Dan August: Once Is Never Enough Poster

Dan August: Once Is Never Enough 1980

★ 4.02 votes93 min📅 1980-01-01

In the gritty coastal town of Santa Luisa, California, seasoned homicide detective Lt. Dan August digs into a pair of chilling cases that shake the community to its core.

Director: Ralph Senensky

Cast

Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds
Lt. Dan August
Norman Fell
Norman Fell
Sgt. Charles Wilentz
Richard Anderson
Richard Anderson
Chief George Untermeyer
Jerry Ayres
Dr. Rodell (archive footage)
Ned Romero
Ned Romero
Sgt. Joe Rivera
Jan-Michael Vincent
Jan-Michael Vincent
Kevin Colter
Susan Oliver
Susan Oliver
Leona Serling
Gerald S. O'Loughlin
Gerald S. O'Loughlin
Dominic Lazar
Fritz Weaver
Fritz Weaver
Dr. Michael Serling
Ahna Capri
Ahna Capri
Linda Perry

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dan August: Once Is Never Enough (1980) about?

This TV movie reunites detective Lt. Dan August with his partner Wilentz as they investigate two disturbing cases: the poisoning deaths of two homeless men and the tragic rape and murder of a young woman in Santa Luisa, California. The film blends crime drama with action as August races to uncover the truth amid a web of deceit.

Who directed Dan August: Once Is Never Enough?

Ralph Senensky directed this 1980 crime drama, delivering a tense and atmospheric adaptation of episodes from the original "Dan August" TV series.

Who stars in Dan August: Once Is Never Enough?

The film stars Burt Reynolds as Lt. Dan August, joined by a talented cast that includes Norman Fell, Richard Anderson, Jerry Ayres, and Jan-Michael Vincent.

Is Dan August: Once Is Never Enough (1980) worth watching?

As a crime drama rooted in classic TV movie aesthetics, this film offers solid performances, particularly from Burt Reynolds, and a compelling mystery. While it scores low on modern action scales, its procedural depth and 1980s charm make it a nostalgic pick for fans of the genre.

How long is Dan August: Once Is Never Enough?

The film runs for 93 minutes, delivering a tight and engaging story within a concise runtime.

About Dan August: Once Is Never Enough (1980) — Crime Drama with Burt Reynolds

In the gritty coastal town of Santa Luisa, California, seasoned homicide detective Lt. Dan August digs into a pair of chilling cases that shake the community to its core. This 1980 TV movie reimagines two episodes from the classic "Dan August" series, blending crime drama with hard-hitting action as August and his steadfast partner Wilentz trace the poisoning deaths of two homeless men and the brutal rape and murder of a young woman. Directed with a sharp eye for suspense by Ralph Senensky, the film immerses viewers in a world where justice is elusive and corruption lurks beneath the surface.

Burt Reynolds stars as the determined August, bringing his signature intensity to a role that balances relentless investigation with personal conviction. Joined by a strong supporting cast including Norman Fell, Richard Anderson, and Jan-Michael Vincent, the story unfolds with a tense, procedural edge, exploring themes of morality, resilience, and the cost of fighting for the truth in an unjust world.