The Runestone (1991)

A Norse runestone is discovered in Western Pennsylvania. The prophecy upon it tells of the Norse great wolf Fenrir (Fenris), and that its release from the stone will bring about Ragnarok --... See full summary »

Director:

Willard Carroll

Writers:

Mark E. Rogers (novel), Willard Carroll (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter Riegert, Joan Severance, William Hickey

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Riegert	...	Capt. Gregory Fanducci
Joan Severance	...	Marla Stewart
William Hickey	...	Lars Hagstrom
Tim Ryan	...	Sam Stewart
Mitchell Laurance	...	Martin Almquist
Lawrence Tierney	...	Chief Richardson
Dawan Scott	...	Fenrir
Chris Young	...	Jacob
Alexander Godunov	...	Sigvaldson, The Clockmaker
Donald Hotton	...	Ask Franag
Erika Schickel	...	Angela
Bill Kalmenson	...	Lester
Arthur Malet	...	Stoddard
John Hobson	...	Marotta
Anthony Cistaro	...	Detective

Storyline

A Norse runestone is discovered in Western Pennsylvania. The prophecy upon it tells of the Norse great wolf Fenrir (Fenris), and that its release from the stone will bring about Ragnarok --- the end of the world. Archaeologist Sam Stewart and wife Marla find it has some connection to their friend Martin. A young boy named Jacob is haunted by terrifying nightmares of what is to come, and his family explains these dreams through stories from Norse legend, which says that the only one who can destroy Fenrir is Tyr, the Norse god of war, who is prophesied to return to fight the creature.

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Plot Keywords:

neo noir | norse | norse god | prophecy | new york city | 

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Taglines:

An ancient prophecy is about to become a modern nightmare.

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Fantasy | Horror

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

The "no beast so fierce" line is from Shakespeare's Richard III.

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Quotes

Lars Hagstrom: [Marla has noticed a Christian icon among his antiquities] A contradiction in my design scheme, I admit. There are no atheists in foxholes. And you are in one now!

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Connections

Features The Assault (1986)

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Soundtracks

The Teddy Bears' Picnic
Music by John W. Bratton
Lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy
Published by Warner Chappell Music, Inc. (ASCAP)

User Reviews

"Every dogma must have its day."

Just another monster on the loose feature, no surprises abound and routine as ever but remains entertaining for while it lasted. Never have I heard of it, until just recently. You could possibly see why. Far from memorable, but it's well made and its stark-like b-grade material (adapted off a novel) is quite polished. Fans of "The Relic" or even "Rawhead Rex" might get something out of it. Where I give it props is the origin of the mythological beast, Norse (Viking) folklore and the creation was something like a werewolf crossed ape design. Formidable in appearance, while it goes about tearing flesh, taking bites and for most part staying in the shadows. Even with this ancient prophecy background, some things felt a little unclear (like that of Alexander Godunov's mysterious stranger clockmaker character) if too black and white. The plot follows that of an archaeologist who uncovers an ancient Norse artifact; a power stone and returns to New York with it. However this stone possesses an evil which projects itself into the archaeologist, transforming him into a vicious beast that goes about terrorising the people of New York. Now it's up to an archaeologist and his artist wife to begin to investigate the threat and figure a way to stop it. It's as simple as that, but director / writer Willard Carroll's methodical handling is stylishly glassy and well-paced in its clichéd structure. Creating some moments of suspense, with grisly jolts and dark atmospheric encounters consisting of brooding lighting amongst its urban framework. The performances are strongly delivered with the likes of Peter Riegert (providing touches of humour) and Joan Severance standing out. You also have character actor William Hickey and the always hard-boiled Lawrence Tierney in small, but important parts.

"I'm sure there's a logical explanation to all of this"

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 July 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Runestone

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Movie Group, Hyperion Pictures, Signature Communications

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1