Date Rape (1988)

A gripping 1988 TV drama confronting the trauma of acquaintance rape and the social silence that surrounds it.

Date Rape - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1988
  • Directed by: Jesús Salvador Treviño
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Runtime: 54m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): September 15, 1988 (United States)
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Date Rape - Plot

Teenage girl is raped after accepting a date from the most popular boy in school.

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Date Rape - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Jesús Salvador Treviño

Main Cast

  • Danielle von Zerneck
  • Reed Diamond
  • John Karlen
  • John Savage
  • Patricia Kalember
  • Marcia Jean Kurtz
  • David Patrick Kelly
  • Robert Dorfman
  • Tyagi Schwartz

Writers

  • David Perlmutter
  • Donald MacDonald
  • Bruce Harmon

Date Rape - FAQs

What is Date Rape (1988) about?

Date Rape follows a teenage girl who is sexually assaulted after accepting a date with the most popular boy at her school. The film confronts the trauma, social stigma, and institutional failures survivors face, making it a sobering and important early television drama on the subject of acquaintance rape.

Is Date Rape based on a true story?

Date Rape is not based on a single documented case, but it draws on the very real and widespread issue of acquaintance rape among teenagers. The 1988 TV film was crafted to reflect authentic experiences and raise awareness at a time when the topic was rarely addressed openly in mainstream media.

Where can I watch Date Rape (1988)?

Date Rape (1988) is a rare TV movie that can be difficult to track down on mainstream streaming platforms. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current availability across rental, purchase, and streaming services in your region to help you find the most up-to-date viewing options.

Who directed Date Rape (1988)?

Jesús Salvador Treviño directed Date Rape. A prolific and socially engaged filmmaker, Treviño has a long career directing television dramas and series that tackle challenging social issues, bringing both sensitivity and urgency to the material throughout his work in American television.

Who are the main actors in Date Rape?

The film stars Danielle von Zerneck as Samm Matian and Reed Diamond as Gary Farrell in the central roles. The supporting cast includes John Karlen, John Savage, Patricia Kalember, Marcia Jean Kurtz, and David Patrick Kelly, all contributing to the film's grounded and emotionally charged performances.

How long is Date Rape (1988)?

Date Rape runs for 54 minutes, making it a compact but intense viewing experience. Its shorter runtime is typical of made-for-television films of the era, but the story wastes no time delivering its difficult subject matter with directness and emotional weight.

What are some movies similar to Date Rape?

If Date Rape resonated with you, similar films worth exploring include Fire with Fire (1986), I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977), What Maisie Knew (2013), and Gracie (2007). These films share themes of youth, vulnerability, and navigating difficult personal and social circumstances.

Why is Date Rape considered an important film?

Date Rape arrived at a moment when acquaintance rape was rarely discussed openly in American culture. By bringing the story to television in 1988, the film helped spark broader public conversations about consent, victim-blaming, and the social dynamics that enable assault, giving it lasting significance as an early awareness-driven drama.

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