Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Short Time

Short Time is a film directed by , in which a detective, misdiagnosed with a granting him only weeks to live, deliberately pursues high-risk assignments in an effort to die in the and maximize his family's life insurance benefits. The film stars in the lead role as Detective Burt Simpson, alongside as his wife Carolyn, as his partner Ernie Dills, and supporting performances by , , and . Written by John Blumenthal and Michael Berry, and produced by Gladden Entertainment, it blends elements of , family drama, and over-the-top action sequences, including a notable chase. The story follows Simpson, who is just days from , as he learns of his supposed fatal blood disorder and discovers that his benefit policy offers a $320,000 payout for on-duty death—far exceeding his civilian coverage—prompting him to recklessly endanger himself while hiding the truth from his skeptical and concerned colleagues. Unbeknownst to him, the proves erroneous, leading to escalating comedic mishaps and intense confrontations with criminals. Clocking in at 97 minutes with a PG-13 rating, Short Time was released theatrically on May 4, 1990, and grossed $4,010,647 at the U.S. box office. Despite its premise drawing from themes of mortality and financial desperation, the film received mixed responses for its tonal inconsistencies between and poignant family moments.

Content

Plot

Detective , a risk-averse police detective just days from retirement, undergoes a routine medical examination for his policy. Due to a lab mix-up where his blood sample is swapped with that of a terminally ill , he is misdiagnosed with a rare, untreatable blood disorder known as Wexler's Curtain, an autoimmune condition that will kill him within two weeks. Devastated but determined to provide for his Carolyn and young Dougie, Simpson discovers that his life insurance policy pays out over $300,000 only if he dies in the , compared to a mere $20,000 for natural causes. Motivated to secure the full benefit so his can attend an elite university like Harvard, he resolves to get himself killed on the job while embracing the time he has left with his . He begins treating his and with uncharacteristic affection, straining his already tense marriage in unexpected ways, and starts volunteering for the most perilous assignments over the objections of his cautious partner, Ernie Dills. Simpson's attempts to meet his fatal goal unfold in a series of comically disastrous escapades. He pursues a pair of armed gun smugglers single-handedly through a construction site, surviving a harrowing fall from a collapsing scaffold when his miraculously holds. Later, he responds to a chaotic incident involving the blind —unbeknownst to him, the real patient with the disease—who causes a multi-vehicle pileup while driving erratically; Simpson emerges unscathed after leaping from just . In another bid, he engages in a high-speed with criminals, totaling his patrol car in a spectacular crash but walking away with only minor injuries. Each failure frustrates him, while Dills grows increasingly bewildered by his partner's sudden recklessness and insistence on . The comes during a climactic when Simpson tracks a criminal to a high-rise building. Dangling precariously from a window-washer's platform with a snapped safety line hundreds of feet above the ground, he is rescued at the last moment by Dills, who arrives to provide . In the ensuing , the criminals are apprehended, but Simpson's survival prompts further investigation into his diagnosis. The lab error is exposed when the true , the bus driver, is identified, confirming Simpson's perfect health. Relieved and invigorated, he reconciles with Carolyn, who has rekindled her appreciation for him, and chooses to retire on his own terms, cherishing his family and pursuing simple joys like restoring a classic automobile.

Cast

The principal cast of Short Time features as Detective Burt Simpson, the film's protagonist and a veteran Seattle police detective eight days from retirement, whose straight-laced demeanor contrasts with the escalating chaos to drive the comedy-action dynamics. Matt portrays Detective Ernie Dills, Simpson's loyal yet comically inept partner whose growing suspicions about his colleague's erratic actions contribute to the film's humorous tension. Teri Garr plays Carolyn Simpson, Burt's devoted wife who becomes increasingly worried about his uncharacteristic recklessness, adding emotional depth to the ensemble's interplay. Barry Corbin appears as Captain Harding, the stern and authoritative police captain who oversees the department with a no-nonsense approach, grounding the procedural elements amid the comedic pursuits. Joe Pantoliano is cast as Scalese, a competitive and antagonistic whose rivalry with Simpson heightens the workplace conflicts and action beats. Xander Berkeley takes on the role of Carl Stark, a prominent criminal figure central to the film's high-stakes action sequences, providing a formidable foil to the protagonists. In supporting roles, Kaj-Erik Eriksen plays Dougie Simpson, Burt's young son who represents the family stakes motivating the lead character's choices. Brief appearances include Kevin McNulty as Dr. Drexler and Paul Batten as Dr. Goldman, medical professionals whose diagnoses influence the narrative, alongside minor criminals such as those portrayed by as Dan Miller and Pantages as Vito. The ensemble's collective performances, blending sharp wit with , underscore the film's tone as a lighthearted action-comedy.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Short Time originated from an idea by John Blumenthal, who expanded it into a full script in collaboration with Michael Berry. Production was spearheaded by , a company founded in 1984 by former executive as a successor to Sherwood Productions, positioning the project as a mid-budget action-comedy venture. Gregg Champion, son of dancers Marge and , was selected to direct, marking his feature-length directorial debut after apprenticing under filmmakers like —on whose projects (1986) and Stakeout (1987) he served as second-unit director—and contributing to television productions. The $9 million budget supported a blend of thriller elements and comedic exploration of existential themes, with key producers including , (co-producer), and Courtney Silberberg, alongside Michael Borofsky. Conceptual occurred between 1988 and 1989.

Filming

Principal photography for Short Time took place primarily in , , from 19 July to 21 September 1989, substituting for a generic U.S. city, specifically evoking , . The production leveraged the region's diverse urban and suburban landscapes to depict the film's police procedural and domestic settings. Key filming sites included , , and . These locations provided practical backdrops that enhanced the film's grounded, comedic tone without relying on extensive set construction. The climactic skyscraper chase sequence was filmed practically, with actor performing high above the ground. Cinematographer John J. Connor employed a combination of wide shots to capture the scale of vehicular pursuits and tighter close-ups to accentuate humorous beats, contributing to the film's dynamic visual rhythm.

Release

Theatrical release

Short Time was released theatrically in the United States on May 4, 1990, by 20th Century Fox, which handled distribution for the film produced by Gladden Entertainment. The rollout targeted the summer audience with a across 557 theaters, positioning it as a lighthearted action- amid the season's blockbusters. Marketing efforts highlighted Dabney Coleman's established star power from roles in films like 9 to 5 and , emphasizing the unique premise of a terminally ill seeking to die in the for benefits to secure his family's future. Trailers focused on the film's action gags, such as high-stakes chases and comedic stunts, to appeal to audiences seeking escapist humor. The film received an MPAA rating of PG-13 for violence and language, broadening its accessibility while cautioning on content intensity. International distribution was limited, with primary focus on ; subsequent releases occurred in markets like on May 9, 1991, and the on February 1, 1991. Produced on a modest $9 million budget, the film earned $1,237,211 in its opening weekend from those 557 screens.

Home media

The film received its initial home media release in late 1990 on and formats through Live Home Video, a distributor later acquired by , offering both pan-and-scan and widescreen editions. Early tapes included basic special features such as theatrical trailers. No official DVD release has been issued in the United States, leaving the film accessible primarily through imported editions or unofficial gray-market copies; for example, a DVD from the includes English audio tracks. Blu-ray releases remain limited to international or unofficial versions, such as a 2015 German edition, with no high-definition upgrade available in the U.S. market as of 2025. Streaming availability has been inconsistent, with the film available for free streaming on , though it appears sporadically on ad-supported platforms like and as of November 2025. Later international imports often add subtitle options but do not include audio commentary tracks or extensive extras.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, Short Time received mixed reviews from critics, who praised lead actor Dabney Coleman's committed performance while critiquing the film's predictable gags and underdeveloped plot. awarded it 2 out of 4 stars, noting that while it was "impossible to dislike," the movie's sitcom-like structure and reliance on familiar tropes made it forgettable and unlikely to warrant repeat viewings. The film's score stands at 29% based on 7 critic reviews, with an audience score of 55% from over 250 ratings (as of November 2025), and commentators highlighting its uneven tone in blending ruthless comedy with sentimental elements that felt forced. Positive aspects centered on the supporting cast's energetic contributions. However, detractors often dismissed it as a formulaic cop comedy, echoing themes seen in films like Lethal Weapon but lacking originality in its execution. In retrospective assessments from the 2000s onward, Short Time has been praised as an underrated action comedy. On IMDb, it holds a user rating of 6.4 out of 10 from over 2,900 votes, reflecting appreciation among fans for its straightforward, underrated charm. The film received no major awards nominations.

Box office

Short Time was produced on a budget of $9 million. The film earned $4,010,647 at the domestic in the United States and , representing its total worldwide gross with no notable international performance. In the context of 1990 releases, Short Time ranked 147th among domestic earners, significantly trailing contemporaries like Bird on a Wire, which grossed $70,978,012 and placed 14th, and Problem Child, which earned $53,470,891 in 18th position. The movie opened modestly with $1,237,211 across 557 theaters but experienced a decline in subsequent weeks amid stiff summer competition. Home video sales provided only marginal additional revenue according to industry patterns for similar underperformers, rendering the film a disappointment overall. No theatrical re-releases or revivals had occurred by 2025 to alter these figures.

References

  1. [1]
    Short Time | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 29% (7) Discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for Short Time on Rotten Tomatoes. Stay updated with critic and audience scores today!
  2. [2]
    Short Time movie review & film summary (1990) - Roger Ebert
    Rating 2/4 · Review by Roger Ebert“Short Time” is at a loss for how to approach this splendid plot idea. Should it be slapstick or serious? It follows the time-honored path of many other ...
  3. [3]
    Short Time (Film) - TV Tropes
    Short Time is a 1990 comedy action film directed by Gregg Champion, starring Dabney Coleman, Matt Frewer, Teri Garr, Barry Corbin, Joe Pantoliano, and Xander ...
  4. [4]
    Short Time (1990) - IMDb
    Rating 6.4/10 (2,901) Short Time is a 90 mins fun rollercoaster with Dabney Coleman at the center. It's extremely amusing and humorous and very well acted film that will only give ...
  5. [5]
    Short Time (1990) - ripper car movies - Street Machine
    Apr 15, 2022 · A retiring police detective, who believes he only has weeks to live, tries gallantly to get killed on the job to maximise an insurance payout for his family.
  6. [6]
    Short Time (1990) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Cast ; Dabney Coleman · Det. Burt Simpson ; Matt Frewer · Det. Ernie Dills ; Teri Garr · Carolyn Simpson ; Barry Corbin · Captain Harding ; Joe Pantoliano · Scalese.Missing: partner name<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Short Time - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide
    Actor ; Dabney Coleman. Det. Burt Simpson ; Matt Frewer. Det. Ernie Dills ; Teri Garr. Carolyn Simpson ; Barry Corbin. Captain Harding ; Joe Pantoliano. Scalese.Missing: movie Detective name
  8. [8]
    Short Time | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
    Cast & Crew ; Gregg Champion · Director ; Dabney Coleman · Actor ; Matt Frewer · Actor ; Teri Garr · Actor ; Barry Corbin · Actor.
  9. [9]
    Michael Berry Obituary (2008) - Los Angeles, CA - Legacy
    Oct 12, 2008 · Berry and his regular collaborator, John Blumenthal, wrote the 1990 police comedy "Short Time", and followed it with the popular heist ...Missing: original | Show results with:original
  10. [10]
    Gladden Entertainment Corporation - Audiovisual Identity Database
    Jun 12, 2025 · Gladden Entertainment Corporation was a film company founded by former United Artists executive David Begelman, which supplanted Sherwood Productions.
  11. [11]
    Ex-Mogul David Begelman Dies in Apparent Suicide : Movies
    Aug 9, 1995 · The former studio chief, 73, was said to be depressed in the wake of the 1994 liquidation of his Gladden Entertainment firm, in which he ...
  12. [12]
    'SHORT TIME' THE HOMILY SQUAD - The Washington Post
    May 3, 1990 · Gregg Champion, son of Marge and Gower, makes his directorial debut with this movie, though he has served as a producer on police scampers ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Gregg Champion - IMDb
    Other long-form movies Champion directed are the Emmy nominated drama "Miracle Run ... Dabney Coleman in Short Time (1990). Short Time. 6.4. directed by. 1990 ...Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  14. [14]
    Gregg Champion Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
    Former 2nd unit director for the John Badham features "Short Circuit" (1986) and "Stakeout" (1987), made his first directorial effort with "Short Time" (1990), ...Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  15. [15]
    Short Time (1990) - Filming & production - IMDb
    FAQ · IMDbPro. All topics. Dabney Coleman in Short Time (1990). Filming ... Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Helpful•2.
  16. [16]
    Car chase from Short Time (1990) - filmed in Vancouver on Hwy 91 ...
    Feb 22, 2021 · Good find! That's a pretty epic car chase. Nice to see the old pillow top on BC Place!Missing: film | Show results with:film
  17. [17]
    Short Time (1990) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Short Time (1990) ; Legs: 3.24 (domestic box office/biggest weekend) ; Theater counts: 557 opening theaters/574 max. theaters, 2.0 weeks average run per theater.Missing: film | Show results with:film
  18. [18]
    Domestic Box Office For 1990
    Short Time, -, -, -, $4,010,647, 574, $4,010,647, May 4, Twentieth Century Fox, false. 148, Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, -, -, -, $3,989,297, 635, $3,989,297 ...
  19. [19]
    Short Time: The Best Car Chase You\'ve Never Seen - Film Obsessive
    Jul 1, 2022 · Who remembers the 1990 action/comedy Short Time? Robert Chipman remembers it had an underrated car chase worth talking about!<|control11|><|separator|>
  20. [20]
    MOVIE REVIEW : 'Short Time': A Comedy That's Long on Car ...
    May 4, 1990 · “Short Time,” a comedy thriller about a cop who has a death wish imposed on him, illustrates something funny-peculiar about movies these days.Missing: plot summary
  21. [21]
    Short Time (1990) - Release info - IMDb
    Dabney Coleman in Short Time (1990). Release info. Short Time. Jump to. Release date (13), Also known as (AKA) (23). Edit. Release date. United States. May 4, ...Missing: 20th Century Fox
  22. [22]
    Trivia - Short Time (1990) - IMDb
    Short Time (1990) - Trivia on IMDb: Cameos, Mistakes, Spoilers and more ... It only had a VHS and Laserdisc release by Live Home Video in the United States.
  23. [23]
    List of Artisan Entertainment releases | Moviepedia | Fandom
    Live Home Video. 1990. Release Date, Studio, Title, Cover, Format, Cat#, Notes ... Gladden Entertainment, Short Time. Short Time (VHS). VHS, 68922 ...
  24. [24]
    Short Time (VHS, 1990) Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr - eBay
    In stock $4.47 delivery 30-day returnsShort Time (VHS, 1990) Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr. R. Rare Consumer Video+Audio ... Live Home Video. UPC. 0012236892236. Signal Standard. NTSC. Rating. PG-13.Missing: film | Show results with:film
  25. [25]
    WHERE IS THIS MOVIE? (Forgotten Flicks That Need a Blu-ray ...
    Feb 16, 2016 · You can now pick it up on DVD in Germany, but the movie hasn't ... Short Time (1990) – This one is available on DVD in the UK, but not ...
  26. [26]
    Short Time Blu-ray
    730-day returnsShort Time. (1990) Nearing retirement, Dabney Coleman finds that he has a disease that will kill him within days. Director: Gregg Champion
  27. [27]
    Watch Short Time (1990) - Free Movies - Tubi
    Short Time ... Ro is a corrupt cop. He's only interested in bribe money and chasing women until he discovers he has a brain tumor and only three months to live.Missing: Prime | Show results with:Prime
  28. [28]
    Review/Film; 2 Weeks to Die, and Ready - The New York Times
    May 4, 1990 · As the hero of ''Short Time,'' Dabney Coleman could have saved himself some trouble if he had only seen ''Lethal Weapon.
  29. [29]
    The Cult Corner: Short Time (1990) - robotGEEK'S Cult Cinema
    Sep 21, 2018 · The Cult Corner: Short Time (1990) ... Dabney Coleman just doesn't get enough credit for being such a great actor. He steals the show in ...Missing: dark | Show results with:dark
  30. [30]
    Short Time - Box Office Mojo
    ### Box Office Performance Summary for *Short Time* (1990)