Directed by
Peter Hyams
Made by
TriStar Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Narrow Margin (1990). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the vibrant city of angels, Carol Hunnicut, a recently divorced editor, embarks on a blind date with Michael Tarlow, a widowed lawyer, at a luxurious hotel restaurant. As they relish their meal, a waiter discreetly hands Tarlow a message urging him to take an urgent call from a client. Seizing the moment to deepen their connection, Tarlow suggests that Hunnicut accompanies him to his suite. To her shock, she soon finds herself in the presence of crime boss Leo Watts and his deadly henchman Jack Wootton. The mood takes a dark turn when Watts accuses Tarlow of betrayal, resulting in Wootton coldly ending Tarlow’s life.
Suddenly, Hunnicut’s life is turned upside down as she realizes Tarlow was not just any lawyer but Watts’ legal representative. With her priorities straight, she swiftly ensures the safety of her son by sending him to his father, stressing the need for them to stay hidden. Hunnicut then flees to a remote cabin in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, sharing her new whereabouts with only one trusted confidant. Meanwhile, Police Sergeant Benti tracks her down, alerting Deputy District Attorney Robert Caulfield, who, against his superiors’ wishes, charters a helicopter to reach her.
Upon his arrival at the cabin, Caulfield finds Hunnicut shaken yet determined. However, their brief moment of safety is abruptly shattered by an unwelcome surprise attack from Watts’ henchmen, which leads to the tragic deaths of Benti and the helicopter pilot. As the situation worsens, Hunnicut and Caulfield decide to escape in her SUV, racing towards the nearest train station. Upon arrival, they discover that all private cabins have been booked, but they cleverly persuade an elderly couple to temporarily relinquish their space.
Just when they think they may have found refuge, Caulfield’s attempts to keep a low profile go awry when Wootton and others catch a glimpse of him boarding the train. While reconnecting with Hunnicut in their cramped cabin, he tries to coordinate a police presence at the next stop, only to realize that the “authorities” he put his faith in are, in fact, Watts’ goons posing as law enforcement. After an intense encounter, Caulfield is forced to reboard the train, committed to keeping Hunnicut out of harm’s way. Wootton attempts to bribe him into betrayal, but Caulfield stands firm in his resolve.
As tensions rise aboard the locomotive, Caulfield forges an unexpected alliance with Kathryn Weller, whose life inadvertently intersects with Hunnicut’s perilous plight. Recognizing the imminent danger, Caulfield quickly acts to protect Weller from being mistaken for Hunnicut and potentially eliminated. In a chaotic sequence, he inadvertently exposes himself to Keller, another passenger, who reveals himself as a railroad policeman. Understanding the urgency of the situation, Caulfield entrusts Weller to Keller, urging him to use his police radio to inform authorities about James Dahlbeck’s duplicity. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes when Keller is shot before he can relay the message, leaving Caulfield to take on the perilous circumstances alone.
As the train races down the tracks, Caulfield finds himself on the roof with Hunnicut, facing off against two relentless gunmen. In a desperate clash for survival, he fights fiercely, yet just when he believes he has gained the upper hand, Weller reemerges, revealing her true role as another assassin tasked with eliminating Hunnicut. In a spectacularly heart-pounding moment, Weller is sent tumbling off the train as it enters a tunnel, leaving Caulfield to grapple with the extent of the threats surrounding them.
The tension culminates in a courtroom in Los Angeles, where the intricacies of lies and betrayals start to unravel. Hunnicut bravely takes the stand, recounting the harrowing events leading to Tarlow’s murder while identifying Leo Watts as the architect of the nefarious scheme. As the trial unfolds, Caulfield’s commitment to delivering justice reignites, entangling him further in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with his enemies.
Track the key events of Narrow Margin (1990) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Blind Date Begins
In the vibrant city of angels, Carol Hunnicut meets Michael Tarlow, a widowed lawyer, for a blind date at a luxurious hotel restaurant. They enjoy a pleasant meal, seemingly unaware of the perilous events that lie ahead.
Urgent Call
During their dinner, a waiter discreetly hands Tarlow a message urging him to take an urgent call from a client. This unexpected interruption sets the stage for the dark turn their evening is about to take.
Meeting with Leo Watts
Tarlow invites Hunnicut to accompany him to his suite, but she is shocked to find herself in the presence of crime boss Leo Watts and his lethal henchman Jack Wootton. Tension fills the room as Watts accuses Tarlow of betrayal.
Tarlow's Death
In a shocking twist, Tarlow's life is cut short as Wootton coldly executes him. This violent act plunges Hunnicut into a nightmare as she realizes Tarlow was not an ordinary lawyer but Watts' legal representative.
Protecting Her Son
Realizing the danger she is in, Hunnicut prioritizes her son’s safety by sending him to his father. She emphasizes the need for them to stay hidden, grasping the gravity of her new situation.
Fleeing to the Canadian Rockies
Hunnicut escapes to a remote cabin in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, sharing her location only with her trusted confidant. This marks a significant turn as she plans to evade Watts and his henchmen.
Police Sergeant's Search
Meanwhile, Police Sergeant Benti tracks Hunnicut down and alerts Deputy District Attorney Robert Caulfield. Ignoring his superiors' wishes, Caulfield takes the initiative to charter a helicopter to reach her.
The Cabin Attack
Caulfield arrives at the cabin only to find Hunnicut shaken but resolute. Their moment of safety is violently interrupted by Watts' henchmen, leading to the tragic deaths of Benti and the helicopter pilot.
Race to the Train Station
Hunnicut and Caulfield flee in her SUV, racing towards the nearest train station in hopes of finding safety. Upon arriving, they discover that all private cabins have been booked.
Finding Refuge
In a desperate move, they persuade an elderly couple to temporarily give up their cabin space. This newfound refuge provides a brief respite from the looming dangers threatening their lives.
Compromised Safety
Just as they begin to feel safe, Caulfield’s attempts to avoid attention backfire when Wootton and others spot him boarding the train. Tensions rise as they attempt to devise a new plan for survival.
Unexpected Allies
Caulfield crosses paths with Kathryn Weller, who unknowingly becomes entangled in the chaos. He quickly realizes the danger she faces and moves to protect her from being mistaken for Hunnicut.
Tragedy Strikes
Unfortunately, as Caulfield attempts to reach out for help, railroad policeman Keller is shot before he can relay crucial information about the impending threat to the authorities. The stakes are higher than ever.
Confrontation on the Roof
In a desperate standoff aboard the train, Caulfield confronts two gunmen. In a fierce fight for survival, he faces off against Weller, who reveals her true allegiance to Watts.
Courtroom Revelation
The story culminates in a Los Angeles courtroom where Hunnicut bravely takes the stand. She recounts the horrific events leading to Tarlow's death and reveals Leo Watts as the mastermind behind the chaos.
Meet the characters that bring Narrow Margin (1990) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Carol Hunnicut
Carol Hunnicut is a recently divorced editor who finds herself thrust into a perilous situation after a blind date goes drastically wrong. Driven by an instinct to survive and protect her son, she evolves from a vulnerable woman into a fierce protector. Her resilience and determination in the face of danger depict her strength.
Michael Tarlow
Michael Tarlow appears to be a charming widowed lawyer but is revealed to be deeply entangled in the criminal underworld as Watts' legal representative. His initial allure quickly transforms into tragedy, setting off the chain of events that throw Hunnicut's life into chaos. His character serves as a cautionary tale about hidden dangers.
Robert Caulfield
Robert Caulfield is a Deputy District Attorney who exhibits an unwavering commitment to justice. His willingness to defy superiors to protect Hunnicut emphasizes his moral fortitude. Throughout the narrative, Caulfield faces moral dilemmas, fighting against both criminals and the corrupt systems to which he is bound.
Uncover the settings of Narrow Margin (1990), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting the complexities of modern life, relationships, and the high stakes involved in legal and criminal activities. The atmosphere is charged with tension, illustrating a world where danger lurks just around the corner.
Location
City of Angels, Canadian Rockies, Los Angeles
The movie prominently features the 'City of Angels,' known for its vibrant nightlife and glamorous lifestyle, serving as a backdrop for the tense narrative. The journey leads to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, renowned for their stunning landscapes and remote beauty, which offer both refuge and danger. Finally, the climax unfolds in a courtroom in Los Angeles, where justice and betrayal intertwine.
Explore the core themes of Narrow Margin (1990). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Justice
Justice is a central theme, explored through Hunnicut's pursuit of truth following the murder of Tarlow. The courtroom drama highlights the struggle against corruption and the societal obstacles in achieving real justice. Caulfield's commitment showcases the relentless fight against powerful adversaries.
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Betrayal
Betrayal permeates the narrative, as characters wrestle with loyalty and deception. The shocking revelations about Tarlow's true affiliations and the implications for Hunnicut present a complex web of trust. The ongoing tension reveals that appearances can be profoundly misleading.
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Survival
Survival drives the characters' actions, particularly Hunnicut's determination to protect her son and herself. The film vividly illustrates the instinct to fight for life amidst escalating threats. Hunnicut's journey embodies resilience against seemingly insurmountable odds.
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