---
title: "McBain"
year: 1991
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/mcbain-1991"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 27350
imdb_id: "tt0102422"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 107
community_rating: 4.4
vote_count: 54
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# McBain (1991) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/mcbain-1991

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

McBain is a 1991 American action war film written and directed by James Glickenhaus, starring Christopher Walken, María Conchita Alonso, and Michael Ironside. The story follows a former Vietnam War lieutenant who recruits his old war buddies to help a revolutionary's sister overthrow the Presidente of Colombia after her brother is killed in a failed revolt.

Released in the United States on September 20, 1991, the film blends elements of action, war, and drama across its 1 hour and 47 minute runtime. It explores themes of loyalty, remembrance from the Vietnam War, and violent retaliation against drug lords and a ruthless dictator.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A former Vietnam War lieutenant reforms his old team to help overthrow a ruthless dictator."

### Why Watch
- Features a stellar lead cast including Christopher Walken, María Conchita Alonso, and Michael Ironside.
- Written and directed by James Glickenhaus.
- Delivers classic 1991 action and war film sequences with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The plot relies on extreme vigilante action, such as raising cash by killing drug dealers, which may not appeal to all viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: The film combines action, war, and drama elements with a standard feature film pacing over a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #vietnam-veterans, #colombian-revolt, #vigilante-justice, #drug-lord-takedown, #action-war-drama

## Streaming Availability Matrix

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

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: James Glickenhaus
- **Networks / Studios**: Marble Hall, Shapiro-Glickenhaus Entertainment

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Christopher Walken** as *McBain*
- **Michael Ironside** as *Frank Bruce*
- **Michael Joseph DeSare** as *Major Tenny*
- **Chick Vennera** as *Roberto Santos*
- **Steve James** as *Eastland*
- **Thomas G. Waites** as *Gill*
- **Jay Patterson** as *Dr. Dalton*
- **María Conchita Alonso** as *Christina Santos*
- **Joel Torre** as *Chauffeur*
- **Big Boy Gomez** as *Fat Soldier*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream McBain (1991)?
Streaming availability details can be found on platforms like The Movie Database and Plex.

### Q: Is McBain worth watching?
It is worth watching for fans of 1991 action and war films starring Christopher Walken and Michael Ironside.

### Q: What is the runtime of the film?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes.

### Q: Who directed McBain?
McBain was written and directed by James Glickenhaus.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [McBain — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/27350)
- [McBain (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McBain_(film))
- [McBain - Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mcbain)
- [McBain (The Full Movie, High Quality, Widescreen) - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzjfrdcN1Z8)
- [McBain - Wikisimpsons, the Simpsons Wiki](https://simpsonswiki.com/wiki/McBain_(series))

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