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:

police | small town | drugs | arkansas | neo noir | 

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Taglines:

All it takes to bring him down is one bullet... one woman or... One False Move.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

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

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Billy Bob Thornton and Cynda Williams got married after filming was completed. They were divorced before the film was released two years later.

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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

Dale 'Hurricane' Dixon: I figure we can wait up in the woods. The bad folks show up... we'll put the stopper in the bottle like
[snaps fingers]
Dale 'Hurricane' Dixon: that.

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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

I Can't Stop Cryin'
Written by Deborah Holland
© 1990 Animal Logic Music (ASCAP), Big Biscuit (ASCAP), Deaconsongs (ASCAP) and Illegal Film Music (ASCAP)

User Reviews

Lots of false moves.

Boy, this film takes me back to the jerkwater Arkansas town where I spent several years of my youth. Bill Paxton (Aliens, True Lies, "Big Love") is spot on as a cracker sheriff who, in his words, hasn't drawn his gun in six years on the job. Well, he drew his gun seven years ago and it has now come back to haunt him and put him in a position that could get him killed.

Billy Bob Thornton (A Simple Plan, Sling Blade, Astronaut Farmer), Arkansas born himself, co-wrote and starred in this film and really pulls off the psycho robber with such perfection that I really cannot understand how a supposedly intelligent guy like "Pluto" (Michael Beach - Short Cuts, "Third Watch," "ER") could hook up with him, especially since they spent two years in jail after the last job. Joining the duo, was Cynda Williams (Mo' Better Blues) in her second film, as Fantasia/Lila. She did a super job.

As the trio heads to Houston from L.A. the body count rises and the Sheriff is put into a position where he has to act alone. False moves throughout the film just add to the tension and excitement.