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Act of Vengeance

  • TV Movie
  • 19861986
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
6.0/10
721
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Charles Bronson in Act of Vengeance (1986)
  • Biography
  • Crime
  • Drama
In 1969, an administrator runs against the corrupt president of the United Coal Miners Union, and becomes the target of a murder plot.In 1969, an administrator runs against the corrupt president of the United Coal Miners Union, and becomes the target of a murder plot.In 1969, an administrator runs against the corrupt president of the United Coal Miners Union, and becomes the target of a murder plot.
IMDb RATING
6.0/10
721
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • John Mackenzie
  • Writers
    • Trevor Armbrister(book)
    • Scott Spencer(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Charles Bronson
    • Ellen Burstyn
    • Wilford Brimley
Top credits
  • Director
    • John Mackenzie
  • Writers
    • Trevor Armbrister(book)
    • Scott Spencer(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Charles Bronson
    • Ellen Burstyn
    • Wilford Brimley
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 16User reviews
    • 8Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 4 nominations

    Photos17

    Wilford Brimley in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Charles Bronson and Ellen Burstyn in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Charles Bronson and Ellen Burstyn in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Ellen Barkin and Robert Schenkkan in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Wilford Brimley in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Ellen Barkin, Hoyt Axton, and Robert Schenkkan in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Charles Bronson in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Charles Bronson in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Charles Bronson in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Charles Bronson and Ellen Burstyn in Act of Vengeance (1986)
    Charles Bronson and Ellen Burstyn in Act of Vengeance (1986)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Charles Bronson
    Charles Bronson
    • Joseph 'Jock' Yablonskias Joseph 'Jock' Yablonski
    Ellen Burstyn
    Ellen Burstyn
    • Margaret Yablonskias Margaret Yablonski
    Wilford Brimley
    Wilford Brimley
    • Tony Boyleas Tony Boyle
    Hoyt Axton
    Hoyt Axton
    • Silous Huddlestonas Silous Huddleston
    Robert Schenkkan
    Robert Schenkkan
    • Paul Gillyas Paul Gilly
    Ellen Barkin
    Ellen Barkin
    • Annette Gillyas Annette Gilly
    Maury Chaykin
    Maury Chaykin
    • Claude Vealeyas Claude Vealey
    Caroline Kava
    Caroline Kava
    • Charlotte Yablonskias Charlotte Yablonski
    Peg Murray
    • Ellen Rogersas Ellen Rogers
    William Newman
    William Newman
    • Ezra Morganas Ezra Morgan
    Alan North
    Alan North
    • Albert Passas Albert Pass
    Raynor Scheine
    Raynor Scheine
    • Terrance Maddenas Terrance Madden
    Tom Harvey
    • Warren Alexanderas Warren Alexander
    Alf Humphreys
    Alf Humphreys
    • Ken Yablonskias Ken Yablonski
    Joseph Kell
    Joseph Kell
    • Chip Yablonskias Chip Yablonski
    Ken Pogue
    Ken Pogue
    • Earl Skidmoreas Earl Skidmore
    Keanu Reeves
    Keanu Reeves
    • Buddy Martinas Buddy Martin
    • (as Keannu Reeves)
    Marc Strange
    • Peteas Pete
    • Director
      • John Mackenzie
    • Writers
      • Trevor Armbrister(book)
      • Scott Spencer(screenplay)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    Fact-based story about the corruption that occurred during the United Mine Workers' 1969 presidential elections. Jock Yablonski was a loyal follower of then chief Tony Boyle. That all changed after 80 men are killed in an unsafe West Virginia coal mine and Boyle defended the mine owners. At his wife's urging and in fear of his life, Yablonski launched his campaign. And in fact, he became the target of assassins. —John Sacksteder <jsackste@bellsouth.net>
    • west virginia
    • election
    • union
    • murder
    • coal mine
    • 15 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • His was an act of defiance. Theirs was an act of vengeance.
    • Genres
      • Biography
      • Crime
      • Drama
    • Certificate
      • PG-13
    • Parents guide
      • Add content advisory

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Appearing in this Charles Bronson movie was actor Wilford Brimley who had appeared in the earlier Bronson pictures Borderline (1980) and 10 to Midnight (1983).
    • Quotes

      Buddy Martin: When we get to Charleston they have this place where the girls let you... Well, did you ever put your hand... I mean, your whole Freaking hand inside a lady?

      Claude Vealey: What? Put your hand inside a lady? Hell, I SHOT my old lady and she didn't even press charges.

    • Connections
      Features A Tale of Two Kitties (1942)
    • Soundtracks
      Working For The Company
      Written by Frankie Miller

      Performed By Frankie Miller

    User reviews16

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    When power and pride rears its ugly head.
    Bronson a union leader?! Yep, he's running for the job as president of the United Mines Union, due to the poor state of the party's image. But he finds it's not going to be easy, as president Tony Boyle (a larger than life Wilford Brimley) will pull out all punches (all) to rid them of the honorable union organizer Jock Yablonski who has the safety of his workers on mind, than say money.

    This Bronson outing (made-for-TV) is far away from what he was constantly working in through the 80s, and stemming from this inspired true story (set in 1969) is a confronting drama defying the odds being fuelled by intense confrontations, inner conflict, devious interests, embezzlement and cold-blooded murder. Its power comes from Bronson's hearty turn, an admirable Ellen Burstyn and a credibly concise script. It remains captivating throughout, holding an agreeable amount of momentum in suspense and intrigue through the campaign, although it won't hold much surprises and the conclusion feels a little short-changed after the stinging climax.

    The sub-plot involving the hired assassins (Robert Schenkkan leading the way) feels at times clumsy and drawn out (mainly due to these people not being professionals), but there's something unnerving lurking underneath it all. Plus Keanu Reeves shows up as one of the killers, and is actually rather good in a minor part.

    Director John MacKenzie lets the story unfold slowly, but manages a tight and focused grip in a conservative style. Plain for some, but well measured for others. Nothing truly stands out (film-making wise from the music to cinematography), but it works in with the tactically stern frame it went for.

    Committed handling throughout.
    helpful•6
    0
    • lost-in-limbo
    • Jun 13, 2009

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 21, 1986 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Act of Vengeance - ...A True Story
    • Filming locations
      • Nemacolin, Pennsylvania, USA
    • Production companies
      • Frank Konigsberg Productions
      • Lorimar Telepictures
      • HBO Premiere Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 35 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

    Related news

    Wamg Interview: Charles Bronson Scholar Paul Talbot – Author of Bronson’S Loose Again!
    Jun 27WeAreMovieGeeks.com
    Act Of Vengeance trailer. Danny Glover, Gina Gershon and Robert Patrick star
    May 22Upcoming-Movies.com

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