52 Pick-Up (1986)

45% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
48% of users liked it
(639 ratings)

Wealthy metallurgist Harry Mitchell (Roy Scheider) lives to regret his extramarital affair with pretty young Cini (Kelly Preston). A trio of vicious blackmailers (John Glover, Robert Trebor, Clarence Williams III) show Mitchell a videotape of his most recent roll in the sack with Cini. They demand a… More Wealthy metallurgist Harry Mitchell (Roy Scheider) lives to regret his extramarital affair with pretty young Cini (Kelly Preston). A trio of vicious blackmailers (John Glover, Robert Trebor, Clarence Williams III) show Mitchell a videotape of his most recent roll in the sack with Cini. They demand a huge amount of hush money, but Mitchell calls their bluff, going so far as to tell his politicially ambitious wife Barbara (Ann-Margret) about the affair. But the extortionists haven't even gotten started yet. Tying Mitchell to a chair, they force him to watch a tape of Cini being horribly murdered-with the evidence arranged so that Mitchell will be accused of the crime. But Mitchell remains firm in his refusal to pay up, whereupon he mounts a "fight fire with fire" plan all his own. 52 Pick Up was based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, which was previously filmed in 1984 as The Ambassador. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 51 min.
Directed By: John Frankenheimer
Written By: Elmore Leonard, John Steppling
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Nov 7, 1986 Wide

Critic Reviews

David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...a thriller that's woefully lacking in thrills...
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Enjoyably degenerate
Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
Roy Scheider is at his hard-boiled best and John Glover is a loathsomely slimy villain in this tough thriller that was quite graphic for its time. Sometimes unpleasant, but always interesting.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Overbaked, underfed Elmore Leonard adaptation.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A good thriller, it's exciting, dramatic, and even scary at times. I actually started to feel sympathy for the blackmailers towards the end of it. The actors are really terrific, all of them. The story is both realistic and incredible at the same time. It's really… More
A good thriller, it's exciting, dramatic, and even scary at times. I actually started to feel sympathy for the blackmailers towards the end of it. The actors are really terrific, all of them. The story is both realistic and incredible at the same time. It's really energizing in the end. And it's got just enough violence and action. I enjoyed this movie, and if you like a good thriller, you should check it out.
Adam M

Musical score is the worst part, everything else is tense and great, including a series of propulsive crane shots and steadicam work that rolls behind and in front of characters. Scheider does an impressive job as equal parts tough guy and desperate man. Clarence Williams III and John… More
Musical score is the worst part, everything else is tense and great, including a series of propulsive crane shots and steadicam work that rolls behind and in front of characters. Scheider does an impressive job as equal parts tough guy and desperate man. Clarence Williams III and John Glover are truly terrifying, uniquely crafted monsters. For all Frankenheimer's skill in editing and new tricks with the camera, seeking out this movie is worth it simply because villains as disturbingly believable as Alan Raimy and Bobby Shy are rare; to have two of them fill the same movie is a dark miracle.
alan j

very under rated but thoroughly enjoyable crime/action film.....interesting story, capable acting by ann maraget and Scheider, and a terrific supporting cast...notably John Glover, who provides us with a uniquely interesting villian. Nothing new here, but with these strong… More
very under rated but thoroughly enjoyable crime/action film.....interesting story, capable acting by ann maraget and Scheider, and a terrific supporting cast...notably John Glover, who provides us with a uniquely interesting villian. Nothing new here, but with these strong performances it is a very entertaining watch...

Cast

            Roy Scheider as Harry Mitchell

            Ann-Margret as Barbara Mitchell

            Vanity as Doreen

            John Glover as Alan Raimy

            Robert Trebor as Leo Franks

            Lonny Chapman as Jim O'Boyle

            Kelly Preston as Cini

            Clarence Williams III as Bobby Shy

            Doug McClure as Averson

            Debra Berger as O'Boyle's Wife

            Tom Byron as Party Goer

            Christopher Cory as Factory Worker

            Blackie Dammett as Drug Dealer

            Barbara Ferris as Lisa

            John Francis as Policeman

            Bill Gratton as Ed Salvon

            Alex Henteloff as Dan Lowenthal

            Ron Hyatt as Party Goer

            Amber Lynn as Party Goer

            Sharon Mitchell as Party Goer

            Anthony Palmer as Tom

            Shirley Thompson as Party Goer

            Robin Bronfman as Injured Driver

            Conroy Gedeon as James Boyer

            Lenora Logan as Lady in Hall

            Arlin Miller as Celebrity Voice Impersonation

            Louis Di Giaimo
            
            Frank Sivero as Vendor
See full cast