Loose Cannons

Loose Cannons

Year: 1990

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Bob Clark

CrimeComedyThrillerActionCrude humor and satire

Detective Mack Stern, a tough, savvy cop, is thrown a demanding new case and a surprising partner: Ellis, a brilliant detective whose lightning‑fast deductions eclipse Sherlock Holmes. Ellis, however, constantly adopts TV‑show personas, complicating matters when gunfire erupts during their investigation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Loose Cannons (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Loose Cannons (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 20th century

The main action takes place in the late 20th century, with a prologue nodding to the end of World War II. Years later, investigators chase a Nazi-linked plot across the East Coast, blending political intrigue with urban crime. The timeline contrasts present-day policing and espionage with memories of a war-filled past.

Location

Washington, D.C., New York City, Union Station, Grand Central Terminal, Cleveland

The story unfolds primarily in the Washington, D.C. area before expanding to major East Coast hubs. Key sequences occur in Union Station and Grand Central Terminal, with scenes on trains and in crowded urban spaces. The route via trains and river crossings highlights a metropolitan backdrop that drives the investigation across cities like New York and Cleveland.

🗺️ Washington D.C. area 🕵️ Urban crime thriller 🚆 Cross-city pursuit

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:26

Main Characters – Loose Cannons (1990)

Meet the key characters of Loose Cannons (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

MacArthur 'Mac' Stern (Gene Hackman)

A pragmatic Metropolitan Police detective who partners with Ellis to pursue a Nazi-linked conspiracy. He remains steady under pressure, often using humor to diffuse tension, and maintains a sharp instinct for bending rules when needed. His resilience and wit keep the investigation on track through escalating danger.

🕵️ Detective 🧭 Loyal partner 🧪 Risk-taker

Ellis Fielding (Dan Aykroyd)

A dedicated officer whose dissociative identity disorder complicates his work, creating unpredictable shifts under stress. His fear of relapse adds emotional depth and urgency to the pursuit, while his courage demonstrates that recovery and duty can go hand in hand. The partnership with Mac anchors the story as they navigate a high-stakes conspiracy.

🧠 Mental Health 🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🧩 Partnership

Harry 'The Hippo' Gutterman (Dom DeLuise)

A flamboyant pornographer who knows the underground networks that hide the crucial film. He supplies essential information and adds colorful tension, straddling the line between ally and suspect. His connections propel the investigation toward New York and beyond.

🎭 Crime 🗺️ Informant

Rebecca 'Riva' Lohengrin (Nancy Travis)

A Mossad agent stationed near the Israeli Embassy who confronts danger while aiding in retrieving the film. Her involvement injects an international espionage element, balancing American investigative work with cross-border stakes. She navigates political risk with composed efficiency.

🕵️‍♀️ International espionage 🧭 Alliance

Kurt von Metz (John Bolger)

A young German officer tied to a postwar conspiracy who orchestrates murder to suppress exposure of a critical film. He embodies extremist determination and political ambition, acting as the central antagonist driving the plot forward.

🗡️ Extremism 🧭 Antagonist

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:26

Major Themes – Loose Cannons (1990)

Explore the central themes of Loose Cannons (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Mental Health

Ellis Fielding's dissociative identity disorder adds a complex layer to the investigation, causing dangerous blackouts and shifting personalities. The condition creates moments of tension and vulnerability that test loyalty between partners. The narrative uses this struggle to explore resilience, fear of relapse, and the cost of staying functional under pressure.

🕯️ War Legacy

The plot is driven by a Nazi past and the urge to silence witnesses, underscoring how history shapes present danger. A criminal mastermind exploits postwar memories to wield influence and fear. The pursuit foregrounds justice against extremism and the persistent reach of extremist ideologies.

🤝 Alliance

American police, an undercover intermediary, and international agents must collaborate despite divergent methods and ethics. Trust is tested through close calls, but teamwork becomes essential to uncovering the truth. The film emphasizes that cooperation across borders and roles is crucial to stopping a wide-reaching conspiracy.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:26

Unlock the Full Story of Loose Cannons

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Loose Cannons Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Loose Cannons, 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.

Loose Cannons Summary

Loose Cannons Timeline

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

Loose Cannons Timeline

More About Loose Cannons

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