Deathrow Gameshow

Deathrow Gameshow

1987 · 83 min · EN · R · 5.6 (30 votes)
Dir. Mark Pirro · Starring John McCafferty, Robyn Blythe, Beano, Mark Lasky, Darwyn Carson, Kent Butler · Music Gregg Gross

“In the year 1991, contestants don't play for prizes...they play for their lives!”

CrimeComedy

Chuck Toedan hosts the most controversial show on TV: Live or Die, where deathrow inmates compete against each other for a chance to beat the executioner. However, when he accidentally kills a mob boss of the most feared mafia in the city, a hit man tries to put an end to him and his show once and for all. As a battle of wits and survival ensues, Chuck is forced to engage in the very tactics he uses on his contestants, or die trying.

VIBE

This is a sleazy, exploitative romp that skewers media sensationalism and capital punishment with a darkly comedic, campy edge. It feels like a forgotten VHS gem, perfect for a trashy, late-night watch.

darkly comedicsatiricalsleazycampysteadyexploitation80s trash cinemalow-budgetmedia critiquecapital punishmentmorality
stripteasedeath rowfictional game showinmatetelevision host