Tequila Sunrise (1988)

A former L.A. drug dealer tries to go straight but his past and his underworld connections bring him into the focus of the DEA, the Mexican feds and the Mexican drug cartels.

Director:

Robert Towne

Writer:

Robert Towne

Stars:

Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mel Gibson	...	Dale McKussic
Michelle Pfeiffer	...	Jo Ann Vallenari
Kurt Russell	...	Nick Frescia
Raul Julia	...	Carlos / Escalante
J.T. Walsh	...	Hal Maguire
Arliss Howard	...	Lindroff
Arye Gross	...	Andy Leonard
Gabriel Damon	...	Cody McKussic
Daniel Zacapa	...	Arturo (as Garret Pearson)
Eric Thiele	...	Vittorio
Tom Nolan	...	Leland
Dawn Martel	...	Sin Sister
Lala Sloatman	...	Sin Sister #2 (as Lala)
Budd Boetticher	...	Judge Nizetitch
Ann Magnuson	...	Shaleen

Storyline

Mac Mckussic is an unlikely drug dealer who wants to go straight. His old and best friend Nick Frescia is now a cop who is assigned to investigate and bring him to justice. Mac is very attracted to Jo Ann, the owner of a stylish restaurant. Nick gets close to Jo Ann attempting to know more about Mac's drug dealing plans and his connections with the Mexican dealer Carlos, who the police believe is coming to town to meet with him. Nick also falls for Jo Ann's charms and his friendship with Mac is in danger.

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Plot Keywords:

two word title | cult film | 1980s | suspense | electronic music score | 

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Taglines:

A business on the line. A friendship on the edge. A woman caught in the middle. [Video]

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

It was at one point meant to star real-life buddies Nick Nolte and Jeff Bridges, with Nolte as the cop and Bridges as the dealer.

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Goofs

When Mel Gibson and Arliss Howard are talking about Kurt Russell's character, Arliss Howard says "You guys meet at Orville and Wilbur's once a year. You're wearing a gold Rolex and he's wearing a Timex. If he wasn't a cop, he'd have to hate you." Throughout the movie, Kurt Russell is clearly wearing a Rolex.

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Quotes

Nick Frescia: [to Hal Maguire] At least the CIA does it on purpose.

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Crazy Credits

As the end credits roll, the color of the text changes from dark orange (at the bottom of the screen) to yellow (at the top), mirroring the colors of a Tequila Sunrise cocktail.

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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #22.198 (2006)

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Soundtracks

Give a Little Love
Performed by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers
Courtesy of EMI-USA, a division of Capitol Records, Inc.
Written by Albert Hammond & Diane Warren

User Reviews

A really good film with an excellent twist.

This film is all about what was great about the 80's, it has it's own style and all three main actors obviously enjoy there roles. I admit it's not one for challenging your intellect, but it is fun, honest and above all well acted. Great scenery, great story.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

2 December 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tequila Sunrise

Filming Locations:

Harbor Star Stage, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$23,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,350,974, 4 December 1988

Gross USA:

$41,292,551

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$41,292,551

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinema City Films, The Mount Company, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1