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 | camera shot of feet | 

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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

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:

$15,723,480, 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)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dennis Quaid turned down the role of "Bull" McCaffrey. He played a firefighter in Frequency (2000). Both films feature the song "Heatwave" by Martha and the Vandellas.

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Goofs

When Bull drives Bryan at home his arm changes position repeatedly between shots.

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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

Network television version featured additional footage:

• the firemen from Engine 17 visit a recently widowed firefighter's wife
• Stephen (Kurt Russell) has an emotional scene with Inspector Rimgale (Robert De Niro) over the fire where Tim (Jason Gedrick) was burned
• During the news conference where Alderman Swayzak (J.T. Walsh) is exposed, Brian (William Baldwin) visits Jennifer (Jennifer Jason Leigh) as she is packing up her office, having recently quit.

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Connections

Referenced in Hot Fuzz (2007)

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Soundtracks

The Show Goes On
Written by Bruce Hornsby (as B.R. Hornsby)
Performed by Bruce Hornsby & The Range (as Bruce Hornsby and The Range)
Courtesy of The RCA Records Label of BMG Music

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.