Bum Rap Poster

Bum Rap 1988

★ 2.73 votes117 min📅 1988-09-26

In *Bum Rap (1988)*, directed by Danny Irom, New York cabdriver and aspiring actor Paul Colson (Craig Wasson) faces a devastating diagnosis—he's told he has just days left to live due to a rare blood disorder.

Director: Danny Irom

Cast

Craig Wasson
Craig Wasson
Paul Colson
Blanche Baker
Blanche Baker
Lisa DuSoir
Al Lewis
Al Lewis
Mr. Wolfstadt
Anita Gillette
Anita Gillette
Drunk Woman
Frances Fisher
Frances Fisher
Phyllis
Anne Carlisle
Anne Carlisle
Grace
Joe Franklin
Joe Franklin
Himself
Ron Parady
Dr. Stanton
Stephen De Fluiter
Man in Tuxedo
Jim Downey
Jim Downey
Steg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bum Rap (1988) about?

*Bum Rap* follows Paul Colson, a struggling actor and taxi driver in New York City, who discovers he has only a few days left to live. As he grapples with the news, he spirals through the stages of grief, turning his final hours into a chaotic, darkly humorous quest for meaning. The film blends comedy and drama to explore how one man confronts his mortality with equal parts defiance and vulnerability.

Who directed Bum Rap?

The film was directed by Danny Irom, who brings a distinctive balance of humor and heart to this offbeat dramedy.

Who stars in Bum Rap?

Craig Wasson leads the cast as Paul Colson, joined by Blanche Baker, Al Lewis, Frances Fisher, and Anne Carlisle in key roles.

Is Bum Rap (1988) worth watching?

While *Bum Rap* isn't a mainstream hit, its clever blend of humor and pathos makes it a hidden gem for fans of character-driven dramas with a twist. The film's themes of mortality and resilience are universal, even if its execution is a bit uneven. If you enjoy offbeat indie films with heart, it's worth a look—but don't expect a typical comedy.

How long is Bum Rap?

The film runs for 117 minutes, or just under two hours.

About Bum Rap (1988) — A Dark Comedy About Life, Loss, and Last Rides

In *Bum Rap (1988)*, directed by Danny Irom, New York cabdriver and aspiring actor Paul Colson (Craig Wasson) faces a devastating diagnosis—he's told he has just days left to live due to a rare blood disorder. With time running out, Paul's journey through grief becomes a darkly comedic exploration of love, loss, and the absurdity of life's final acts. Blending sharp wit with raw emotion, the film navigates themes of mortality against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Manhattan, where every ride in a yellow cab feels like a metaphor for the fleeting nature of existence. The cast, led by Wasson's compelling performance, breathes life into a story that's as poignant as it is hilarious.

Danny Irom's direction infuses the film with a quirky charm, balancing comedy and drama with deft precision. Blanche Baker and Al Lewis shine as Paul's confidantes, adding depth to a narrative that's equal parts heartfelt and irreverent. *Bum Rap* isn't just about facing death—it's about living life on your own terms, even when the clock is ticking.