Deathrow Gameshow

Watch Deathrow Gameshow

"In the year 1991, contestants don't play for prizes...they play for their lives!"
  • R
  • 1987
  • 1 hr 23 min
  • 5.1  (925)

Deathrow Gameshow is a satirical and darkly comedic movie that was released in 1987. The movie is directed by Mark Pirro and stars John McCafferty, Robyn Blythe, and Beano. It tells the story of a bizarre television game show that takes place on death row, where contestants compete for their lives. The movie starts with a news broadcast that highlights the success of the game show "Live or Die." The show takes place on death row in a state prison, and the contestants are death row inmates who compete for their lives. The show's host Chuck Toedan (played by John McCafferty) is an obnoxious and self-centered personality who basks in the limelight of the show's success.

The premise of the game show is simple; contestants answer questions, and every time they answer correctly, they get to step closer to the exit. If they answer incorrectly, they get one step closer to the electric chair. The winner gets to walk free while the losers face the electric chair. The questions are bizarre and mostly unrelated to general knowledge. For example, one question asks contestants to guess the name of a song based on the sound of someone's flatulence.

The movie's plot thickens when a mysterious woman named Connie (played by Robyn Blythe) shows up at the prisons claiming to be Chuck's long-lost love interest. Connie is a political activist who wants to take down the game show because she believes it is exploiting the inmates. Chuck and Connie's relationship is complicated, and their scenes together add a layer of humor to the movie.

The movie also introduces the character of the Governor (played by Beano), who initially sees the value in the game show's success but later becomes horrified by its inhumanity. The Governor is a caricature of a politician, and his scenes provide the movie with additional comic relief.

As the movie progresses, the game show becomes more outrageous, and the fate of the contestants becomes even more gruesome. The movie delves into the question of morality and the ethics of the death penalty, making it both thought-provoking and entertaining.

The movie's overall tone is a mix of comedy, satire, and political commentary. The movie presents an absurd and exaggerated version of reality that is depicted through the lens of a game show. The characters are intentionally over the top, creating a cartoonish and humorous atmosphere.

The movie's plot is unpredictable, and the audience is kept guessing until the end. The film's climax is visceral, and the final showdown between Chuck and Connie is both intense and hilarious.

Overall, Deathrow Gameshow is a unique and entertaining movie that is worth watching. The film's premise is absurd, but the humor and the satire are spot on. The characters are memorable and funny, and the plot keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The movie is a perfect example of '80s cult cinema and is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Deathrow Gameshow
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Description
  • Release Date
    1987
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 23 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.1  (925)