On this day May 6, 1988, the action horror comedy Dead Heat premiered in theaters. Directed by Mark Goldblatt, the film starred Treat Williams and Joe Piscopo as a pair of detectives who uncover a bizarre plot involving reanimated criminals. The cast also featured Darren McGavin, Lindsay Frost, Vincent Price, and MTV’s Martha Quinn in a supporting role.
Dead Heat blended buddy cop humor with zombie action in a way that made it both weirdly entertaining and totally unique for its time. Despite earning just 3.5 million dollars at the box office, it became a cult favorite thanks to its over the top effects and genre mashup.
Fun fact: This was one of Vincent Price’s final theatrical appearances, adding a touch of horror legacy to the film’s chaotic charm.