American Nightmare
“Every year girls move to the city determined to make their dreams come true ... or die trying.”
Synopsis
A man investigates the disappearance of his sister with the help of her roommate. He uncovers a trail of prostitution, incest, blackmail...and murder.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Lawrence Day
Eric (as Lawrence S. Day)
Lora Staley
Louise / Isabelle's workmate
Neil Dainard
Tony / Hamilton's right-hand
Lenore Zann
Tina / stripper
Claudia Udy
Andrea / Isabelle's workmate
Page Fletcher
Mark / Tina's boyfriend
Michael Ironside
Sgt. Skylar (as Mike Ironside)
Larry Aubrey
Dolly / Isabelle's neighbor
Michael Copeman
Fixer / Isabelle's pimp (as Mike Copeman)
Bunty Webb
Operator
Tom Harvey
Hamilton / Eric and Isabelle's father
Paul Bradley
Motel Manager
Peter Lavender
Wally
Martin Doyle
Tanner (as Marty Doyle)
Don MacQuarrie
Mugger
Alexandra Paul
Isabelle / Tanya
Nancy Oliver
Marie
Release History & Theatrical Window
June 1, 1984
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Don McBrearty
- Screenplay & Story
- John Sheppard
- Original Score
- Paul Zaza
- Original Title
- American Nightmare
- Country of Origin
- Canada
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 28m
- Production Studios
- Manesco Films, Mano Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Don McBrearty
John Sheppard, Steven Blake, John Gault
Paul Zaza
Daniel Hainey
Ian McBride
Anthony Kramreither, Paul Lynch, Ray Sager
Department Leadership Roster
John Sheppard
Screenplay
Ian McBride
Editor
Don McBrearty
Director
Daniel Hainey
Director of Photography
Paul Zaza
Original Music Composer
Ray Sager
Producer
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 American Nightmare.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring American Nightmare.
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Frequently Asked Questions About American Nightmare
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is American Nightmare about?
A man investigates the disappearance of his sister with the help of her roommate. He uncovers a trail of prostitution, incest, blackmail...and murder.
Who directed American Nightmare?
American Nightmare was directed by Don McBrearty.
Who stars in American Nightmare?
The principal cast of American Nightmare includes Lawrence Day, Lora Staley, Neil Dainard, Lenore Zann, Claudia Udy.
When was American Nightmare released and how long is it?
American Nightmare was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 28m.
Who composed the musical score for American Nightmare?
The original motion picture soundtrack for American Nightmare was composed by Paul Zaza.
What is the age rating and content advisory for American Nightmare?
American Nightmare holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).