---
title: "The Fourth War"
year: 1990
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-fourth-war-1990"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 51434
imdb_id: "tt0099606"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 91
community_rating: 5.3
vote_count: 51
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Fourth War (1990) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-fourth-war-1990

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Fourth War is a 1990 drama, thriller, and war film directed by John Frankenheimer. The movie stars Roy Scheider, Jürgen Prochnow, Tim Reid, and Lara Harris, and was released in the United States on March 23, 1990. The runtime is one hour and thirty-one minutes, and the film carries an R rating. 

Set during the Cold War, the story follows Cold War adversaries Colonel Jack Knowles and his Russian counterpart, Colonel Valachev. The two men are stationed on opposite sides of the German-Czech border, where each is responsible for a group of troops in a remote setting. Both colonels have been shaped by their combat experiences and share an aversion to the ways their superiors do things. After a defector is killed, tensions escalate between the two men, ultimately leading to a full-fledged battle that carries serious geopolitical ramifications.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## 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, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | None |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: John Frankenheimer
- **Networks / Studios**: Aurora Production, Kodiak Films, The Cannon Group

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Roy Scheider** as *Col. Jack Knowles*
- **Jürgen Prochnow** as *Col. Valachev*
- **Tim Reid** as *Lt. Col. Clark*
- **Lara Harris** as *Elena*
- **Harry Dean Stanton** as *Gen. Hackworth*
- **Dale Dye** as *Sergeant Major*
- **William MacDonald** as *MP Corporal*
- **David Palffy** as *Gawky Soldier*
- **Neil Grahn** as *Needle-Nose Soldier*
- **Ernie Jackson** as *Knowles Driver*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch The Fourth War online?
The Fourth War is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is The Fourth War worth watching?
The Fourth War holds a community rating of 5.3/10 based on 51 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama, Thriller for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie The Fourth War and when was it released?
The Fourth War is a feature film with a runtime of 91 minutes. It was released in 1990. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed The Fourth War?
The Fourth War was directed by John Frankenheimer.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Fourth War — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/51434)
- [The Fourth War (1990) - Filmaffinity](https://www.filmaffinity.com/us/film991689.html)
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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*