The Escape Artist (1982)
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44% of users liked it
(1,281 ratings)
The Escape Artist represents the laudable directorial debut of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel. Griffin O'Neal, the real-life son of Ryan O'Neal, plays Danny Masters, the offspring of a famed magician. Determined to match his dad's accomplishment, Danny runs into nothing but trouble. His… More The Escape Artist represents the laudable directorial debut of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel. Griffin O'Neal, the real-life son of Ryan O'Neal, plays Danny Masters, the offspring of a famed magician. Determined to match his dad's accomplishment, Danny runs into nothing but trouble. His biggest mistake is picking the pocket of the son of a corrupt town mayor. When not running from adults, the boy is being exploited by them. A critic's favorite, Escape Artist has slowly built up a cult following over the years, thanks largely to its eclectic supporting cast, including Raul Julia, Desi Arnaz Jr., Joan Hackett, Teri Garr, Jackie Coogan, Huntz Hall and M. Emmet Walsh. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Caleb Deschanel
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense
PG,
- In Theaters
- May 28, 1982 Wide
- Studio
- LionsGate Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...the movie's pervasive lack of drama or tension results in a palpably flat atmosphere that proves disastrous...
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Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Offers plenty to appeal to children and adults, and the clever ending delivers one more treat to pay off the story's tricks.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
The Escape Artist is a riveting film about a son trying to prove himself to his father.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Griffin O'Neal
as Danny Masters
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Raul Julia
as Stu Quinones
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Teri Garr
as Arlene
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Joan Hackett
as Aunt Sibyl
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Gabriel Dell
as Uncle Burke
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Desi Arnaz
as Mayor Leon Quinones
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John P. Ryan
as Vernon
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Elizabeth Daily
as Sandra
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M. Emmet Walsh
as Fritz
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Jackie Coogan
as Magic Shop Owner
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Harry Anderson
as Harry Masters
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Harry Caesar
as Sax player
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Helen Page Camp
as Neighbor
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David Clennon
as Newspaper editor
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Isabelle Cooley
as Secretary at Newspaper Office
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Carlin Glynn
as Treasurer's secretary
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Huntz Hall
as Turnkey
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Margaret Ladd
as Reporter
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Doug McGrath
as Photographer
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Tom Signorelli
as Mailbox cop
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Hal Williams
as Cop at Mayor's office
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Sandy Gimpel
as Stunt Double - Sibyl
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Garry Marshall
as Drummer
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George Brengel
as Water commissioner
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George Cantero
as Jail trustee
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Harry Cohn
as Jailmate
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Tom Mahoney
as MC
