Running Scared (1986)

Two street-wise Chicago cops have to shake off some rust after returning from a Key West vacation to pursue a drug dealer who nearly killed them in the past.

Director:

Peter Hyams

Writers:

Gary DeVore (story), Gary DeVore (screenplay)

Stars:

Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal, Steven Bauer

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gregory Hines	...	Ray Hughes
Billy Crystal	...	Danny Costanzo
Steven Bauer	...	Det. Frank Sigliano
Darlanne Fluegel	...	Anna Costanzo
Joe Pantoliano	...	Snake
Dan Hedaya	...	Captain Logan
Jon Gries	...	Det. Tony Montoya (as Jonathan Gries)
Tracy Reed	...	Maryann
Jimmy Smits	...	Julio Gonzales
John DiSanti	...	Vinnie
Larry Hankin	...	Ace
Don Calfa	...	Women's Room Lawyer
Robert Lesser	...	Supoena Lawyer
Betty Carvalho	...	Apartment Manager
Louis Perez	...	Thug

Storyline

Danny and Ray are two street wise cops in Chicago. When they are almost killed on a case, they are forced to take a vacation by their captain. Key West offers a substantial change over Chicago. They decide to quit and open a bar there. Upon returning, they find that Julio, the drug dealer who nearly killed them, has made bail and is trying to complete a giant drug deal. They decide to complete their case against him before quitting, but then begin being careful. Their effectiveness drops as they find they can't operate the way they did before if they don't have the edge of a long time commitment.

---

Plot Keywords:

shootout | gunfight | funeral | reference to al capone | reference to elliot ness | 

---

Taglines:

They've got 30 days to clean up Chicago before they retire to paradise... Losing their police car, their suspect, and their pants is a real bad start!

---

Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Thriller

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

The suspension systems of 3 Chevy Impalas were destroyed filming the "El" train tracks chase scene.

---

Goofs

In the opening scene, Hines and Crystal are in a Chicago park at Christmastime. All of the trees in the park are loaded with green leaves - not something you'll ever see in Chicago in December.

---

Quotes

Captain Logan: [to Ray and Danny] Hey! That jumper yesterday? Just got a flash from the coroner on the cause of death!
Danny Costanzo: Oooh, let me guess. Deceleration trauma.
Ray Hughes: Cement poisoning.
Captain Logan: He drowned.
Danny Costanzo: Oh, poor guy couldn't swim or fly, huh?

---

Connections

Referenced in Tiger on Beat (1988)

---

Soundtracks

Never Too Late To Start
Written by Rod Temperton
Performed by The Rod Temperton Beatwagon featuring Tommy Funderburk

User Reviews

final Jeopardy is on!

yes the plot is implausible,and so politically incorrect that you can't believe.but the film does what it sets out to do-entertain.this is ground that has been covered before(Beverly Hills Cop as an example),but never in a way that is as much fun.the screenplay is o.k.,with the best dialogue reserved for Hines-Crystal banter.the other characters are basically filler.but generally well done(Joe Pantoliano as Snake is great).there are a few dead spots in the film,but these are usually rescued by Hines and/or Crystal,who seemed to be having a lot of fun.there is a fantastic chase scene late in the movie that alone makes it worth watching.altogether this '80's buddy movie still holds up.mostly because of the insanity of the two leads.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 June 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Running Scared

Filming Locations:

Navy Pier - 600 E. Grand Avenue, Near North Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,227,757, 29 June 1986

Gross USA:

$38,500,726

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$38,500,726

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), David Foster Productions, Turman-Foster Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1