On this day May 21, 1982, the urban vigilante drama Fighting Back premiered in theaters. Directed by Lewis Teague, the film starred Tom Skerritt, Patti LuPone, Michael Sarrazin, Yaphet Kotto, David Rasche, Lewis Van Bergen, Earle Hyman and Ted Ross. The story followed a man who takes the law into his own hands after his community is plagued by rising crime and violence.
Made with a budget of $9 million, the film earned $6.4 million at the box office. Though it did not become a major financial success, Fighting Back reflected the early 80s public sentiment surrounding crime and justice and was part of a larger wave of vigilante-themed films during the decade.
Fun fact: The movie was loosely inspired by real neighborhood watch movements that emerged across urban America during the late 70s and early 80s.
Made with a budget of $9 million, the film earned $6.4 million at the box office. Though it did not become a major financial success, Fighting Back reflected the early 80s public sentiment surrounding crime and justice and was part of a larger wave of vigilante-themed films during the decade.
Fun fact: The movie was loosely inspired by real neighborhood watch movements that emerged across urban America during the late 70s and early 80s.
