Cast a Deadly Spell (1991)
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60% of users liked it
(811 ratings)
This clever and well-crafted production (produced for Home Box Office) goes the distance with its innovative concept, which is equal parts Raymond Chandler and H.P. Lovecraft. Taking place in 1948 Hollywood -- in an alternate reality where magic spells, curses and demons are commonly used and… More This clever and well-crafted production (produced for Home Box Office) goes the distance with its innovative concept, which is equal parts Raymond Chandler and H.P. Lovecraft. Taking place in 1948 Hollywood -- in an alternate reality where magic spells, curses and demons are commonly used and accepted -- the story revolves around hard-boiled gumshoe Harry P. Lovecraft (Fred Ward, looking nothing like his character's namesake and everything like Mike Hammer), the only detective in the business who relies on brains and instinct instead of gazing into a crystal ball or casting runes. This pure perspective is sought out by wealthy eccentric Amos Hackshaw (David Warner), who is trying to retrieve the legendary "Necronomicon" (a key component in the works of the real H.P. Lovecraft). The book is reputed to have the power to release the "Elder Gods" from their cosmic confines and return them to Earth, whereupon Hackshaw believes they will appoint him ruler of all mankind. The chief rival for possession of the book is a seedy gangster (Raymond O'Connor) whose favorite nightclub singer (Julianne Moore) takes a shine to Harry. Followed by a sequel, Witch Hunt, which applies a more sublime (if unnecessary) re-interpretation of the material, and features Dennis Hopper in the Lovecraft Role. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Directed By
- Martin Campbell
- Written By
- Joseph Dougherty
- Genres
- Television, Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Sep 7, 1991 Limited
- Studio
- HBO Video
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Cast
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Fred Ward
as Detective Harry Philip Lovecraft
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David Warner
as Amos Hackshaw
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Julianne Moore
as Connie
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Clancy Brown
as Bordon
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Alexandra Powers
as Olivia Hackshaw
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Arnetia Walker
as Hypolite Kropotkin
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Peter Allas
as Detective Grimaldi
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Ritch Brinkley
as Owl Wagon Manager
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Jaime Cardriche
as Zombie
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David Downing
as Thadius Pilgrim
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Colin Drake
as Butler Meadows
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Charles Hallahan
as Detective Bradbury
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Michael Reid Mackay
as Gargoyle
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Raymond O'Connor
as Tugwell
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Lee Tergesen
as Larry Willis/Lilly Sirwar
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Ken Thorley
as Mickey Locksteader
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George P. Wilbur
as Owl Wagon Cook
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John De Bello
as Coroner
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Curt Sobel
as Band Leader
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Scott Lincoln
as Bartender
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Robert Mickelson
as Boy #1
