Cardiac Arrest (1980)
A San Francisco detective hunts a killer harvesting human hearts in this unsettling 1980 crime thriller with a chilling black market twist.
Cardiac Arrest - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cardiac Arrest
- Release Year: 1980
- Directed by: Murray Mintz
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller, Horror
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 28, 1980 (United States - PG)
- Alternative Titles: Meurtre cardiaque (CA)
- Production Companies: Film Ventures International
- Production Countries: United States of America
Cardiac Arrest - Plot
The "Missing Heart Murders" are plaguing San Francisco - dead bodies that turn up with their hearts surgically removed! So a weak-stomached homicide cop looks into the possibilities of a black market for human organs, while across town a man must make a difficult decision regarding his wife, who needs a transplant...
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Cardiac Arrest - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Murray Mintz
Main Cast
- Dave McElhatton
- Garry Goodrow
- Michael Paul Chan
- John Allen Vick
- Marjorie Eaton
- Charlie Murphy
- Ed Vasgersian
- Dana Evans
- Susan O'Connell
- Max Gail
Writers
- Murray Mintz
Producers
- Richard Helzberg
Cardiac Arrest - FAQs
What is Cardiac Arrest about?
Cardiac Arrest follows a queasy San Francisco homicide detective digging into a grisly string of murders — victims found with their hearts surgically removed. The investigation leads him toward a chilling black market for human organs, while a desperate husband wrestles with a dark choice to save his ailing wife.
Is there a black market organs angle in Cardiac Arrest?
Yes, and it's central to the film's tension. The story weaves together the police investigation into the so-called "Missing Heart Murders" with a parallel storyline about a man whose wife urgently needs a heart transplant — raising uncomfortable questions about how far someone might go to save a loved one.
Where can you stream Cardiac Arrest?
You can catch Cardiac Arrest on Pluto TV, available with ads. It's a free streaming option, so no subscription is needed — just tune in and enjoy this forgotten slice of early 1980s San Francisco crime cinema.
Does Cardiac Arrest have a happy ending?
Without giving too much away, Cardiac Arrest builds toward a resolution that ties together both its investigative and personal storylines. The film leans into its thriller roots, so expect tension right up to the final scenes rather than a tidy, feel-good conclusion.
Who are the main actors in Cardiac Arrest?
The cast features Garry Goodrow as detective Clancy Higgins, Max Gail as Leigh Gregory, and Susan O'Connell as his wife Dianne. Michael Paul Chan, John Allen Vick, and Marjorie Eaton round out a solid ensemble in this low-budget San Francisco thriller.
What is the age rating for Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac Arrest is rated PG, which is a little surprising given its subject matter — surgically removed hearts and black market organ trafficking. It's relatively restrained for a horror-thriller of its era, making it more accessible than you might expect from the premise.
Was Cardiac Arrest filmed in San Francisco?
Yes, San Francisco serves as a genuine backdrop for the film rather than a stand-in location. The city's streets and atmosphere are woven into the story, giving Cardiac Arrest an authentic local flavor that distinguishes it from many low-budget thrillers of the same period.
What films are similar to Cardiac Arrest?
If Cardiac Arrest appeals to you, try They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970) or The Organization (1971) for more urban crime detective stories. The Public Eye (1992) and Suburbicon (2017) also share that gritty, morally complex crime atmosphere worth exploring.
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