Tough Guys (1986)

Director:

Jeff Kanew

Writers:

Jim Cruickshank (writer)
James Orr (writer)

Release Date:

3 October 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

They're Out To Teach A New World Some Old Tricks.

Plot:

Two elderly gangsters are released from prison only to find they have trouble fitting in as old men who still take no guff from anyone.

Plot Keywords:

Train | Senior Citizen | Ex Convict | Train Robbery

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe.

Cast

Burt Lancaster	...	Harry Doyle
Kirk Douglas	...	Archie Long
Charles Durning	...	Deke Yablonski
Alexis Smith	...	Belle
Dana Carvey	...	Richie Evans
Darlanne Fluegel	...	Skye
Eli Wallach	...	Leon B. Little
Monty Ash	...	Vince
Billy Barty	...	Philly
Simmy Bow	...	Schultz
Darlene Conley	...	Gladys Ripps
Nathan Davis	...	Jimmy Ellis
Matthew Faison	...	Man in Gay Bar
Corkey Ford	...	Gang Leader
Rick Garcia	...	Federale Captain

Runtime:

104 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints)

Certification:

Norway:12 | Iceland:L | West Germany:12 (f) | Australia:PG | Finland:K-14 | Sweden:15 | UK:12 (video re-rating) (2003) | UK:15 (original rating) | UK:15 (video rating) (1987) | USA:PG | Canada:14A

Filming Locations:

Eagle Mountain, California, USA

Company:

Bryna Productions

Trivia:

Red Hot Chili Peppers played themselves in the movie. They were big on the local scene but wouldn't crack the big time until the album "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" in 1991

Goofs:

Continuity: Constantly changing sun and shadows throughout the train chase scene. Especially noticeable then they decouple the train cars (sun high and from the side), and Archie taunts Yablonski (sun lower and directly from behind).

Quotes:

Derek: Our colors are cherry, peach, lime, olive, and avocado.
Archie Long: I don't want to eat the suit, I just want to wear it.

Movie Connections:

References Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

Soundtrack:

Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Great fun from two legends!

Kirk Douglas. Burt Lancaster. 'Nuff said! As two train robbers, released from prison after a 30 year stretch, this dynamic duo try to adjust to life in the '80's and all the changes that have taken place. Douglas looks great for a man in his 60's and eventually attracts the eye of a young aerobics instructor. Their scenes together are both funny and sincere, as the differences between them eventually dictate the direction of their relationship. Kirk is also forced to work in menial jobs that involve him dealing with rude customers and a boss who doesn't like ex-cons. These scenes provide the film's best humor. Lancaster's role however is far less interested, as he is relegated to an old-folks home, wherein he becomes somewhat of a revolutionary. Realizing that they just don't fit in with society anymore, the two return to train robbing and the film moves downhill from this point. Eli Wallach contributes some funny scenes as a near-sighted hit-man who has waited 30 years to fulfill a contract to kill the duo. Despite the thin script, this is a very enjoyable film that may best be viewed with a senior citizen family member who can both identify with the characters and who remembers Lancaster and Douglas when they were A-List actors. I recommend it.