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The Gunrunner (1983)
Released By: New World Video   Rating: R   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: New World Video
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Nardo Castillo
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Kevin Costner, Paul Soles, Ron Lea, Sara Botsford
Published ID: 2501
UPC: N/A
Plot: Filmed in 1984, The Gunrunner didn't receive a widespread release until 1989, thanks in great part to the presence of Kevin Costner in the cast. The future Oscar-winning actor is herein cast as the title character, an illicit arms dealer named Ted Beaubein. Set in 1926 Montreal, the story finds Beaubein trying to muscle in on the speakeasy racket, a decision prompted by his fondness for speak owner Maude (Sara Botsford). Things get hairy when Rosalyn (Mitch Martin), the socialite girlfriend of Beaubein's late brother George (Ron Lea), is kidnapped by the Mob. Attempting to deliver the ransom money, Ted discovers what the audience has known all along -- that no one in his particular circle of friends can be trusted. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
confusing period piece
Added 6/27/2008


Ted (Kevin Costner) comes home from China to 1920s Canada and he's trying to smuggle guns and trying to get people to give him either guns or money or both, and his younger brother is involved in smuggling liquor to the U.S., and then there's something about socialists. Go read the summary on the IMDB--I wish I'd read it before watching this, because I really didn't get all that from watching the movie 3 times. I certainly didn't catch that he was in love with the night club owner--I thought that was just sex and business.

The 20s atmosphere was excellent, and it's odd, but the whole confusion thing just fit with the film as a whole. There was very little dialogue, and what there was was terse. The scenes were mostly dimly lit, and if I'd paid very close attention, I could probably come up with what the roulette scenes symbolized besides the obvious all-or-nothing risks Ted was taking. (Or maybe it's not that deep, and I got it already.) All that fit together very well to make a whole. It's just that it's a period piece--a character study, where the character in question is 1920s Canada--and I prefer more story to my movies.

The Gunrunner strikes me as a movie to have playing in the background on a big screen TV while you're hosting a 20s party. If nothing else, a young Kevin Costner is definitely pretty.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Action, violence and charm
Added 10/6/2000

This film has the feel of the 1920s. I love the beautiful old cars and the clothes. There is a great Halloween Party with everyone dancing the Tango. Kevin Costner is so young and handsome! There is a lot of violence in the film but they were the brutal twenties. The plot is very straight forward. Kevin Costner is the man in the blues song, A man's got to do what his destiny leads him to. There are some good lines and thought provoking ideas such as: Are you a hunter or a predator? This to his love interest...
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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