Jake Speed 1986
"More than a myth. Less than a legend. And a bit too big for his boots"
In Jake Speed (1986), directed by Andrew Lane, a leather-jacketed pulp hero from the 1940s pages steps off the written word and into the African bush when a desperate plea pulls him into the real world.
Director: Andrew Lane
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jake Speed (1986) about?
Jake Speed is a 1940s-style pulp hero who must trade his paper-thin adventures for real-life danger when a kidnapped girl's sister enlists him to rescue her in Africa. The film follows Speed and his reluctant companion as they chase kidnappers across rugged terrain, testing his heroic mettle against unforgiving reality.
Who directed Jake Speed?
Andrew Lane directed Jake Speed, blending action, comedy, and thriller elements to create a playful yet suspenseful adventure.
Who stars in Jake Speed?
The film features Wayne Crawford as Jake Speed, supported by Karen Kopins, Dennis Christopher, John Hurt, and Leon Ames.
Is Jake Speed (1986) worth watching?
As a breezy action-comedy with a retro pulp vibe, Jake Speed offers lighthearted fun without heavy expectations. While it won't redefine cinema, its energetic tone and Wayne Crawford's charismatic lead make it a diverting pick for fans of adventure-driven films.
How long is Jake Speed?
Jake Speed runs for 100 minutes, packing its mix of thrills and humor into a concise runtime.
🎥 Trailer
About Jake Speed (1986) — Pulp hero leaps off the page in action-comedy adventure
In Jake Speed (1986), directed by Andrew Lane, a leather-jacketed pulp hero from the 1940s pages steps off the written word and into the African bush when a desperate plea pulls him into the real world. Wayne Crawford stars as Speed, a two-fisted protagonist who's all swagger and no surrender, but even his larger-than-life persona is tested when a kidnap victim's sister demands he turn fiction into action. With a playful mix of action, comedy, and thriller beats, the film balances tongue-in-cheek thrills against a surprisingly earnest quest for justice.
Set against a sun-baked, adventure-soaked backdrop, Jake Speed's journey is part spoof, part homage, as the hero scrambles to live up to the legend he's supposed to embody. The cast—including Dennis Christopher, John Hurt, and Karen Kopins—lends depth and quirk to the escapade, making every punchline and perilous moment feel just vibrant enough to keep the pages turning in real life.