Backdraft (1991)

Two Chicago firefighter brothers, who don't get along, have to work together while a dangerous arsonist is on the loose.

Director:

Ron Howard

Writer:

Gregory Widen

Stars:

Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kurt Russell	...	Stephen McCaffrey / Dennis McCaffrey
William Baldwin	...	Brian McCaffrey
Robert De Niro	...	Donald Rimgale
Donald Sutherland	...	Ronald Bartel
Jennifer Jason Leigh	...	Jennifer Vaitkus
Scott Glenn	...	John Adcox
Rebecca De Mornay	...	Helen McCaffrey
Jason Gedrick	...	Tim Krizminski
J.T. Walsh	...	Marty Swayzak
Anthony Mockus Sr.	...	Chief John Fitzgerald (as Tony Mockus Sr.)
Cedric Young	...	Grindle
Juan Ramírez	...	Ray Santos
Kevin Casey	...	Nightingale
Jack McGee	...	Schmidt
Mark Wheeler	...	Pengelly

Storyline

A rookie firefighter tries to earn the respect of his older brother and other firefighters while taking part in an investigation of a string of arson/murders. This detailed look into the duties and private lives of firemen naturally features widespread pyrotechnics and special effects.

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Plot Keywords:

firefighter | fireman | fire | arson | shower | 

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Taglines:

One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and a scene of sensuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Effects supervisor Alan Hall set up a "fire lab" three months before shooting, to learn how to control the fire. In the lab, he tested explosions, different types of fuels and how the fire burned.

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Goofs

Several establishing shots of Co. 17 engines headed to fires early in the movie show them crossing a Chicago River bridge with Merchandise Mart in the background soon after leaving the firehouse indicating that Co. 17 is located near downtown Chicago. At the end of the movie when the pull back shots shows Co. 17's engines headed towards the fire, the skyline of downtown Chicago is considerably further away, indicating a location on the west edge of the city of Chicago

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Quotes

[first lines]
Brian, Age 7: Leave me alone! Will you? You think you're so smart!
Stephen, Age 12: What a geek!
Brian, Age 7: I'm not a geek!
Stephen, Age 12: You're doing it wrong.
Brian, Age 7: Shut up!
Stephen, Age 12: You're doing it wrong. it doesn't go like that.
Brian, Age 7: Who asked you?
Stephen, Age 12: Who's your brother?
Brian, Age 7: You are, Stevie.
[...]

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Alternate Versions

In the edited for TV version, "Jesus Christ!" is mostly replaced with "Holy cow!" and in one scene "Judas Priest!" is uttered.

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Connections

Referenced in James & Mike Mondays: Universal Studios Theme Park Adventure: Part 1 (2014)

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Soundtracks

In The Unpromised Land
Written by Michael Stuart Kirkpatrick (as Michael S. Kirkpatrick)
Performed by The Drovers

User Reviews

Fire. A living, breathing animal.

When you watch this movie, you'll never look at fire the same way again. In 'Backdraft', fire is portrayed as a vicious animal that breathes and devours. The story revolves around an arson investigation in the city of Chicago where a sibling rivalry is flaring as well between Brian and Stephen McCaffrey. You'll be blown away by Industrial Light & Magic's special effects and Hans Zimmer's dramatic score. Ron Howard put together an incredible, thrill-ride movie with action, drama and romance all rolled in. Do not miss this movie and don't turn your back on a fire, it knows when to strike.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 May 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Backdraft

Filming Locations:

495 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$12,686,200, 26 May 1991

Gross USA:

$77,868,585

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$152,368,585

Company Credits

Production Co:

Imagine Films Entertainment, Trilogy Entertainment Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

137 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (QSound) (70 mm prints) DTS (DTS HD Master Audio) DTS (DTS: X)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1