Movie Type: Action Thriller, Police Detective Film
Themes: Serial Killers, Rogue Cops
Main Cast: Charles Bronson, Lisa Eilbacher, Gene Davis, Andrew Stevens, Geoffrey Lewis
Release Year: 1983
Country: US
Run Time: 101 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
Charles Bronson at 63 or so, continues his vigilante persona in this run-of-the-mill crime drama about a Richard Speck-style killer who knifes young nurses to death. There is no doubt that the film exploits both the heinous, 1966 Speck murder of eight nurses in Chicago and an audience's willingness to go along with the Bronson character, Leo Kessler, when he uses illegal means to entrap criminals. The captured killer, Warren Stacey (Gene Davis) manages to go free because of red tape and the need to wait for the outcome of his insanity plea. When he returns to his murderous predilection, Kessler takes action to permanently stop him. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
Review
This sleazy yet surprisingly compelling combination of cop thriller and slasher movie is one of the better Charles Bronson vehicles from the early 1980's. William Roberts' script both caters to and exploits the conservative 'law and order' mood of the Reagan era, filling the story with plenty of knee-jerk reactionary messages about the failings of the American justice system while also indulging in high levels of sex and violence to pruriently illustrate these messages. Despite its obvious nature, the story does benefit from taut plotting and devotes much more time to character development than any of the Death Wish clones that Bronson churned out around this time. 10 To Midnight further benefits from inspired direction and performances. J. Lee Thompson's slick direction mixes glossy photography and fast-paced editing to create a tense game of cat-and-mouse between Bronson and his deviously clever foe. The film is lent added dramatic weight by solid work from an excellent supporting cast: Lisa Eilbacher is both fiery and likable as Bronson's free-thinking daughter, Andrew Stevens' inexperienced but intelligent tyro detective makes a witty, worthwhile foil to Bronson's veteran cop and Geoffrey Lewis contributes some amusing moments as a sleazy defense attorney who encourages the villain to go for an insanity plea if all else fails. However, 10 To Midnight is anchored by the battle of wills between its two leads: Bronson hits the right combination of self-righteousness and grizzled dark humor as the world-weary but determined cop hero and Gene Davis is downright blood-chilling as a psycho that is as narcissistic as he is perverse. When they face off during the film's climax, it's the stuff of b-movie legends. All in all, 10 To Midnight is probably a little too exploitative and grim for sensitive viewers but Bronson buffs and thriller addicts will enjoy its skillfully-crafted cheap thrills. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide
Wilford Brimley - Capt. Malone; Robert F. Lyons - Nathan Zager; Dan Ades - Ben Linker; Beau Billingslea - Desk Sergeant; Sam Chew - Minister; Cosie Costa - Dudley; Shay Duffin - Nestor; Carmen Filpi - Hotel Clerk; James Keane - Jerry; Barbara Pilavin Gelber - Mrs. Byrd; Kelly Preston - Doreen; Shawn Schepps - Peg; Jerome Thor - Medical Examiner; Patti Tippo - Party Girl; Jeana Tomasina - Karen; Bert Williams - Mr. Johnson; John Garwood - Millikan; Paul McCallum - Lab Technician; Deran Sarafian - Dale Anders; Arthur Hansel - Judge; Ola Ray - Ola; Breck Costin - Tim Bailey; Sydna Scott - Mrs. Johnson
Credit
Del Adey-Jones - Costume Designer, J. Lee Thompson - Director, Peter Lee-Thompson - Editor, Robert O. Ragland - Composer (Music Score), Craig Felburg - Musical Direction/Supervision, Alan Marshall - Makeup, Adam Greenberg - Cinematographer, Yoram Globus - Producer, Menahem Golan - Producer, Lance Hool - Producer, Pancho Kohner - Producer, Cecilia Rodarte - Set Designer, William Roberts - Screenwriter
10 to Midnight is a drama that mixes elements of police and slasher films. It portrays the homicidal behavior of Warren Stacy (played by Gene Davis), a young office equipment repairman who kills women after they reject his sexual advances. Two Los Angeles police detectives, Leo Kessler (played by Charles Bronson) and Paul McAnn (played by Andrew Stevens) are in the process of investigating his murders. Stacy avoids prosecution by constructing sound alibis and assaulting his victims while naked, thus minimizing evidence. Later, his partner refuses to go along when Kessler plants evidence in order to frame Stacy. Stacy then goes on another rampage, and when caught, stark naked in the street, states how he'll say all the things that will "prove" that he's crazy: he hears voices telling him to do things, etc., and that one day, he'll get out, and he'll kill Kessler and his entire family. Kessler tells him, "no you won't," and shoots him through the forehead.
Production
Modelled after the infamous Richard Speck and Ted Bundy murders, 10 to Midnight uses a screenplay originally named Bloody Sunday. According to producer Pancho Kohner, Cannon Films chairman Menahem Golan and Kohner named the film 10 to Midnight despite having no connection to the plot. Golan and Kohner had intended to film an adaptation of the R. Lance Hill novel The Evil That Men Do, which fell through before an upcoming visit to the Cannes Film Festival. Golan and Kohner agreed to market a different film with Charles Bronson as its star, using 10 to Midnight as its working title.
The music for 10 to Midnight was composed by Cannon Films mainstay Robert O. Ragland and the film was recorded by cinematographer Alan Greenberg. 10 to Midnight also features actor Robert F. Lyons and actress Kelly Preston (listed as Kelly Palzis) in smaller roles.
Violent and with unseemly subject matter, 10 to Midnight drew scathing reviews from film critics, including a 'zero stars' rating from Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times. The film did receive positive feedback from others, such as Ebert's colleague Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune and was a financial success. The film has maintained a sizeable cult following through home video releases and heavily-edited broadcasts on television.
