Murphy's Law (1986)

42% of users liked it
(2,844 ratings)

An officer of the law becomes a wanted man while trailing a killer in this crime drama. Jack Murphy (Charles Bronson) is a police detective who helped to put Joan Freeman (Carrie Snodgress), a psychotic murderer, behind bars ten years ago. However, Joan is now back on the street and determined to… More An officer of the law becomes a wanted man while trailing a killer in this crime drama. Jack Murphy (Charles Bronson) is a police detective who helped to put Joan Freeman (Carrie Snodgress), a psychotic murderer, behind bars ten years ago. However, Joan is now back on the street and determined to get revenge on Jack. She kills Jack's ex-wife and her new husband, and she cleverly frames the detective for the crime. Jack is arrested and taken into custody handcuffed to Arabella McGee (Kathleen Wilhoite), a rough-and-ready young hoodlum picked up for theft. Jack is able to escape, and has to track down Joan in order to clear his name with Arabella as his unwitting accomplice. Murphy's Law also features Lawrence Tierney and Richard Romanus. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 41 min.
Directed By: J. Lee Thompson
Written By: Gail Morgan Hickman
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Apr 18, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Feb 4, 2003
Studio: Media Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
A very lurid, but very enjoyable Bronson thriller.
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
It takes seven minutes for the credits to finish appearing during the opening and once they are over, so is the suspense.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dean M

Charles Bronson's a cop who is being framed by a psycho he once put away. Much shooting and shouting.
Christopher B

Bronson has to take out the trash, but this time it's female trash out to destroy his life. This nutbar (you have to be crazy to mess with Bronson) frames Chuck for some murders and he has to break out of jail with an unfunny, yet hillarious, female punk in tow. For some reason… More
Bronson has to take out the trash, but this time it's female trash out to destroy his life. This nutbar (you have to be crazy to mess with Bronson) frames Chuck for some murders and he has to break out of jail with an unfunny, yet hillarious, female punk in tow. For some reason Bronson takes a shine to her, and finally confronts the psycho chick. I can't go on, I don't want to spoil who wins for those who haven't watched it, but I'll give you a hint. Bronson kicks ass!

Cast

            Charles Bronson as Jack Murphy

            Kathleen Wilhoite as Arabella McGee

            Carrie Snodgress as Joan Freeman

            Robert F. Lyons as Art Penney

            Angel Tompkins as Jan

            Richard Romanus as Frank Vicnezo

            Bill Henderson as Ben Wilcove

            James Luisi as Ed Reineke

            Clifford A. Pellow as Lt. Nachman

            Frank Annese as Kelly

            Robert Axelrod as Hotel Clerk

            Don Brodie as Old Man

            Randall Carver as Mechanic

            Chris De Rose as Tony Vincenzo

            Greg Finley as Booking Sergeant

            Mischa Hausserman as Dave Manzarek

            John Hawker as Hotel Guest

            Dennis Hayden as Sonny

            Cal Haynes as Reese

            Richard Hochberg as Man With Glasses

            Hans Howes as Santana

            Leigh Lombardi as Stewardess

            Janet MacLachlan as Dr. Lovell

            Joseph Spallina Roman as Carl

            Janet Rotblatt as Mrs. Vincenzo

            Jerome Thor as Judge Kellerman

            Lawrence Tierney as Cameron

            Graham Timbes as Detective

            Bert Williams as Police Capt

            David Hayman as Jack

            Jerry Lazarus as Lawyer

            Paul McCallum as Hog

            Gerald Berns as Young Cop

            Frank Bove as Guard

            Charlie Brewer as Security Guard

            Nancie Clark as Restaurant Patron

            Linda Harwood as Waitress

            Wheeler Henderson as Woman in Bathroom

            David K. Johnston as Guard

            John F. McCarthy as Patrol Cop

            Paul McCauley as Bailiff

            Tony Montero as Max

            Daniel Nalleck as Lead Cop

            Charles A. Nero as Liquor Clerk

            Chris Stanley as Ambulance Attendant

            Lisa Vice as Blonde

            Brooks Wachtel as Maitre d'
See full cast