Deadbeat at Dawn Poster

Deadbeat at Dawn 1988

★ 6.365 votes81 min📅 1988-11-18

"He quit the gangs. They killed his girl. He became..."

Jim Van Bebber's gritty 1988 action-drama *Deadbeat at Dawn* plunges viewers into the raw underbelly of gang life, where loyalty is fragile and violence lurks around every corner.

Director: Jim Van Bebber

Cast

Jim Van Bebber
Jim Van Bebber
Goose
Megan Murphy
Christy
Marc Pitman
Bone Crusher
Ric Walker
Keith
Paul Harper
Danny Carmodi
Maureen Allisse
Iris (As Maureen Gentner)
Tom Burns
John Bradley
John Bradley
Steven Bognar
Steven Bognar
Julia Reichert
Julia Reichert
Waitress

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deadbeat at Dawn (1988) about?

*Deadbeat at Dawn* tells the story of Goose, a former gang member who tries to leave his violent past behind after his girlfriend begs him to. But when she's killed, he's pulled back into the dangerous world he fought to escape, setting off a chain of revenge and retribution that tests his resolve.

Who directed Deadbeat at Dawn?

Jim Van Bebber directed *Deadbeat at Dawn* (1988), bringing his distinct gritty style to this cult crime drama.

Who stars in Deadbeat at Dawn?

The film stars Jim Van Bebber as Goose, alongside Megan Murphy, Marc Pitman, Ric Walker, and Paul Harper in key roles.

Is Deadbeat at Dawn (1988) worth watching?

With its raw energy and unfiltered storytelling, *Deadbeat at Dawn* is a must-see for fans of 80s grindhouse cinema and neo-noir crime dramas. While it's not polished, its cult appeal lies in its authenticity and the tension that keeps you hooked throughout its tight 81-minute runtime.

How long is Deadbeat at Dawn?

The runtime for *Deadbeat at Dawn* is 81 minutes.

About Deadbeat at Dawn (1988) — A Raw Neo-Noir Crime Drama from the 80s Underground

Jim Van Bebber's gritty 1988 action-drama *Deadbeat at Dawn* plunges viewers into the raw underbelly of gang life, where loyalty is fragile and violence lurks around every corner. The film follows Goose, a former gang member who tries to leave his violent past behind for the sake of his girlfriend—only to find himself dragged back into the brutal cycle he thought he'd escaped. With its stark storytelling and unflinching portrayal of urban decay, this low-budget indie gem captures the heartbreak of broken promises and the inescapable grip of loyalty. The neon-lit streets and tense confrontations give *Deadbeat at Dawn* a neo-noir atmosphere, blending crime drama with a touch of horror as tensions reach a boiling point.

Van Bebber's direction isn't polished, but that's part of its raw charm, immersing audiences in a world where every character is either a victim or a predator. Megan Murphy and Marc Pitman deliver standout performances as the doomed lovers caught in a spiral of revenge and retribution, while the tight 81-minute runtime keeps the momentum relentless. A cult classic for fans of 80s grindhouse cinema, *Deadbeat at Dawn* asks what happens when you try to walk away from a life you never chose.