Broken Angel (1988)
A father's desperate search through Los Angeles unravels a nightmare when his missing daughter is found deep inside a crack-dealing gang.
Broken Angel - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Richard T. Heffron
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller, TV Movie
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 13, 1988
- Production Companies: Stan Margolies Company, MGM/UA Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Broken Angel - Plot
A man combs Los Angeles for his missing daughter, and discovers she belongs to a gang dealing in crack.
Where to Watch Broken Angel
Looking for where to watch Broken Angel?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Broken Angel - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard T. Heffron
Main Cast
- William Shatner
- Susan Blakely
- Roxann Dawson
- Erika Eleniak
- Jason Horst
- Millie Perkins
- Micole Mercurio
- Carmen Zapata
- Collin Davis
- Brock Peters
Writers
- Cynthia A. Cherbak
Producers
- Robin S. Clark
Broken Angel - FAQs
What is Broken Angel about?
Broken Angel follows Chuck Coburn, a desperate father who scours Los Angeles searching for his missing teenage daughter. What he uncovers is far darker than he imagined — she's become entangled with a street gang involved in crack dealing. The film explores a family torn apart by addiction and the streets.
Does Broken Angel have a happy ending?
Broken Angel doesn't wrap things up neatly. The film leans into the harsh realities of drug culture and gang life, making the resolution emotionally complex rather than straightforwardly uplifting. It's more about survival and reckoning than a tidy rescue story.
Where can you watch Broken Angel online?
You can check current streaming availability for Broken Angel on JustWatch, which tracks all viewing options across platforms in your region. As a 1988 TV movie, availability may vary, so JustWatch is your best bet for finding where it's currently accessible.
Who plays the father in Broken Angel?
William Shatner plays Chuck Coburn, the father at the center of the story. It's a grounded, dramatic role that showcases a different side of Shatner — far removed from his iconic sci-fi work. Susan Blakely co-stars as his wife Catherine, and Erika Eleniak plays their missing daughter Jaime.
Who directed Broken Angel?
Richard T. Heffron directed Broken Angel. Heffron was a prolific TV movie and miniseries director known for tackling socially charged material. His experience with issue-driven television made him a natural fit for this story about drugs, gangs, and a family in crisis.
Is Broken Angel based on a true story?
Broken Angel is not directly based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily from the very real crack cocaine epidemic that gripped American cities in the late 1980s. The scenario — a middle-class family blindsided by gang involvement — reflected genuine fears of that era.
What is the age rating for Broken Angel?
Broken Angel is rated NR (Not Rated). As a 1988 TV movie, it was produced for broadcast television rather than theatrical release, so it doesn't carry a standard MPA rating. The content deals with drug use and gang activity, so parental discretion is worth keeping in mind.
What are some movies similar to Broken Angel?
If Broken Angel resonates with you, try Heaven's Prisoners (1996) for more crime-soaked drama, Good Time (2017) for a raw look at street-level desperation, or Get Shorty (1995) for a different but equally gripping Los Angeles crime story. Mouth to Mouth (2005) also explores young people lost in dangerous subcultures.
More About Broken Angel
Explore further details about Broken Angel on these trusted resources.