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Best Seller (1987) 6.5
Hit man Cleve approaches writer/cop Dennis about a story for his next book: How Cleve made a living, working for one of the most powerful politicians in the country. To get the story right,... See full summary » Director:John FlynnWriter:Larry Cohen |
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Title: Best Seller (1987)
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2 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| James Woods | ... |
Cleve
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| Brian Dennehy | ... |
Dennis Meechum
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| Victoria Tennant | ... |
Roberta Gillian
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 |
Allison Balson | ... |
Holly Meechum
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| Paul Shenar | ... |
David Madlock
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| George Coe | ... |
Graham
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Anne Pitoniak | ... |
Mrs. Foster
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Mary Carver | ... |
Cleve's mother
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Sully Boyar | ... |
Monks
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Kathleen Lloyd | ... |
Annie
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| Charles Tyner | ... |
Cleve's Father
(as Harold Tyner)
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E. Brian Dean | ... |
Taxi Driver
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Jeffrey Josephson | ... |
Pearlman
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Edward Blackoff | ... |
Thorn
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| Branscombe Richmond | ... |
Longshoreman #1
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Hit man Cleve approaches writer/cop Dennis about a story for his next book: How Cleve made a living, working for one of the most powerful politicians in the country. To get the story right, they travel around the country to gather statements and evidence, while strong forces use any means they can to keep the story untold. Written by Lars Skogan <si2_ls92362@debet.nhh.no>
Taglines:
A hired assassin. A cop turned author. Together they're rewriting the rulebook on the Mob. See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
25 September 1987 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Bestseller See more »Box Office
Gross:
$4,278,150 (USA)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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& Tapes, a Division of Capitol Records Inc.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Early in production, several trade magazines announced that the film would be called "Hardcover". See more »Goofs
The movie very clearly states that the main action takes place in 1987. Meechum is given an invitation from Madlock to an afternoon party on "Saturday, April 22nd at noon". April 22nd fell on a Wednesday in 1987. See more »Soundtracks
Original Sound Recording Available on Manhattan Records& Tapes, a Division of Capitol Records Inc.
See more »
This is a thoroughly enjoyable B movie that came and went quickly from the big screen back in the late 80's. I happened to catch it then--and now own it in my movie collection.
Woods plays Cleve, a brilliant and perhaps psychotic former hit-man, who wants Dennis, a cop turned author (Brian Dennehy), to write his story. He also wants to expose his former employers. Cleve ensures Dennis that the book will be a "Best Seller" and begins taking Dennis on a lurid tour of his former hits.
Like most films, this doesn't transfer quite as well onto the small screen, but it is still well worth the viewing; (plus you get to hear James Woods warble a tune in French). Actually, Woods is way cool in this film, and delivers some of his most compelling work ever. Brian Dennehy pulls off the tough task of making the writer character equally interesting and compelling. An unlikely buddy film that has plenty of action, makes you care, and quite simply--works.