The Butcher
“Never gamble when you are desperate...”
Synopsis
A mob enforcer is set up to take the fall for a multi-million dollar heist involving a rival gang boss. Merle (Eric Roberts) is a gambler stuck on a twenty-year losing streak, but his luck is about to change. Surviving a trap that was intended to kill him, Merle makes away with a beautiful woman and a piece of the take. Most men in that position would have been content to simply walk away with their lives, but Merle has been loyal for twenty years. Realizing he's been betrayed, something inside snaps. They used to call him "The Butcher" as a joke, but the laughter turns to screams when Merle returns to deliver the ultimate punchline.
Top Cast
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Eric Roberts
Merle Hench
Robert Davi
Murdoch
Irina Björklund
Jackie
Keith David
Larry Cobb
Geoffrey Lewis
Naylor
Jerry Trimble
Eddie Hellstrom
Michael Ironside
Teddy Carmichael
Bokeem Woodbine
Chinatown Pete
Guillermo Díaz
Owen Geiger
Julie Carmen
Rose
Vernon Wells
1970's IRA Commander
Duane Whitaker
Car Buyer
Timothy V. Murphy
Tyke
Charles Arthur Berg
'Loco' Charlie
Nils Allen Stewart
El Paso
Roslyn Cohn
Cougar on the Stairs
Diana Terranova
Spearmint Rhino Dancer
Bruna Rubio
Spearmint Rhino Dancer
Release History & Theatrical Window
July 10, 2009
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jesse V. Johnson
- Screenplay & Story
- Jesse V. Johnson
- Original Score
- Marcello De Francisci
- Original Title
- The Butcher
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jesse V. Johnson
Jesse V. Johnson
Marcello De Francisci
Robert Hayes
Ken Blackwell
Anthony V. Pugliese, Ted J. Pryor, Charles Arthur Berg
Department Leadership Roster
Jesse V. Johnson
Director
John Larena
Production Design
Stacy Ellen Rich
Costume Design
Ken Blackwell
Editor
Robert Hayes
Director of Photography
Glenn Gregory Krah
Costume Design
Charles Arthur Berg
Producer
Jesse V. Johnson
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Butcher.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Butcher.
Gangster
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Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Butcher
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Butcher about?
A mob enforcer is set up to take the fall for a multi-million dollar heist involving a rival gang boss. Merle (Eric Roberts) is a gambler stuck on a twenty-year losing streak, but his luck is about to change. Surviving a trap that was intended to kill him, Merle makes away with a beautiful woman and a piece of the take. Most men in that position would have been content to simply walk away with their lives, but Merle has been loyal for twenty years. Realizing he's been betrayed, something inside snaps. They used to call him "The Butcher" as a joke, but the laughter turns to screams when Merle returns to deliver the ultimate punchline.
Who directed The Butcher?
The Butcher was directed by Jesse V. Johnson.
Who stars in The Butcher?
The principal cast of The Butcher includes Eric Roberts, Robert Davi, Irina Björklund, Keith David, Geoffrey Lewis.
When was The Butcher released and how long is it?
The Butcher was released in 2009 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
Who composed the musical score for The Butcher?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Butcher was composed by Marcello De Francisci .
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Butcher?
The Butcher holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).