---
title: "China Lake"
year: 1983
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/china-lake-1983"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 201297
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 34
community_rating: 6.9
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "NR"
---

# China Lake (1983) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/china-lake-1983

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

China Lake is a film first released in 1983. Catalogued under Thriller, Horror. Produced and broadcast by Company Theatre Foundation, The. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A desert‑bound cop on a Harley spirals into darkness on a tense 34‑minute ride."

### Why Watch
- Atmospheric desert setting
- Compact 34‑minute length maintains tension
- Explores a disturbed law‑enforcer

### Caveats & Content Note
- Limited character development due to short length
- Some viewers may find the psychopathic turn abrupt
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s unsettling psychological violence makes it suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: desert, psychological, thriller, horror, short

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/china-lake-1983#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Robert Harmon
- **Networks / Studios**: Company Theatre Foundation, The

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Charles Napier** as *Donnelly*
- **William Sanderson** as *Little Germ*
- **Mickey Jones** as *Big Guy*
- **Gilmer McCormick** as *Helene*
- **Michel François** as *Policeman*
- **Claudia Harrington** as *Cafe Patron*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the runtime?
The film runs about 34 minutes.

### Q: When was it released?
It was released in the United States on April 6, 1983.

### Q: What genre does it belong to?
It is classified as a thriller and horror short.

### Q: Who directed the film?
The director is Dieter Weihl.

### Q: Who is the main character?
The story follows motorcycle cop Donnelly.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [China Lake — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/201297)
- [China Lake (1983) | DIV.cz](https://div.cz/film/china-lake)
- [China Lake (1989) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/132814-china-lake/prehled/)
- [China Lake (1989)](https://www.sms.cz/film/china-lake)
- [China Lake (1989) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/220677-china-lake)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*