The Presidio (1988)

46% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
39% of users liked it
(7,570 ratings)

San Francisco detective Jay Austin (Mark Harmon) is assigned to investigate the murder of a female MP at the 212-year-old Presidio army base in this crime drama. Jay must interview Lieutenant Colonel Caldwell (Sean Connery), his former commander from his military days. The two must overcome their… More San Francisco detective Jay Austin (Mark Harmon) is assigned to investigate the murder of a female MP at the 212-year-old Presidio army base in this crime drama. Jay must interview Lieutenant Colonel Caldwell (Sean Connery), his former commander from his military days. The two must overcome their past and present differences to track down the killer as they manage to stumble across a smuggling operation relating to the murder. Jay falls for Caldwell's pretty daughter Donna (Meg Ryan), who proves to be as forceful as her father. Highlights of the film are the chase scene through Chinatown and Connery's exceptional performance. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Peter Hyams
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jun 10, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Dec 14, 1999
Studio: Paramount Home Video

Critic Reviews

Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
Peter Hyams' strong direction and Connery's commanding presence make this handsome-looking action-thriller worth seeing.
Michael Clawson, West Valley View
Good thriller, but it suffers from '80s virus called the Mopes - it stutters on long, arduous sessions of depression while going absolutely nowhere.

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

Tom E

One of Mark Harmon's best kept secrets -- It must've been grand working with Dean Connery
Dean M

Fantastic murder mystery with police detective Mark Harmon and military provost marshal Sean Connery investigating a murder on military base. Forgot the plot and enjoy seeing Connery excel in a tailor-made role.
xGary X

Cop investigates murder blah blah clashes with military ho hum falls for daughter yadda yadda. Harmon and Ryan make a dreary and unconvincing couple, and the cliched plot barely holds the attention. Peter Hyams is normally a reliable popcorn movie maker, but this is pretty feeble… More
Cop investigates murder blah blah clashes with military ho hum falls for daughter yadda yadda. Harmon and Ryan make a dreary and unconvincing couple, and the cliched plot barely holds the attention. Peter Hyams is normally a reliable popcorn movie maker, but this is pretty feeble stuff.

Cast

            Sean Connery as Lt. Col. Alan Caldwell

            Mark Harmon as Jay Austin

            Meg Ryan as Donna Caldwell

            Jack Warden as Sgt. Maj. Ross "Top" Maclure

            Mark Blum as Arthur Peale

            Dana Gladstone as Lt. Col. Paul Lawrence

            Jenette Goldstein as Patti Jean Lynch

            Don Calfa as Howard Buckely

            Ron Cummins as Maintenance Man

            Ruth de Sosa as Teacher

            Bob Delegall as Squad Room Lieutenant

            Jesse Lawrence Ferguson as Pilot at Travis A.F.B.

            Michael Fosberg as Captain Gordon

            Jesse D. Goins as M.P. Bygrave

            Joe Hart as Bully's Bar Pal ("Arrowhead")

            Larry Flash Jenkins as M.P. Dutton

            Patrick Kilpatrick as Mark

            Peter Kwong as Squad Room Officer

            Robert Lesser as Sergeant Moeller

            Rosalyn Marshall as Lawrence's Secretary

            Marvin J. McIntyre as M.P. Zeke

            Dean Miller as Leroy

            Kim Robillard as M.P. Mitchell

            Susan Saiger as Gloria

            Michael Strasser as M.P. Stillwell

            John Allen Vick as Post Commander

            Rick Zumwalt as Bully in Bar

            Jophery C. Brown as Workman

            Justin Derosa as Workman

            Frank Orsatti as Workman

            Peter Fitzsimmons as Patrolman Schmidt

            James Hooks Reynolds as George Spota

            Tracy Tanen as Peale's Receptionist

            Allan Graf as Workman

            John DiSanti as Detective Marvin Powell

            Pete Antico as Patrolman Dotson
See full cast