The California Kid Poster

The California Kid 1974

★ 6.234 votes74 min📅 1974-09-25

"In this town a speeding ticket is a death sentence."

Directed by Richard T. Heffron, *The California Kid (1974)* delivers a gritty and intense thriller set against the sun-baked highways of a small town where justice is anything but fair.

Director: Richard T. Heffron

Cast

Martin Sheen
Martin Sheen
Michael McCord
Vic Morrow
Vic Morrow
Sheriff Roy Childress
Michelle Phillips
Michelle Phillips
Maggie
Stuart Margolin
Stuart Margolin
Deputy
Nick Nolte
Nick Nolte
Buzz Stafford
Janit Baldwin
Sissy
Gary Morgan
Gary Morgan
Lyle Stafford
Frederic Downs
Frederic Downs
Judge J.A. Hooker
Don Mantooth
Jack
Joe Estevez
Joe Estevez
Don McCord

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The California Kid (1974) about?

This 1974 thriller follows a brother who arrives in a small town to investigate his sibling's deadly crash, only to uncover a corrupt sheriff who deliberately causes fatal accidents on mountain roads. What begins as a personal quest for answers spirals into a high-stakes battle of wits and speed.

Who directed The California Kid?

Richard T. Heffron directed *The California Kid*, bringing his signature style to this tense and atmospheric thriller.

Who stars in The California Kid?

The film features Martin Sheen as the determined brother, Vic Morrow as the ruthless sheriff, and Michelle Phillips in a standout supporting role.

Is The California Kid (1974) worth watching?

If you're a fan of gritty, low-budget thrillers packed with tension and revenge-driven plots, *The California Kid* delivers. While it may not boast big-name stars, its raw energy and unique premise make it a compelling watch for genre enthusiasts.

How long is The California Kid?

The California Kid runs for 74 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The California Kid (1974) — A Gritty Thriller of Revenge and Highway Horror

Directed by Richard T. Heffron, *The California Kid (1974)* delivers a gritty and intense thriller set against the sun-baked highways of a small town where justice is anything but fair. When a vengeful brother rolls into town behind the wheel of his vintage hot rod, he's on a mission to uncover the truth behind his sibling's fatal crash—only to discover a sadistic sheriff who turns speeding tickets into a deadly game of cat and mouse. As the tension escalates, the film blends raw action with psychological horror, painting a stark portrait of vengeance and moral decay in a world where the law itself is the real criminal.

With standout performances from Martin Sheen and Vic Morrow anchoring the cast, *The California Kid* thrives on its atmospheric tension, high-speed chases, and a story that keeps viewers guessing until the final, adrenaline-fueled confrontation. The 74-minute runtime races by like a reckless driver on a winding mountain road, leaving audiences breathless and questioning how far they'd go for justice when the system fails them.