As a result of a misdiagnosis, Detective Burt Simpson is told he has just weeks to live. He gains a new respect for his life and loved ones but learns that in order for his wife, Carolyn, and son, Dougie, to collect any insurance money, he must be killed in the line of duty. He then becomes the most reckless man on the police force, volunteering for dangerous assignments over the objections of his by-the-book partner.
Acting
Dabney Coleman commits to physical comedy like his life depends on it.
Writing
Premise so darkly specific it feels like a lost Coen draft.
Director
Gregg Champion
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This bombed so hard in theaters ($4M on $13M budget) that it became a cable staple—literally more people have seen it accidentally than on purpose.
The film accidentally predicted the 2000s 'depressed cop with nothing to lose' trope, except played for laughs instead of Oscar bait gravitas.
US
