Cast a Deadly Spell
Cast a Deadly Spell
R | 07 September 1991 (USA)
Cast a Deadly Spell Trailers

In a fantastical 1940s where magic is used by everyone, a hard-boiled detective investigates the theft of a mystical tome.

Reviews
Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!
Brightlyme i know i wasted 90 mins of my life.
Bea Swanson This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.
Janis One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
Lee Eisenberg If ever there were a textbook definition of lovable weirdness, Martin Campbell's Emmy-winning "Cast a Deadly Spell" is it. This HBO movie casts Fred Ward as a private eye in 1948 LA, where everyone except him uses magic. Humans live among the ghouls and goblins, but the theft of the Necronomicon sets the plot in motion.Much of the movie is a reference to H.P. Lovecraft. Ward's character has that name, the Necronomicon (also used in the Evil Dead franchise) is from his works, and there's even a place called Dunwich.* But more than anything, it's funny to see everyone act so unfazed by the presence of things that are supposed to scare people in movies. Just a fun movie.Martin Campbell went on to direct "Goldeneye", "Casino Royale" and the Zorro movies. Julianne Moore of course went on to renown in the years after this movie."I hate full moons!"*"The Dunwich Horror" got made into a movie starring Sandra Dee, Dean Stockwell and Talia Shire. That's got to be the unlikeliest cast for a horror flick.
capone666 Cast a Deadly Spell The problem with living in a world where magic is possible is all of the tacky wardrobes you have to see everyday.Thankfully, the magicians in this mystery dress in 1940s garb.In an alternate universe where magic exists, a clichéd PI that hates the black arts, H. Phillip Lovecraft (Fred Ward), is hired by an affluent client (David Warner) to retain a tome for him called the Necronomicon.To do so, Lovecraft must not only navigate the supernatural streets of L.A. but also his on-again off-again ex (Julianne Moore).All the while, Lovecraft is unaware that his obtaining of the Necronomicon will ultimately unleash the Old Ones, an ancient monster race that will enslave the city.Part Dashiell Hammett detective yarn, part Lovecraftian horror. This HBO produced amalgamation has the hard-boiled lingo and the slimy subspecies of the two genres down pat.But beware: Lovecraftian dames usually have tentacles.Yellow Light vidiotreviews.blogspot.com
LexaSuperStar What inspired this particular story/genre treatment? I've seen since a few other stabs at the same type of story, but few (if any) can reach your achievement. Did you have much say in the overall production? If not Fred Ward, then who would've been your first choice to play Lovecraft? Connie? Borden? In any case, I just wanted to reiterate how much a fan of "Cast A Deadly Spell" I am. It was one of those pictures that stick out in my mind as a grade-A classic. Great movie . Fred really funny in this role . Unique movie ever. Can some one tall me similar movie ... I don't think so. In so small Someone have the subtitles for this movie ? Really need one . Because in Ukraine I cant buy this movie .
olknight This is a FABULOUS movie! It is done in the film-noir style or the 40's and stars Fred Ward, David Warner, and Julianna Moore!Fred Ward plays Det. Harry Philip Lovecraft (the names of the characters in this film are homages to writers of the fantasy/horror genre), who is an honest cop who has quit to become a private detective. In world where magic is both common and easy, Lovecraft refuses to use magic. ANY magic.David Warner is Amos Hackshaw, and Amos hires Lovecraft to find a book that was stolen from him; a little tome on esoteric magic called The Necronomicon.It's fun, funny, impressive, well acted and a blast to watch! Two thumbs way, waaaay up; 5 stars! What else can I say?