---
title: "Criminal Act"
year: 1989
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/criminal-act-1989"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 354401
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 93
community_rating: 5.2
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Criminal Act (1989) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/criminal-act-1989

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Criminal Act is a film first released in 1989. Catalogued under Thriller, Horror, Crime. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Investigative reporters hunt a terrifying rat menace lurking beneath the city."

### Why Watch
- Atmospheric sewer setting
- Tense cat‑and‑mouse with a monstrous threat
- Blend of crime investigation and horror

### Caveats & Content Note
- The niche premise may not appeal to all viewers
- Limited production details may leave some aspects underdeveloped
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains suspenseful horror elements and graphic creature threats, making it suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: creepy, tense, gritty, suspenseful

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/criminal-act-1989#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Mark Byers

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Catherine Bach** as *Pam Weiss*
- **Charlene Dallas** as *Sharon Fields*
- **Nicholas Guest** as *Ron Bellard*
- **John Saxon** as *Herb Tamplin*
- **Vic Tayback** as *The Exterminator (Greengrass)*
- **Cork Hubbert** as *Slater*
- **Victor Brandt** as *Lance Bellard*
- **Luis Ávalos** as *Coroner*
- **Ray Tillotson** as *Wayne Sherman*
- **Rick Zumwalt** as *Tiny*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was Criminal Act released?
It was released in the United States on September 27, 1989.

### Q: What genres describe the film?
It is classified as a thriller, horror, and crime film.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes.

### Q: What is the basic premise?
Two investigative reporters track reports of giant rats in a city sewer system.

### Q: Is there a notable tagline?
One promotional line reads, "There's only one way to kill this reporter's story – kill her first."

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Criminal Act — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/354401)

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