Charles Bronson, the stoic action star known for his steely gaze and unflinching demeanor, found a new home in the 1980s with Cannon Films.
This prolific independent studio from Menahem Golan and Yorum Globus, known for its B-movie sensibilities and rapid-fire production schedule. In 1989, Cannon faced Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its financial records came under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Death Wish Films
Death Wish II (1982), Death Wish 3 (1985), Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987): Bronson reprised his iconic role as Paul Kersey, the architect-turned-vigilante, in these sequels to the 1974 classic. While critically panned, these films were box office successes, capitalizing on the growing appetite for gritty action cinema.
Charles Bronson in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (Photo/Cannon Films)
There was a fifth installment, Death Wish V: The Face of Death, starring Bronson that was released in 1994 from Trimark Pictures. The film co-starred Lesley-Anne Down and Saul Rubinek.
Eli Roth delivered an updated version of Death Wish in 2018 with Bruce Willis starring as Kersey, though now a surgeon in Chicago. Elisabeth Shue, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dean Norris and Stephanie Janusauskas also starred.
More Bronson 80s Action
10 to Midnight (1983): This neo-noir thriller saw Bronson playing a retired police detective who teams up with a young woman to hunt down a serial killer. The film offered a darker, more suspenseful departure from the Death Wish franchise, showcasing Bronson’s versatility. Andrew Stevens, Lisa Eilbacher (Beverly Hills Cop), Wilford Brimley, Geoffrey Lewis and Kelly Preston round out the cast.
The Evil That Men Do (1984): This action-thriller was released by Tri-Star Pictures but fits right in with the 80s Bronson/Cannon library. The film featured Bronson as a retired assassin drawn back into the world of violence to avenge the death of his friend. Theresa Saldana, John Glover (Scrooged), Jose Ferrer co-starred.
Murphy’s Law (1986): This saw Bronson play a detective who is framed for his ex-wife’s murder by someone he once put in prison. Kathleen Wilhoite (Private School, Road House), Carrie Snodgrass and Richard Romanus round out the cast.
Assassination (1987): In this political thriller, Bronson portrayed a Secret Service agent assigned to protect the First Lady. Jill Ireland, Stephen Elliott and Michael Ansara co-starred.
Messenger of Death (1988): This action-thriller saw Bronson as a Denver reporter investigating a mass murder. Daniel Benzali (Murder One, Murder at 1600) and Trish Van Devere co-starred.
Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects (1989): This action-thriller saw Bronson as a detective who along with his partner is investigating a pimp that is involved in underage girls for prostitution. Nicole Eggert and Perry Lopez co-starred.
Legacy of Charles Bronson Cannon Films
The Cannon Films era solidified Bronson’s status as an action icon. While the films themselves may not be critically acclaimed, they remain popular with fans of 80s action cinema. Bronson’s unwavering presence and the raw, unfiltered nature of these productions have ensured their place in cult film history.
