The Three Kings Poster

The Three Kings 1987

★ 2.85 votes96 min📅 1987-12-17

In Mel Damski's heartfelt 1987 Family Fantasy Drama *The Three Kings*, three patients in a Los Angeles mental institution find unexpected purpose when they escape dressed as the Biblical Magi.

Director: Mel Damski

Cast

Tiana Alexandra
Tiana Alexandra
Jan DuLong
Jane Kaczmarek
Jane Kaczmarek
Dr. Paula Bolet
Richard 'Rick' Partlow
Police Officer
Lou Diamond Phillips
Lou Diamond Phillips
Tag
Art LaFleur
Art LaFleur
Police Officer
Kavi Raz
Kavi Raz
Falafel Stand Worker
Charles Nelson Reilly
Charles Nelson Reilly
Clerk
Pepe Serna
Pepe Serna
Alex Sweetwood
Stan Shaw
Stan Shaw
Paul
Tori Spelling
Tori Spelling
Girl at Falafel Stand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Three Kings (1987) about?

This made-for-TV movie follows three patients from a Los Angeles mental institution who dress as the Three Wise Men for a Christmas pageant and escape on camels, convinced they're on a real mission to find the Baby Jesus. Their surreal journey across the city becomes a touching exploration of faith and self-discovery.

Who directed The Three Kings?

Mel Damski directed the film, infusing it with a blend of whimsy and sincerity that defines its holiday charm.

Who stars in The Three Kings?

The main cast includes Jack Warden, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Stan Shaw—three patients whose performances bring warmth and humor to the story.

Is The Three Kings (1987) worth watching?

While unrated, this Family Fantasy Drama offers a unique holiday premise that balances humor with emotional depth. Its heartfelt themes and offbeat adventure make it a standout for fans of character-driven holiday stories.

How long is The Three Kings?

The Three Kings runs for 96 minutes, a compact runtime perfect for a cozy holiday viewing.

About The Three Kings (1987) — A Heartwarming Holiday Escape in Mental Illness Fantasy

In Mel Damski's heartfelt 1987 Family Fantasy Drama *The Three Kings*, three patients in a Los Angeles mental institution find unexpected purpose when they escape dressed as the Biblical Magi. Jack Warden, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Stan Shaw lead this offbeat adventure as the trio transforms their delusion into a whimsical quest across the city's gritty streets. With camels in tow and cameras in hot pursuit, their journey blends humor and sincerity, exploring themes of hope, identity, and redemption during the holiday season. The film's charming premise gives way to a touching meditation on the power of belief.

Beneath its unconventional surface lies a poignant tale of three lost souls who dare to believe in their own myth—just as the original Three Wise Men did centuries ago. The movie balances lighthearted escapism with emotional depth, making it a standout holiday watch for families and fans of character-driven storytelling alike.