The Alarmist (1997)
"Life During Wartime" (original title)

Young Tommy Hudler decides to become a security systems salesman, and is an instant success. Everything seems to be going great until he discovers there's more to this business and his boss... See full summary »

Director:

Evan Dunsky

Writers:

Keith Reddin (play), Evan Dunsky (screenplay)

Stars:

David Arquette, Stanley Tucci, Kate Capshaw

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Arquette	...	Tommy Hudler
Stanley Tucci	...	Heinrich Grigoris
Kate Capshaw	...	Gale Ancona
Mary McCormack	...	Sally
Ryan Reynolds	...	Howard Ancona
Tricia Vessey	...	April Brody
Ruth Miller	...	Mrs. Fielding
Hoke Howell	...	Mr. Fielding
Michael Learned	...	Beth Hudler
Lewis Arquette	...	Bruce Hudler
Richmond Arquette	...	Andrew Hudler
Gabriel Dell Jr.	...	Skippy Hudler
Valerie Long	...	Doris
Kim Tobin	...	Bambi
Colin Campbell	...	Waiter

Storyline

Young Tommy Hudler decides to become a security systems salesman, and is an instant success. Everything seems to be going great until he discovers there's more to this business and his boss Heinrich than he previously suspected.

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Plot Keywords:

oral sex | satire | black comedy | independent film | based on play

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Taglines:

Don't be alarmed... they're professionals.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 October 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Alarmist

Filming Locations:

Boardner's of Hollywood - 1652 North Cherokee Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$7,787 (USA) (16 October 1998)

Gross:

$55,986 (USA) (13 November 1998)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bandeira Entertainment, Dan Stone, Flynn-Simchowitz, Key Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Episode dated 24 October 1998 (1998)

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Soundtracks

"Ballad of Meeleh"

User Reviews

Quirky, Funny... Enjoy the vignettes

I was surprised by the number of times I caught myself smiling or laughing quietly during The Alarmist (AKA Life During Wartime), a film where the parts are definitely greater than the whole. Be prepared to all but ignore the plot, which is unnecessary except as a place to loosely hang some wonderful performances by everyone involved.