C.A.T. Squad

C.A.T. Squad

Year: 1986

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: William Friedkin

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Every government keeps a secret weapon. When terrorists begin killing scientists on NATO’s laser‑defence program, the elite Counter Assault Tactical (C.A.T.) Squad is deployed to hunt the perpetrators, protect the technology and prevent a catastrophic security breach.

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Timeline & Setting – C.A.T. Squad (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of C.A.T. Squad (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

Set during the late Cold War era, the film centers on intergovernmental counterterrorism efforts and covert operations. It features forged passports, mercenaries, and staged disguises, typical of 1980s spy thrillers. The mood is tense, with rapid escalation from protective detail to full-on interception.

Location

Nuremberg, Germany, Paris, France, London, United Kingdom, Mexico, Angola

The story moves across several international locations, underscoring the global stakes of the mission. A rocket launcher stolen from a German base in Nuremberg anchors the chase, while Paris serves as a hub for intelligence leads. London hosts the British Museum connection and ciphered clues, and the pursuit stretches to Mexico and Angola, showing the far-flung reach of the operatives.

🗺️ International settings 🛡️ Security thriller 🧭 Global espionage

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:57

Main Characters – C.A.T. Squad (1986)

Meet the key characters of C.A.T. Squad (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Leon Trepper (Bradley Whitford)

A young language expert and new recruit who becomes the team's handler of protective duties. His vigilance is crucial, though a misstep leads to a demotion, testing his resolve and loyalty.

🧭 Leader 🧠 Strategist 🛡️ Loyal 🚗 Driver

Richard 'Doc' Burkholder (Joseph Cortese)

Team leader and seasoned field operative who coordinates the squad’s counterassaults. Calm under pressure, he pieces together clues and makes decisive moves against the terrorists.

🎯 Leadership 🧭 Tactical 🧪 Forensic-minded

Bud Raines (Steve James)

Second-in-command and tough, practical field agent who supports Doc and coordinates the protective details.

🛡️ Protector 🧰 Field-ops 🗣️ Loyal

Nikki Blake (Patricia Charbonneau)

Forensics expert who deciphers a hidden message and plays a key role in safeguarding Spivek. Her analytical mind helps the team pull ahead of the threat.

🔬 Forensics 🧠 Analyst 🧩 Puzzle-solver

John 'Roadmaster' Sommers (Jack Youngblood)

Explosives expert whose skills are vital for disabling threats and enabling the squad’s interception of the enemy.

💣 Explosives 🚗 Driver 🧭 Field-ops

Jorge Vialobos / Carlos (Eddie Velez)

Terrorist-for-hire who operates under the alias Carlos; the team's pursuit culminates in a final confrontation aboard a private plane.

🕴️ Mercenary 🔎 Target 🗺️ International

Dieter Porzig (Hans Bogild)

German bush pilot working near the Angola border, whose connections help or hinder the plot depending on his allegiance.

🛩️ Pilot 🌍 Global network ⚖️ Ambiguous ally

Sir Cyril Sharpe (Michael Sinelnikoff)

Curator of the British Museum of World Art; a key figure tied to the mystery through photographs and meetings that the squad scrutinizes.

🏛️ Cultural figure 🕵️‍♂️ Suspect 🧭 Clue-caster

Dr. Henry Spivak (Sam Gray)

Head of the unknown project Spivek, whose protection status triggers investigation and strategic action by the C.A.T. Squad.

👨‍⚕️ Scientist 🧠 Target 🗝️ Key figure

The Director (Barry Corbin)

Head of the inter-governmental task force who directs operations from a higher level, guiding the mission and reporting results.

🎖️ Authority 🎯 Oversight 🗺️ Strategic

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:57

Major Themes – C.A.T. Squad (1986)

Explore the central themes of C.A.T. Squad (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage

A web of covert surveillance, coded messages, and undercover maneuvers drives the plot as the C.A.T. Squad tracks an elusive terrorist network.

🛡️ Duty & Loyalty

Team members must put the mission above personal safety, showcasing leadership, sacrifice, and the toll of high-stakes assignments.

🔍 Forensics & Teamwork

Nikki Blake’s deciphering of invisible ink and the squad’s coordinated responses highlight how observation and collaboration uncover hidden threats.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:57

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C.A.T. Squad Summary

Read a complete plot summary of C.A.T. Squad, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

C.A.T. Squad Summary

C.A.T. Squad Timeline

Track the full timeline of C.A.T. Squad with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

C.A.T. Squad Timeline

More About C.A.T. Squad

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More About C.A.T. Squad

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