48 Hrs.

48 Hrs.

Year: 1982

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Walter Hill

ActionDramaThrillerComedyCrime

A hardened, rule-bending cop, Jack Cates, secures the release of convict Reggie Hammond for 48 hours to track down a dangerous criminal. The unlikely pair, a wisecracking bank robber and a volatile police officer, must work together as they chase a ruthless killer across San Francisco. Their contrasting personalities and methods create friction while they pursue a half-million-dollar reward and seek justice, facing danger and unexpected complications every step of the way.

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48 Hrs. (1982) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the bustling streets of San Francisco, the city’s gritty underbelly hums beneath a veneer of sunshine and fog. The atmosphere crackles with a kinetic mix of desperation and humor, where every alley could conceal a secret and every encounter feels edged with tension. Within this lively urban tapestry, law enforcement operates under a strict code, yet the reality of policing often slides into chaotic improvisation.

Enter Jack Cates, a hard‑nedged SFPD inspector known for bending the rules as easily as he bends his badge. His reputation rests on a combination of sharp instincts, stubborn determination, and a willingness to push procedural boundaries when the stakes demand it. Cates is the type of officer who thrives on the adrenaline of the chase, preferring action over paperwork, and his abrasive style sometimes puts him at odds with the department’s more conventional figures.

Across the steel bars of the city jail sits Reggie Hammond, a charismatic, quick‑witted bank robber whose confidence masks a savvy street‑level intelligence. When Cates learns that Hammond once moved in the same circles as the elusive criminal they’re hunting, he concocts an unconventional plan: a 48‑hour temporary release that trades the convict’s freedom for insider knowledge. Hammond’s sharp tongue and street smarts make him an unlikely ally, and his banter provides a stark contrast to Cates’ gruff seriousness.

The uneasy partnership that forms between the volatile detective and the wise‑cracking outlaw fuels the film’s signature blend of tension and comedy. Their clashing personalities generate both friction and unexpected camaraderie, turning a routine manhunt into a test of trust, wit, and survival. As they navigate the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, the audience is invited to watch a volatile dance of law and lawlessness, where the line between hero and rogue blurs amid relentless pursuit and biting humor.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:10

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