
Desperate 1987
Desperate (1987) plunges viewers into the sun-drenched yet treacherous waters of Key West, where former sailor and boat charterer Steve Randall—played by John Savage—attempts to outrun his past.
Director: Peter Markle
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desperate (1987) about?
Desperate (1987) follows Steve Randall, an ex-sailor running a quiet charter business in Key West, who's pulled into a dangerous deal with Cuban gunrunners. His attempt to escape his past unravels as he's forced into a deadly rendezvous that tests his resolve and survival instincts.
Who directed Desperate?
Desperate was directed by Peter Markle, a filmmaker known for his work in television thrillers and crime dramas.
Who stars in Desperate?
The cast features John Savage in the lead role, alongside Meg Foster, Chris Burke, Liane Langland, and Andrew Robinson.
Is Desperate (1987) worth watching?
Though not widely reviewed, Desperate (1987) offers a compelling blend of noir tension and character-driven drama, ideal for fans of 1980s TV thrillers. Its tight runtime and atmospheric setting make it a hidden gem worth exploring, especially for those who enjoy morally complex stories.
How long is Desperate?
Desperate (1987) runs for 70 minutes.
About Desperate (1987) — Ex-sailor's fate collides with Cuban gunrunners in this TV thriller
Desperate (1987) plunges viewers into the sun-drenched yet treacherous waters of Key West, where former sailor and boat charterer Steve Randall—played by John Savage—attempts to outrun his past. When a shadowy underworld figure lures him into a high-stakes meeting with Cuban gunrunners, Steve finds himself trapped in a web of deceit and danger, forced to confront old wounds while navigating a world that refuses to let him go. Directed by Peter Markle, this TV thriller masterfully blends noir atmosphere with the rhythms of a Hemingway-inspired narrative, wrapping its tension in the humid, golden haze of 1980s Florida.
The film thrives on sharp character dynamics and moral ambiguity, with Chris Burke and Meg Foster delivering standout performances that ground its explosive premise in raw emotion. As alliances shift and betrayals loom, Desperate (1987) transforms from a quiet maritime drama into a taut cat-and-mouse thriller, where survival depends on instinct—and a single wrong move could be fatal.