The Real Thing
Livers Ain't Cheap
“Their plan was simple. Get the cash.”
Synopsis
Their plan was simple...Get the Cash. As Rupert, an ex-con, tries to go straight, his younger brother James pursues a life of delinquency. Days after being released from jail, James is gunned down and lies waiting in a hospital for a liver transplant. In a desperate attempt to save his brother's life, Rupert decides to execute a heist at a downtown club on New Year's Eve that will give him the money he needs. Rupert assembles an eclectic crew of ex-cons, including his best friend and his ex-girlfriend. Rupert and his gang converge on the nightclub for a climax that spins out of control. New Year's Eve has never been so explosive!
Top Cast
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James Russo
Rupert Little
Jeremy Piven
John
Fabrizio Bentivoglio
Alfredo Donati
Robert LaSardo
Eric Fidel
Ashley Laurence
Carla
Emily Lloyd
Lisa Tuttle
Dave Buzzotta
James Little
Rod Steiger
Victor
Patrick F. Gallagher
Dexter (as Pat Gallagher)
Esai Morales
Collin
Gary Busey
Foreman
Max Perlich
Tom
Lou Rawls
MC
John Gillespie
Truck Driver
Dale Gibson
Guard #4
John Zurlo
Big Tony
Paul DeAngelo
Buddy
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1996
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James Merendino
- Screenplay & Story
- James Merendino
- Original Score
- Peter Leinheiser
- Original Title
- Livers Ain't Cheap
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Production Studios
- LACCP, LAC, LP
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James Merendino
James Merendino, Rustam Branaman
Peter Leinheiser
Greg Littlewood, Bernard Salzmann
Esther P. Russell
Department Leadership Roster
James Merendino
Screenplay
James Merendino
Director
Greg Littlewood
Director of Photography
Bernard Salzmann
Director of Photography
Megan Heath
Costume Design
Esther P. Russell
Editor
Charlotte Malmlöf
Production Design
Peter Leinheiser
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Real Thing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Real Thing
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Real Thing about?
Their plan was simple...Get the Cash. As Rupert, an ex-con, tries to go straight, his younger brother James pursues a life of delinquency. Days after being released from jail, James is gunned down and lies waiting in a hospital for a liver transplant. In a desperate attempt to save his brother's life, Rupert decides to execute a heist at a downtown club on New Year's Eve that will give him the money he needs. Rupert assembles an eclectic crew of ex-cons, including his best friend and his ex-girlfriend. Rupert and his gang converge on the nightclub for a climax that spins out of control. New Year's Eve has never been so explosive!
Who directed The Real Thing?
The Real Thing was directed by James Merendino.
Who stars in The Real Thing?
The principal cast of The Real Thing includes James Russo, Jeremy Piven, Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Robert LaSardo, Ashley Laurence.
When was The Real Thing released and how long is it?
The Real Thing was released in 1996 with a total runtime of 1h 29m.
Who composed the musical score for The Real Thing?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Real Thing was composed by Peter Leinheiser.