---
title: "Out Cold"
year: 1989
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/out-cold-1989"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 120328
imdb_id: "tt0098042"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 88
community_rating: 5.9
vote_count: 31
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Out Cold (1989) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

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

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Out Cold is a 1989 American black comedy film directed by Malcolm Mowbray. The story follows Sunny, who is married to the butcher Ernie, as their marriage unravels due to affairs and leads to a plot involving a private investigator named Lester Atlas, a fatal incident in a fridge, and a desperate quest for revenge by Ernie's partner Dave.

The film runs for 1 hour and 28 minutes and falls under the comedy, drama, and thriller genres. It explores dark themes of murder and witnesses while maintaining the style of a black comedy.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A crumbling marriage and an accidental fridge knockout spark a deadly chain of murder and revenge."

### Why Watch
- It is directed by Malcolm Mowbray.
- It features a dark comedic tone blended with thriller elements.
- It has a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The plot centers heavily on marital infidelity, murder, and attempts to eliminate witnesses.
- Tone & Suitability: The film combines comedy, drama, and thriller elements into a 1-hour and 28-minute feature.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #black-comedy, #murder-plot, #private-investigator, #revenge-story, #butcher-shop, #marital-affairs

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Malcolm Mowbray
- **Networks / Studios**: Hemdale, Braunstein and Hamady Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **John Lithgow** as *Dave*
- **Teri Garr** as *Sunny*
- **Randy Quaid** as *Lester*
- **Bruce McGill** as *Ernie*
- **Lisa Blount** as *Phyllis*
- **Alan Blumenfeld** as *Lew*
- **Carole Goldman** as *Mrs. Colby*
- **Larry Miller** as *Plumber #2*
- **Barbara Rhoades** as *Mrs. Hollander*
- **Fran Ryan** as *Arlene*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream Out Cold?
Streaming availability can be checked on platforms like The Movie Database.

### Q: Is it worth watching?
It is worth watching if you enjoy 1980s black comedies directed by Malcolm Mowbray.

### Q: What is the runtime?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.

### Q: Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Malcolm Mowbray.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Out Cold — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/120328)
- [Out Cold (1989) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098042/fullcredits/)
- [Out Cold (1989 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out_Cold_(1989_film))
- [Out Cold (1989) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/120328-out-cold/cast)
- [John Cusack: ‘I have not been hot for a long time’ | John Cusack](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/oct/04/john-cusack-i-have-not-been-hot-for-a-long-time)

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