A fearless Secret Service agent will stop at nothing to bring down the counterfeiter who killed his partner.A fearless Secret Service agent will stop at nothing to bring down the counterfeiter who killed his partner.A fearless Secret Service agent will stop at nothing to bring down the counterfeiter who killed his partner.
- Awards
- 3 wins & 1 nomination
William Petersen
- Richard Chance
- (as William L. Petersen)
Jane Leeves
- Dancer
- (as Jane Leaves)
- …
Cherise Bates
- Dancer
- (as Cherise Bate)
Michael Higgins
- Dancer
- (as Michael W. Higgins)
Chris Latanzi
- Dancer
- (as Chris Lattanzi)
Darlanne Fluegel
- Ruth Lanier
- (as Darlanne Fleugel)
Robert Downey Sr.
- Thomas Bateman
- (as Robert Downey)
Valentin de Vargas
- Judge Filo Cedillo
- (as Val DeVargas)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDuring the opening, when Eric Masters (Willem Dafoe) is printing money, the film crew was actually creating counterfeit bills. A convicted counterfeiter was on set showing them how it's done. They were filming out in the desert, and Dafoe said that every time a helicopter flew over the building, they were sure it was the police coming to arrest them all.
- GoofsAt conclusion of the chase, a dark brown van with a multicolor horizontal stripe is part of the gridlock, but as agents drive away, the van is seen approaching on opposite lanes.
- Quotes
Eric 'Rick' Masters: You have my word you won't have to do the whole nickel.
Carl Cody: What does that mean?
Eric 'Rick' Masters: Grimes is the best lawyer in the state. It'll either be an appeal bond or a sentence reduction.
Carl Cody: And the check is in the mail, and I love you, and I promise not to come in your mouth...
- Crazy creditsRight at the end, after the credits, there is a shot of William Petersen's face
- Alternate versionsGerman theatrical and VHS versions were cut by 25 seconds to secure a "Not under 16" rating. DVD release is uncut with the same rating.
- ConnectionsEdited into Counterfeit World: Making 'to Live and Die in L.A.' (2003)
Featured review
A film that was ahead of its time
Admittedly, To Live and Die in L.A. was not well-received by many critics when it was released in 1985. I believe it was because the movie was ahead of its time. Back then, one would have naturally expected an action movie that clearly defines the difference between the good guys and the bad guys. But it would be different in this film.
Without giving too much away, the main cops who are supposedly good guys are unethical. Richard Chance makes it clear that he doesn't care how he would catch the money counterfeiter Rick Masters. But as he tries to attain this goal, he runs into trouble, including a car chase that leads to a drive down the wrong side of the Los Angeles freeway! (Don't ever try that stunt!)
The way I see it, To Live and Die in L.A. is an underrated classic.
Without giving too much away, the main cops who are supposedly good guys are unethical. Richard Chance makes it clear that he doesn't care how he would catch the money counterfeiter Rick Masters. But as he tries to attain this goal, he runs into trouble, including a car chase that leads to a drive down the wrong side of the Los Angeles freeway! (Don't ever try that stunt!)
The way I see it, To Live and Die in L.A. is an underrated classic.
helpful•286
- 4-Kane
- Dec 30, 2005
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Leben und sterben in L.A.
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $8,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $17,307,019
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $3,551,761
- Nov 3, 1985
- Gross worldwide
- $17,307,108
- Runtime1 hour 56 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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