Skeleton Coast (1988)
A grizzled colonel, a desperate mission, and a ruthless enemy — Skeleton Coast delivers old-school action with a stellar cast of genre legends.
Skeleton Coast - Movie Information
- Original Title: Skeleton Coast
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: John 'Bud' Cardos
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 14, 1988 (Germany - 18)
- Alternative Titles: I akti ton skeleton (GR), Skeleton Coast (FR), 24 Stunden bis zur Hölle (DE), Comando de Resgate (BR)
Skeleton Coast - Plot
A retired Army colonel attempts to rescue his imprisoned son in this action packed thriller. To save his CIA operative son from terrorists, Col. Smith (Ernest Borgnine) and a group of mercenaries head to war-torn Angola's Skeleton Coast, where they must infiltrate an armed compound run by a sadistic East German officer before Smith's son is tortured to death. Robert Vaughn, Oliver Reed and Herbert Lom costar.
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Skeleton Coast - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John 'Bud' Cardos
Main Cast
- Ernest Borgnine
- Robert Vaughn
- Oliver Reed
- Herbert Lom
- Simon Sabela
- Daniel Greene
- Leon Isaac Kennedy
- Nancy Mulford
- Peter Kwong
- Robin Townsend
Writers
- Nadia Caillou
- Harry Alan Towers
Producers
- Harry Alan Towers
Skeleton Coast - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Skeleton Coast?
Skeleton Coast boasts a remarkable ensemble of veteran stars. Ernest Borgnine leads the cast as Colonel Smith, with Robert Vaughn, Oliver Reed, and Herbert Lom in key supporting roles. Daniel Greene, Leon Isaac Kennedy, and Simon Sabela round out the core mercenary squad heading into Angola.
What is Skeleton Coast about?
Skeleton Coast follows retired Army Colonel Smith, played by Ernest Borgnine, who assembles a ragtag team of mercenaries to rescue his son — a CIA operative — from a brutal East German officer holding him captive in war-ravaged Angola. It's a pulse-pounding race against time before the son is tortured to death.
Where was Skeleton Coast filmed?
Skeleton Coast was filmed primarily in South Africa, taking advantage of the region's rugged landscapes to authentically evoke the desolate, dangerous terrain of Angola's Skeleton Coast — the notorious stretch of Atlantic shoreline known for its harsh conditions and historical shipwrecks.
When was Skeleton Coast released?
Skeleton Coast had its initial release on April 14, 1988, in Germany, where it was distributed under the title 24 Stunden bis zur Hölle. The film also received releases in other international markets under various alternative titles throughout 1988.
Is Skeleton Coast based on a true story?
Skeleton Coast is not based on a specific true story. It's a fictional action thriller, though it draws on the real geopolitical tensions of Cold War-era Angola, where Cuban and Soviet-backed forces clashed with Western-aligned factions during a prolonged civil conflict in the 1980s.
Where can you stream Skeleton Coast?
You can watch Skeleton Coast on Tubi TV for free with ads, or on Fawesome at no cost. If you'd prefer to own or rent it, Amazon Video has you covered. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
Who directed Skeleton Coast?
Skeleton Coast was directed by John 'Bud' Cardos, an American filmmaker with a background in low-budget genre cinema. Cardos is perhaps best known for directing Kingdom of the Spiders (1977) and The Dark (1979), and he brings a no-frills, kinetic energy to this late-1980s mercenary adventure.
What movies are similar to Skeleton Coast?
If Skeleton Coast hits the spot, you might enjoy other action-packed titles like Hounds of War (2024), Vendetta (2013), and Dangerous (2021). For more mercenary and military-flavored thrills, 47 Bombs (2021) and Aftermath (2024) are also worth checking out.
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