Movies / Escape From New York (1981)

5/10

Runtime: 99 min

Genres: Action Adventure Crime Sci-Fi Thriller

Languages: English

Countries: UK USA


In the future, crime is out of control and New York City is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables. Kurt Russell put his Disney days behind him as the nicest bad guy in the picture. All comic-book sensibilities and macho posturing, this is one of writer-director John Carpenter's better brainless escapes. There are snappy one-liners and explosive action scenes. However, the film lacks tension and some believability even within the realm of SF fantasy. Even when it fails to gel, though, it always manages to amuse, thanks in great part to a varied and unusual supporting cast (watch for Ernest Borgnine as a cabdriver). Followed in 1996 by Carpenter's overdone and campy Escape from L.A. --Rochelle O'Gorman


Directors (1) Credit
John Carpenter ...
Writers (2) Credit
John Carpenter (written by) and
Nick Castle (written by)
Composers (2) Credit
Alan Howarth ...
John Carpenter ...
Editors (1) Credit
Todd C. Ramsay (as Todd Ramsay)
Cinematographers (2) Credit
Dean Cundey ...
George D. Dodge (director of photography)
Actors (58) Credit
Adrienne Barbeau Maggie
Alan Shearman Dancer
Al Cerullo Helicopter Pilot #4
Barron Winchester Sewer Dweller (uncredited)
Bob Minor Duty Sergeant
Borah Silver Theater Manager
Carla Barnett Gypsy (uncredited)
Carmen Filpi Bum
Charles Cyphers Secretary of State
Clay Wright Helicopter Pilot #3
Clem Fox Second Indian
Dale E. House Helicopter Pilot #1
David E. Harshbarger Soldier / Bum in Theater (uncredited)
David R. Patrick Helicopter Pilot #2
Debra Hill Computer (voice)
Donald Pleasence President
Ernest Borgnine Cabbie
Frank Doubleday Romero
Garrett Bergfeld Gypsy #2
George 'Buck' Flower Drunk (as Buck Flower)
Harry Dean Stanton Brain
Isaac Hayes The Duke
James Emery Trooper
James O'Hagen Computer Operator
Jamie Lee Curtis Narrator / Computer (uncredited) (voice)
Joel Bennett Gypsy #4
Joe Unger Taylor (scenes deleted)
John Carpenter Secret Service #2 / Helicopter Pilot / Violin Player (voice) (uncredited)
John Contini Eye-Patch Prisoner (uncredited)
John Cothran Jr. Gypsy #1
John Diehl Punk
John Strobel Cronenberg
Joseph A. Perrotti Dancer
Kathleen Blanchard Narrator - Opening scenes (uncredited) (unconfirmed)
Ken Tipton (uncredited)
Kurt Russell Snake Plissken
Lee Van Cleef Hauk
Lonnie Wun Red Bandana Gypsy
Lowmoan Spectacular Dancer
Mark Stern Guy in Chock Full O'Nuts (uncredited)
Michael Taylor Secret Service #3
Nancy Stephens Stewardess
Nick Castle Pianist (uncredited)
Ox Baker Slag
Richard Cosentino Gypsy Guard
Robert John Metcalf Gypsy #3
Rodger Bumpass Dancer
Ronald E. House Dancer
Ron Vernan Dancer
Season Hubley Girl in Chock Full O'Nuts
Steven Ford Secret Service #2
Steven M. Gagnon Secret Service #1
Tobar Mayo Third Indian
Tom Atkins Rehme
Tom Lillard Police Sergeant
Tony Papenfuss Theater Assistant
Vic Bullock First Indian
Wally Taylor Controller