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IMDbPro

The Escape Artist

  • 1982
  • PG
  • 1h 34m
IMDb RATING
6.1/10
855
YOUR RATING
Teri Garr, Raul Julia, Desi Arnaz, and Griffin O'Neal in The Escape Artist (1982)
Teenager Danny Masters, the son of the late Harry Masters, considered the second best escape artist in history, wants to follow in his father's footsteps, he already a skilled but untested magician.
Play trailer2:17
1 Video
13 Photos
ComedyCrimeDrama

Teenager Danny Masters, the son of the late Harry Masters, considered the second best escape artist in history, wants to follow in his father's footsteps, he already a skilled but untested m... Read allTeenager Danny Masters, the son of the late Harry Masters, considered the second best escape artist in history, wants to follow in his father's footsteps, he already a skilled but untested magician. As far as Danny knows, his father died in a dangerous escape routine. Escaping fr... Read allTeenager Danny Masters, the son of the late Harry Masters, considered the second best escape artist in history, wants to follow in his father's footsteps, he already a skilled but untested magician. As far as Danny knows, his father died in a dangerous escape routine. Escaping from under his grandmother's roof, Danny, in a step to achieve his goal as they have all his... Read all

  • Director
    • Caleb Deschanel
  • Writers
    • David Wagoner
    • Melissa Mathison
    • Stephen Zito
  • Stars
    • Raul Julia
    • Griffin O'Neal
    • Desi Arnaz
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    6.1/10
    855
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Caleb Deschanel
    • Writers
      • David Wagoner
      • Melissa Mathison
      • Stephen Zito
    • Stars
      • Raul Julia
      • Griffin O'Neal
      • Desi Arnaz
    • 19User reviews
    • 10Critic reviews
    • 58Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:17
    Watch Trailer

    Photos13

    The Escape Artist (1982)
    The Escape Artist (1982)
    Jackie Coogan and Griffin O'Neal in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Griffin O'Neal in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Raul Julia and Griffin O'Neal in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Teri Garr and Raul Julia in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Teri Garr, Jackie Coogan, and Griffin O'Neal in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Griffin O'Neal in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Raul Julia and Desi Arnaz in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Raul Julia and Desi Arnaz in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Griffin O'Neal in The Escape Artist (1982)
    Georges Delerue in The Escape Artist (1982)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Raul Julia
    Raul Julia
    • Stu Quiñones
    Griffin O'Neal
    Griffin O'Neal
    • Danny Masters
    Desi Arnaz
    Desi Arnaz
    • Mayor Quiñones
    • (as Desiderio Arnaz)
    Teri Garr
    Teri Garr
    • Arlene
    Joan Hackett
    Joan Hackett
    • Aunt Sibyl
    Gabriel Dell
    Gabriel Dell
    • Uncle Burke
    John P. Ryan
    John P. Ryan
    • Vernon
    Elizabeth Daily
    Elizabeth Daily
    • Sandra
    M. Emmet Walsh
    M. Emmet Walsh
    • Fritz
    Jackie Coogan
    Jackie Coogan
    • Magic Shop Owner
    Hal Williams
    Hal Williams
    • Cop at Mayor's Office
    Helen Page Camp
    Helen Page Camp
    • Neighbor
    David Clennon
    David Clennon
    • Newspaper Editor
    Harry Caesar
    Harry Caesar
    • Sax Player
    Huntz Hall
    Huntz Hall
    • Turnkey
    Harry Anderson
    Harry Anderson
    • Harry Masters
    George Brengel
    • Water Commissioner
    Carlin Glynn
    Carlin Glynn
    • Treasurer's Secretary
    • Director
      • Caleb Deschanel
    • Writers
      • David Wagoner
      • Melissa Mathison
      • Stephen Zito
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Shot in 1980, not released until 1982.
    • Quotes

      Danny Masters: You wanna know what you need? You need an education.

    • Connections
      Featured in One Dark Night: An Interview with Elizabeth Daily (2017)

    User reviews19

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10
    An unanticipated gem of a movie.
    Just watched this movie from an old tape in VHS format and was pleasantly surprised by the results. The story was strong, the writing top-notch and the actors perfectly cast- it make for an enjoyable, or should I say surprising, film that makes you feel better for watching.

    The story follows a young Danny Masters, the son of famous deceased magician and escape artist, who leaves home to join his uncle and aunt in their performance of magic. Everything is fine until he meets Stu Quinones, the son of a corrupt mayor, and pickpockets a wallet that contains stolen money. Danny will learn much from his situation and we, the viewer, will be along for the ride as Danny's life is exposed.

    This film is not action packed, nor is there stunning special effects but there is something about this film that is endearing. It is one of those films that when the credits roll you already want to see it again. Was not expecting much from the old VHS tape but got a treat from watching. Good Watch!
    helpful•8
    0
    • kfo9494
    • Dec 3, 2013

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 28, 1982 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Der große Zauber
    • Filming locations
      • American Zoetrope Studios - 1040 N. Las Palmas Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • Zoetrope Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $143,369
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $23,323
      • May 31, 1982
    • Gross worldwide
      • $143,369
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 34 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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