---
title: "High Tide"
year: 1980
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/high-tide-1980"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 412062
imdb_id: ""
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 99
community_rating: 8.0
vote_count: 1
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# High Tide (1980) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/high-tide-1980

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

High Tide is a thriller featuring Ian McShane as Peter Curtis, an ex-convict who has just been released after serving four years for manslaughter. His journey takes him to the tidal estuaries of the West of England to investigate his victim's cryptic last words.

The production places its protagonist on a collision course with dangerous rival parties who are equally eager to solve the mystery and willing to kill. The narrative unfolds through the lens of a frantic quest driven by suspense and tension.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An ex-convict searches for answers regarding his victim's mysterious final words in the West of England."

### Why Watch
- Ian McShane stars as Peter Curtis.
- Follows a recently released prisoner seeking answers.
- Features dangerous parties also seeking the mystery's solution.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The plot involves violent threats from rival parties willing to kill.
- Tone & Suitability: The tone involves dangerous rivalries and a frantic quest, suitable for thriller fans.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #thriller, #manslaughter, #ex-convict, #mysterious-words, #tidal-estuaries, #west-of-england, #frantic-quest

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | Tubi TV | Amazon Video, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Tubi TV | Amazon Video |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Tubi TV | Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Colin Bucksey
- **Networks / Studios**: Southern Television

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Ian McShane** as *Curtis*
- **Kika Markham** as *Helen*
- **Terence Rigby** as *Matthews*
- **John Bird** as *Cyril*
- **Wendy Morgan** as *Celia*
- **Mike McKevitt** as *Fenton*
- **Toby Salaman** as *Smith*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream High Tide?
Streaming availability details can be checked on platforms like The Movie Database or Plex.

### Q: Whether it is worth watching?
It is worth watching for fans of thrillers starring Ian McShane in a quest for answers.

### Q: What is the runtime?
The runtime is 1 hour and 39 minutes.

### Q: Who stars in High Tide?
Ian McShane stars as Peter Curtis, alongside cast members such as Wendy Morgan, Terence Rigby, and Malcolm Terris.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [High Tide — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/412062)
- ["Armchair Thriller" High Tide: Part 1 (TV Episode 1980) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0400344/)
- [High Tide (1980) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/412062-high-tide/cast)
- [High Tide (1980) Full Cast & Crew - Plex](https://watch.plex.tv/en-GB/movie/high-tide-1980/credits)

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