryan FrenchJack | Jack |
 Natalie WestMrs. Guard | Mrs. Guard |
 Robert DesiderioAl Van Petten | Al Van Petten |
 Richard GroveFather | Father |
 Alana AustinMary Ann Guard (age 9) | Mary Ann Guard (age 9) |
| TTim FarrellJohn L. | John L. |
| MMatthew LinvilleDaryl | Daryl |
 Mary Anne McGarryMrs. Grand | Mrs. Grand |
| JJames DeanMr. Conklin | Mr. Conklin |
 Rusty SchwimmerEvelyn | Evelyn |
| LLora StaleyObstetrician | Obstetrician |
| GGeorge SolomonNick | Nick |
| DDavid ThompsonByron | Byron |
| MMaura SodenLinda | Linda |
 Lindsey GinterDetective Bayer | Detective Bayer |
 Lee TergesenDino | Dino |
 Julie AriolaNurse | Nurse |
 Earl BoenJustice of the Peace | Justice of the Peace |
 L. Scott CaldwellNot listed | Not listed |
 Bill ApplebaumNot listed | Not listed |
 Art ChudabalaKid | Kid |
 Frank NovakSecurity Guard | Security Guard |
| KKriss TurnerCop | Cop |
| EEva BushReceptionist | Receptionist |
 Gerald BernsBusinessman | Businessman |