The Water Engine (TV 1992)

In the 1930s, Charles Lang invents an engine that runs using water for fuel. But when he tries to get it patented, he is first offered a ridiculously low amount. When he refuses, he is ... See full summary »

Director:

Steven Schachter

Writers:

David Mamet, David Mamet (play)

Stars:

Charles Durning, Patti LuPone, William H. Macy

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charles Durning	...	Tour Guide
Patti LuPone	...	Rita Lang
William H. Macy	...	Charles Lang
John Mahoney	...	Mason Gross
Joe Mantegna	...	Lawrence Oberman
Joanna Miles	...	Mrs. Varek
Mike Nussbaum	...	Mr. Wallace
Treat Williams	...	Dave Murray
J.J. Johnston	...	White Haired Man
David Mamet	...	Brown Haired Man
Andrea Marcovicci	...	Singer in Dance Hall
John Capodice	...	Kegan
Peter Michael Goetz	...	Soapbox Speaker One
Natalija Nogulich	...	Soapbox Speaker Two (as Natalia Nogulich)
Ricky Jay	...	Ratty Inventor

Storyline

In the 1930s, Charles Lang invents an engine that runs using water for fuel. But when he tries to get it patented, he is first offered a ridiculously low amount. When he refuses, he is suddenly several people are pressuring him to sell. The big oil companies don't want the competition. Now he has to try and keep them from getting his idea, and somehow get it published.

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Plot Keywords:

1930s | invention | author cameo | based on play

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 August 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Wassermaschine

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amblin Television, Brandman Productions, Majestic Films International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Great Performance from Macy

This made for t.v movie premiered on TNT almost ten years ago and promptly forgotten...why I have no idea. Macy is incredible as Lang and Mategna is at his most menancing. This is a dark film but a great one, if you can rent do so, you'll enjoy it.