Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter 1982
Before Bruce Campbell became a household name in Sam Raimi's cult classics, he starred in this early short film *Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter* (1982), a zany blend of action and comedy directed by Josh Becker.
Director: Josh Becker
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter (1982) about?
This action-comedy short follows Campbell's Cleveland Smith, a quick-witted bounty hunter on a high-stakes chase through the city's seedy underbelly. Packed with humor and kinetic energy, the film parodies classic bounty hunter tropes while delivering a sleek, no-frills adventure.
Who directed Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter?
The film was directed by Josh Becker, a frequent collaborator with Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi who later co-founded Renaissance Pictures.
Who stars in Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter?
The short stars Bruce Campbell as Cleveland Smith, alongside Cheryl Klam, Sam Raimi, and Robert Tapert in key roles.
Is Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter (1982) worth watching?
As a raw, early-career showcase for Campbell and Raimi, *Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter* is a fun time capsule for fans of their later work. Its tight runtime and energetic pacing make it a quick, entertaining watch, though its rough-around-the-edges style may not appeal to all modern viewers.
How long is Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter?
Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter (1982) has a runtime of 9 minutes.
About Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter (1982) — Early Bruce Campbell Adventure Short
Before Bruce Campbell became a household name in Sam Raimi's cult classics, he starred in this early short film *Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter* (1982), a zany blend of action and comedy directed by Josh Becker. Set against a gritty, low-budget backdrop, the film follows Campbell's no-nonsense bounty hunter as he navigates a chaotic chase through back alleys and dimly lit hideouts. With his trademark wit and rugged charm, Campbell brings a playful energy to the role, poking fun at genre tropes while embracing the absurdity of the adventure. The short's fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek tone and crude yet spirited execution foreshadow the creative chemistry between Campbell, Raimi, and Becker that would later define hits like *Evil Dead*.
Though just nine minutes long, *Cleveland Smith, Bounty Hunter* packs a punch, blending slapstick humor with a gritty, B-movie aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly raw. It's a snapshot of early '80s indie filmmaking, where ambition and resourcefulness outweighed big budgets.