One False Move (1992)

A small town police chief awaits the arrival of a gang of killers.

Director:

Carl Franklin

Writers:

Billy Bob Thornton, Tom Epperson

Stars:

Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Cynda Williams

8 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bill Paxton	...	Dale 'Hurricane' Dixon
Cynda Williams	...	Fantasia / Lila
Billy Bob Thornton	...	Ray Malcolm
Michael Beach	...	Pluto
Jim Metzler	...	Dud Cole
Earl Billings	...	McFeely
Natalie Canerday	...	Cheryl Ann
Robert Ginnaven	...	Charlie
Robert Anthony Bell	...	Byron
Kevin Hunter	...	Ronnie
Phyllis Kirklin	...	Mrs. Walker
Meredith 'Jeta' Donovan	...	Bonnie
Jimmy Bridges	...	Bobby (as James D. Bridges)
Phyllis Sutton	...	Jackie
Derrick Williams	...	Darren

Storyline

In Los Angeles, after a violent drug rip-off, the Los Angeles Police Department detectives find the identity of the trio - the sadistic I.Q. of 150 and college graduate Lenny "Pluto" Franklyn; his not so bright buddy in San Quentin Ray Malcolm; and his girlfriend Fantasia. Their further investigation indicates that the criminals are fleeing to Star City, Arkanas, and LAPD detective Dud Cole and his partner John McFeely contact the local Chief of Police Dale 'Hurricane' Dixon and they head to the little town. The yokel family man Dale, who is used to resolve domestic issues, is fascinated with the chance to participate of a manhunt and befriends the two detectives. But when he sees the picture of Fantasia, he recognizes her as Lila Walker and is haunted by his past, hiding a secret about Lila Walker.

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Plot Keywords:

number 1 in title | gang of killers | small town police chief | police chief | three word title | 

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Taglines:

There was no crime in Star City, Arkansas. No murder. And no fear. Until now.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and language, and for drug content

Did You Know?

Trivia

The script was originally titled "Hurricane".

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Goofs

When Ray is shot, it appears that the impact is to his left shoulder, though he clutches his right upper chest. Later we see blood all over his back on the right, but the bullet hole is not visible in front.

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Quotes

Cheryl Ann: He don't know no better, he watches television. I read non-fiction.

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Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: Hoffa/Trespass/Chaplin/Lorenzo's Oil/Peter's Friends (1992)

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Soundtracks

Rock Me with Your Love
Written and Produced by Odette Springer and Matthew Ender (as Matt Ender)
© 1987 Spidey Music (ASCAP) and Cookies and Milk Music (BMI)

User Reviews

Amazing.

Bad language and violence aside, this is one of the best movies of the 90's! This is actually, a lighthearted police drama with many surprises. One of the surprises is the depiction of small town Arkansas. They may have finally gotten it right! It is slower, safer and more relaxing in comparison to the life that the cops from L.A. have and there isn't any stereotyping that I could find! Another surprise is the performance by Billy Bob. He may be one of the most evil drug dealers I have ever seen on the big screen.

A word of caution though. This movie, at least in my opinion, has one of the most violent (not overly graphic, but sadistic) openings to a movie I have seen in a film. The way the murders and tortures are committed are a little hard to watch. But if you get past that, the movie settles down a lot and you really want to see the "bad guys" get what's coming to them! And the language is extremely rough. I saw the movie again on BRAVO and while there is a lot of silent moments, where they cut out the language, nothing else is cut from the film. A remarkable film.

I give this film an A-.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 May 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hurricane

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$44,545, 10 May 1992

Gross USA:

$1,543,112

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,543,112

Company Credits

Production Co:

IRS Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1