The Water Engine
Synopsis
In the 1930s, Charles Lang invents an engine that runs using water for fuel. But when he tries to get it patented, he is first offered a ridiculously low amount. When he refuses, he is suddenly several people are pressuring him to sell. The big oil companies don't want the competition. Now he has to try and keep them from getting his idea, and somehow get it published.
Top Cast
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William H. Macy
Charles Lang
Patti LuPone
Rita Lang
Charles Durning
Tour Guide
John Mahoney
Mason Gross
Joe Mantegna
Lawrence Oberman
Joanna Miles
Mrs. Varek
Mike Nussbaum
Mr. Wallace
Treat Williams
Dave Murray
J.J. Johnston
White Haired Man
David Mamet
Brown Haired Man
Andrea Marcovicci
Singer in Dance Hall
John Capodice
Kegan
Peter Michael Goetz
Soapbox Speaker One
Natalija Nogulich
Soapbox Speaker Two (as Natalia Nogulich)
Ricky Jay
Ratty Inventor
Lucinda Jenney
Gross's Secretary
Rebecca Pidgeon
Connie
Tim Farrell
Bernie
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Steven Schachter
- Screenplay & Story
- David Mamet
- Original Score
- Alaric Jans
- Original Title
- The Water Engine
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 28m
- Production Studios
- Turner Pictures, Amblin Television
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Steven Schachter
David Mamet
Alaric Jans
Bryan England
Martin Hunter
Department Leadership Roster
Steven Schachter
Director
David Mamet
Writer
Martin Hunter
Editor
Alaric Jans
Original Music Composer
Bryan England
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Water Engine.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Water Engine.
IMDb Archive
Steven Spielberg
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Water Engine
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Water Engine about?
In the 1930s, Charles Lang invents an engine that runs using water for fuel. But when he tries to get it patented, he is first offered a ridiculously low amount. When he refuses, he is suddenly several people are pressuring him to sell. The big oil companies don't want the competition. Now he has to try and keep them from getting his idea, and somehow get it published.
Who directed The Water Engine?
The Water Engine was directed by Steven Schachter.
Who stars in The Water Engine?
The principal cast of The Water Engine includes William H. Macy, Patti LuPone, Charles Durning, John Mahoney, Joe Mantegna.
When was The Water Engine released and how long is it?
The Water Engine was released in 1992 with a total runtime of 1h 28m.
Who composed the musical score for The Water Engine?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Water Engine was composed by Alaric Jans.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Water Engine?
The Water Engine holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).