A man searches for his missing wife after his car breaks down in the middle of the desert.

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(story), (screenplay) | 1 more credit »
1 win & 2 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
...
...
Sheriff Boyd
Ritch Brinkley ...
Al
...
Arleen (as Moira Harris)
...
Deputy Len Carver
...
Calhoun
...
Bartender
Vincent Berry ...
Deke
Helen Duffy ...
Flo
Ancel Cook ...
Barfly
...
Tow Truck Driver
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Storyline

Jeff and Amy Taylor are moving to California and must drive across the country. When they find themselves stranded in the middle of a desert with hardly anyone or anything around, their trip comes to a sudden halt. Amy had taken a ride with a friendly trucker to a small diner to call for help, but after a long time, Jeff becomes worried. He finds that no one in the diner has seen or heard from his wife. When he finds the trucker who gave Amy the ride, the trucker swears he has never seen her. Now Jeff must attempt to find his wife, who has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. But who can he trust? Written by Anonymous

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

It could happen to you. See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence/terror and language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

2 May 1997 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

A félelem országútján  »

Box Office

Budget:

$36,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$12,307,128 (USA) (2 May 1997)

Gross:

$50,129,186 (USA) (15 August 1997)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Billy drives a red 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. See more »

Goofs

The condition of Jeff's pants when he arrives and leaves the bank to meet the kidnapper. See more »

Quotes

Billy, Gang Member: [to Jeff] You the fella looking for his wife?
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Connections

Referenced in The Cinema Snob: Independence Day (1983) (2016) See more »

Soundtracks

Nobody Knows
(1997)
Written by Jeffrey Pescetto
Performed by Robbyn Kirmsse
Produced by Jeffrey Pescetto
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Fine thriller with believable plot twists, exciting climax
14 April 2005 | by (Co. Durham, UK) – See all my reviews

BREAKDOWN (1997)

Aspect ratio: 2.39:1

Sound format: Dolby Digital

After their car breaks down in open country, a married couple (Kurt Russell and Kathleen Quinlan) are pitched into mortal danger when Quinlan disappears after accepting help from a sinister trucker (J.T. Walsh).

Well-scripted thriller, in which Russell and Quinlan become entangled in a ghoulish extortion plot after falling prey to some less than savory characters (I'll say no more). Believable plot twists lead to a dynamic climax which should have most viewers rivetted to their seats, and which probably accounted for director Jonathan Mostow being hired to direct TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES (2003). Tense, exciting stuff, worth a look.


21 of 30 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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