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Roy Scheider, Ann-Margret, Vanity, John Glover, Robert Trebor ... see more see more... , Lonny Chapman , Kelly Preston , Clarence Williams III , Doug McClure , Debra Berger , Tom Byron , Christopher Cory , Blackie Dammett , Barbara Ferris , John Francis , Bill Gratton , Alex Henteloff , Ron Hyatt , Amber Lynn , Sharon Mitchell , Anthony Palmer , Shirley Thompson , Robin Bronfman , Conroy Gedeon , Lenora Logan , Arlin Miller , Louis Di Giaimo , Frank Sivero

Wealthy metallurgist Harry Mitchell (Roy Scheider) lives to regret his extramarital affair with pretty young Cini (Kelly Preston). A trio of vicious blackmailers (John Glover, Robert Trebor, Clarence ... read more read more...Williams III) show Mitchell a videotape of his most recent roll in the sack with Cini. They demand a huge amount of hush money, but Mitchell calls their bluff, going so far as to tell his politicially ambitious wife Barbara (Ann-Margret) about the affair. But the extortionists haven't even gotten started yet. Tying Mitchell to a chair, they force him to watch a tape of Cini being horribly murdered-with the evidence arranged so that Mitchell will be accused of the crime. But Mitchell remains firm in his refusal to pay up, whereupon he mounts a "fight fire with fire" plan all his own. 52 Pick Up was based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, which was previously filmed in 1984 as The Ambassador. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

48% liked it

639 ratings

Critics

45% liked it

11 critics

R, 1 hr. 51 min.

Directed by: John Frankenheimer

Release Date: November 7, 1986

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Stats: 72 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (72)

  • ajv2688
    August 26, 2011
    ajv2688
    A good thriller, it's exciting, dramatic, and even scary at times. I actually started to feel sympathy for the blackmailers towards the end of it. The actors are really terrific, all of them. The story is both realistic and incredible at the same time. It's really energizing... read more in the end. And it's got just enough violence and action. I enjoyed this movie, and if you like a good thriller, you should check it out.
  • adammahler1
    March 4, 2011
    adammahler1
    Musical score is the worst part, everything else is tense and great, including a series of propulsive crane shots and steadicam work that rolls behind and in front of characters. Scheider does an impressive job as equal parts tough guy and desperate man. Clarence Williams III and... read more John Glover are truly terrifying, uniquely crafted monsters. For all Frankenheimer's skill in editing and new tricks with the camera, seeking out this movie is worth it simply because villains as disturbingly believable as Alan Raimy and Bobby Shy are rare; to have two of them fill the same movie is a dark miracle.
  • alanjayh
    June 28, 2008
    alanjayh
    very under rated but thoroughly enjoyable crime/action film.....interesting story, capable acting by ann maraget and Scheider, and a terrific supporting cast...notably John Glover, who provides us with a uniquely interesting villian. Nothing new here, but with these strong perf... read moreormances it is a very entertaining watch...
  • dumbmook
    March 1, 2012
    dumbmook
    A little bit of an eighties-sleazy-LA-noir type of film, not quite as good as it should be, but still enjoyable. The score is pretty bad, though.
  • jjb3332003
    September 16, 2009
    jjb3332003
    Though a bit weak on plot execution at times, overall this was an enjoyable action thriller. John Glover was rather Malkovichian in his villainy.
  • futsin
    April 11, 2008
    futsin
    The score has dated the movie severely, but aside from that, this is actually a surprisingly well-made film. For those who love good cinematography, there's some astounding camera angles John got in this picture I still wonder how in the world he pulled off. The look and feel is ... read moregood, plus the script has an interesting flow and pace to it. To top it off, Roy Scheider, John Glover, and Clarence Williams are absolutely awesome in the film. A lot of depth to each performance, making something that at first appears a cheesy, cheap 80s film turn into a far better piece of gritty crime pulp. Definitely another Frankenheimer film that shouldn't have been forgotten.
  • blacksnake2
    April 4, 2008
    blacksnake2
    Authentic Porn Stars in a big budget mainstream film for the first time, all Cameo shots. Stalwarts such as Ron Jeremy and Jamie Gillis hold up the male side, and gorgeous babes of the era abound, some only long enough to be recognized by aficianadoes (i.e. Miss Sharon Mitchell),... read more others getting more face-time (i.e. the super-cute heartthrob Miss Amber Lynn). Director Frankenheimer chose to utilize these pros for authenticity (and probably for a little action on the side from such a plethora of hot-to-trot beauties in the area!/;-) Drop dead gorgeous pre-Jesus Freak "Vanity" gets nekkid' with class opposite the late master actor Scheider, and similarly gorgeous Ann Margaret appears. Clarence Williams III is sinister in the best sort of way. Servicable work by the actors under Frankenheimer's whip hand keeps the film from being too pedestrian and the musical score is approprtiate. This one has enough going for it to merit some popcorn time for fans of the blackmail/suspense genre, and reveals by comparison what crappy hack work we are bombarded with on these (canadian) cable late night TV shows that limply attempt to purvey this type of fare. Ultimately, this is a must-have archive for those who appreciate the guild member "A-List" porn stars of the era, who prove they did not have to do hardcore sex scenes to turn in a good performance in front of the camera lens...

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Critic Reviews

David Nusair
November 7, 2011
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

...a thriller that's woefully lacking in thrills... Full Review

Fernando F. Croce
February 6, 2010
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion

Enjoyably degenerate Full Review

Chuck O'Leary
February 17, 2006
Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com

Roy Scheider is at his hard-boiled best and John Glover is a loathsomely slimy villain in this tough thriller that was quite graphic for its time. Sometimes unpleasant, but always interesting.

Scott Weinberg
July 26, 2002
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

Overbaked, underfed Elmore Leonard adaptation.

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Rita Kempley
January 1, 2000
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Paul Attanasio
January 1, 2000
Paul Attanasio, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Pat Graham
January 1, 2000
Pat Graham, Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

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52 Pick-Up Trivia

  • Who played Harry Mitchell in Elmore Leonard's 52 Pick-Up?  Answer »
  • Roy Scheider said this quote in which movie?: "Something about your face makes me want to slap the shit out of it!"  Answer »
  • Who played the three villains in John Frankenheimer's 52 Pickup?  Answer »
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