Nighthawks (1981)

Director:

Bruce Malmuth

Writers:

David Shaber (screenplay)
David Shaber (story) ...

Release Date:

4 April 1981 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Crime | Thriller

Tagline:

Wulfgar, an international terrorist holds the City of New York hostage, but Deke DaSilva, the most dangerous cop known to man, can take him down.

Plot:

Conservative street cop DaSilva reluctantly agrees to terminate an international terrorist who has demanded media attention. But DaSilva's "at-home" tactics are very much put to the challenge.

Plot Keywords:

Terrorist | Partner | Terrorism | Shooting | Anti Terrorism

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Sylvester Stallone	...	Det. Sgt. Deke DaSilva
Billy Dee Williams	...	Det. Sgt. Matthew Fox
Lindsay Wagner	...	Irene
Persis Khambatta	...	Shakka Holland
Nigel Davenport	...	Peter Hartman
Rutger Hauer	...	Wulfgar
Hilary Thompson	...	Pam (as Hilarie Thompson)
Joe Spinell	...	Lt. Munafo
Walter Mathews	...	Commissioner
E. Brian Dean	...	Sergeant
Caesar Cordova	...	Puerto Rican Proprietor
Charles Duval	...	Dr. Ghiselin
Tony Munafo	...	Big Mike
Howard Stein	...	Disco Manager
Tawn Christian	...	Disco Hostess

Also Known As:

Night Hawks (USA)

Runtime:

99 min

Country:

USA

Language:

French | German | English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Canada:R (Nova Scotia) | USA:R (certificate #26087) | Iceland:16 | Ireland:15 | West Germany:16 | Australia:R | South Korea:18 | Philippines:R-18 | Singapore:NC-16 | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Finland:K-18 | Norway:16 (1981) | Sweden:15 | UK:18

Filming Locations:

174th Street IRT Subway Station, 900 East 174th Street, Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Universal Pictures

Trivia:

Pre-production began in 1979. Principal photography took place from January 1980 when the final draft of the script was completed and production ended in April 1980.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Fox is loading his rifle just before the confrontation at the bus, you can clearly see the crimped ends of the blank rounds he's loading.

Quotes:

Reinhardt Heymar Wulfgar: There is no security.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Shooting the Police: Cops on Film (2006) (TV)

Soundtrack:

I'm a Man

Great, before its time...

post 9/11 this movie is even more meaningful and loses nothing from its entertainment value. Who thought these guys could act? Perhaps being in their element, Billy Dee Williams and Sylvester Stallone are convincing cops who are needed to fight a terrorist who has come to NY City to do his deeds....

Unquestionably one of the most underrated thrillers here. Good suspense, storyline, and pacing. You won't be disappointed, especially since Rutger Hauer just loves playing the villian, perhaps only second to his memorable performance in Bladerunner. For those looking for inane, endless, senseless guns and ammo, this isn't it but it is an amazing thrillride and has plenty of action scenes to keep you occupied.

Of note -- EVERYONE who sees the cable cars in NY thinks of this film. It's the trademark that has lasted for 2 decades and is one to see. Enjoy!