The Dead Pool

The Dead Pool

Year: 1988

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Buddy Van Horn

ActionThrillerCrime

Gritty detective Harry Callahan is drawn into a dangerous situation when a serial killer begins targeting individuals listed in a disturbing "dead pool," a morbid list compiled by horror film director Peter Swan. As the killer claims victims, including TV reporter Samantha Walker, Callahan faces a challenging case that tests his methods and reputation. He must race against time to stop the escalating violence and prevent further deaths.

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The Dead Pool (1988) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Dead Pool (1988) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the rain‑slick streets of San Francisco, the city’s neon glow masks a restless undercurrent of danger. The atmosphere is gritty and unflinching, a place where every shadow could conceal a secret and every headline feels like a threat. Within this relentless urban maze, a seasoned detective must navigate the fine line between law and chaos, his world defined by cracked sidewalks, smoky precincts, and the ever‑watchful eyes of a press that never sleeps.

Harry Callahan is the hard‑boiled veteran whose reputation precedes him; his uncompromising methods have earned both respect and scorn. He carries the weight of past victories and the sting of recent scrutiny, his instincts honed by years of confronting the city’s darkest elements. The police department’s bureaucracy and the media’s insistent glare clash with his instinctive approach, creating a tension that drives every interaction and decision he makes.

When a morbid “dead pool” list surfaces—compiled by eccentric horror‑film director Peter Swan—the stakes shift from routine investigations to a chilling game of survival. The list targets the city’s most visible personalities, turning fame into a liability. Into this volatile mix steps Samantha Walker, a determined television reporter eager to profile the legendary detective. Her ambition and curiosity draw her into the same vortex, setting up a partnership fraught with mutual suspicion, reluctant respect, and the promise of uncovering the truth behind the ominous tally.

The film pulses with a moody, suspense‑laden rhythm, each scene a reminder that time is a luxury the city’s elite cannot afford. As the dead pool looms, Callahan and Walker must balance personal codes, public perception, and an unfolding mystery that threatens to upend the fragile order of their world. The tension builds not from explicit deeds but from the constant, unsettling question of who will be the next name on the list, leaving the audience on edge and eager to see how the relentless detective will confront a threat that blurs the line between spectacle and peril.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:39

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The Dead Pool Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Dead Pool

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Dead Pool

More About The Dead Pool

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