Hero and the Terror
| Hero and the Terror | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | William Tannen |
| Written by | Michael Blodgett |
| Produced by | Menahem Golan Yoram Globus Lance Hool |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Eric Van Haren Noman |
| Edited by | Christian Wagner |
| Music by | David Michael Frank |
| Distributed by | Cannon Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $5,301,200 (USA) |
Hero and the Terror is a 1988 action film starring martial arts star Chuck Norris, directed by William Tannen. Produced by Menahem Golan, written by Michael Blodgett, and was distributed by Cannon Films. The film stars Norris as Danny O'Brien as a cop trying to stop a serial killer, Simon Moon known as "The Terror". [1]
It is based on Michael Blodgett's 1982 novel of the same name.
Plot
Danny O'Brien (Chuck Norris) is a cop who likes to work alone that never waits for his back up. In L.A. he is trying to apprehend the notorious Simon Moon (Jack O'Halloran), also known as The Terror. Simon has been killing women by snapping their necks and taking them to his lair in an abandoned movie theater. O'Brien is attacked by Simon who almost kills him in the struggle. When the killer flees the scene and climbs up a ladder he slips and falls, knocking himself unconscious. When the backup arrives they think O'Brien caught The Terror and the people of L.A. call him "Hero". Simon is then arrested and taken to jail.
When Dr. Highwater (Billy Drago) goes to visit Simon he escapes by cutting through the bars of his cell. He then steals a laundry van by push starting it but loses control and falls straight down into a cliff face. When the media hears about this they pronounce Simon dead and the people of L.A. are relieved.
Three years later the murders start back up again and O'Brien thinks it's The Terror. He eventually finds where his lair is and heads in to confront Simon himself. He encounters an enclosed room not on the map and heads in. In there he finds the bodies of The Terror's victims and starts searching around for him. Simon jumps out and attacks him and Danny tries to fight him off. O'Brien eventually kills The Terror and the film ends.
Cast
- Chuck Norris as Danny O'Brien
- Brynn Thayer as Kay
- Steve James as Robinson
- Jack O'Halloran as Simon Moon
- Jeffrey Kramer as Dwight
- Ron O'Neal as Mayor
- Murphy Dunne as Theater Manager
- Heather Blodgett as Betsy
- Tony DiBenedetto as Dobeny
- Billy Drago as Dr. Highwater
- Joe Guzaldo as Copelli
- Peter Miller as Chief Bridges
- Karen Witter as Ginger
- Lorry Goldman as Ginger's Manager
- Christine Wagner as Doctor
Production
Hero and the Terror was Chuck Norris's first major attempt at diversifying from his traditional martial arts roles.[2][3]
Reception
The movie had a mostly negative reception. It currently has a 0% rating on movie rating website Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the poor reception Chuck Norris' acting was praised and it has a cult following. Most fans call it one of his better movies. [4][5][6]
Box office
Hero and the Terror grossed $1.84 million nationwide its first weekend at the box office, finishing in a disappointing 12th place.[7]
Release
The film premiered August 26, 1988 in the United States.[8] It will be first time released on Blu Ray in June 2015, by Kino Lorber.[9]
References
- ^ "A New Kick For Norris Macho Martial Arts Man Chuck Norris Welcomes The Chance To Soften His Public Image In His Latest Movie". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
- ^ "Chuck Norris Fights to Be a Better Actor in 'Hero and the Terror' Role". The Los Angeles Times. 1988-09-02. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
- ^ Sheridan, Chris (1988-08-25). "TOUGH AND TENDER CHUCK NORRIS DEVELOPS A MILD SIDE ON FILM". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
- ^ Thomas, Kevin (August 26, 1988). "'Hero' Does Battle With a Terror of Script". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
- ^ "Hero and the Terror". Washington Post. 1988-08-27. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
- ^ "Hero and the Terror". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
- ^ "Chucking His Iron-Man Image Boundaries of Hero Role Can't Contain Norris in `Terror". The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution. 1988-09-02. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
- ^ "Chuck Norris' Hero and the Terror". Rogert Ebert. 1988-09-02. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
- ^ "Chuck Norris' Hero and the Terror and the Blu-ray". The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution. 1988-09-02. Retrieved 2012-02-08.