7.1/10
643
16 user 7 critic

Ticket to Heaven (1981)

PG | | Drama | 9 October 1981 (USA)
Ticket to Heaven Poster
David is a young man seduced by a religious cult that uses starvation, exhaustion, and brainwashing to mold recruits into money hustling disciples of a messiah-like leader. Chronicles ... See full summary »

Director:

Ralph L. Thomas

Writers:

Anne Cameron, Josh Freed (novel) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Nick Mancuso, Saul Rubinek, Meg Foster | See full cast & crew »
Reviews

On Disc

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7 wins & 11 nominations. See more awards »

Videos

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Photos

See all 13 photos »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nick Mancuso ... David
Saul Rubinek ... Larry
Meg Foster ... Ingrid
Kim Cattrall ... Ruthie
R.H. Thomson ... Linc Strunc
Jennifer Dale ... Lisa
Guy Boyd ... Eric
Dixie Seatle Dixie Seatle ... Sarah
Paul Soles Paul Soles ... Morley
Harvey Atkin ... Mr. Stone
Robert Joy ... Patrick
Stephen Markle Stephen Markle ... Karl
Timothy Webber ... Greg
Patrick Brymer Patrick Brymer ... Dr. Dwyer
Marcia Diamond Marcia Diamond ... Esther
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

David is a young man seduced by a religious cult that uses starvation, exhaustion, and brainwashing to mold recruits into money hustling disciples of a messiah-like leader. Chronicles David's chilling transformation into a gaunt, mindless shadow of his former self...and his ultimate salvation when friends and family launch a plan to kidnap and deprogram him. Written by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

religious cult | cult | brainwashing | mind control | cult deprogrammer | See All (30) »

Taglines:

In 1979, David joined a cult. See more »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 October 1981 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Bilet do nieba See more »

Filming Locations:

San Francisco, California, USA See more »
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Box Office

Budget:

CAD 4,500,000 (estimated)
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canadian Film Development Corporation (CFDC),Famous Players,Ronald Cohen Productions See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Quotes

Eric: First rule, man: don't fuckin' co-operate.
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User Reviews

 
Powerful, unforgettable
31 May 2002 | by Captain Ed – See all my reviews

It's been years since I've seen this film, but its images are burned into my mind. This is such a powerful movie that I would offer a caution to potential viewers -- the material is both gripping and frightening, and you'll never view certain 'organizations' as harmless ever again.

Nick Mancuso and R. H. Thompson both give the performances of their careers in this film, especially Mancuso. Unlike the rest of his work, he seems completely without self-consciousness here. Saul Rubinek also shines brilliantly. The two best performances may be Kim Cattrall and Meg Foster's, who give two different aspects of people who have lost their souls and who more than anyone else convey the danger facing Mancuso's character. Scariest moment in the film: Mancuso in a 'prayer meeting', thrusting his arms upward, shouting and staring with blank rage. You may even see some parallels in today's world in that scene.

Recommended in the strongest terms. 10/10
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