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Action Cult Classic

A Boston teacher in Texas turns armed avenger after a brutal betrayal.

HANDGUN

She said no...and she meant it!

1983 · 1h 41m · R · Action / Drama · IMDB TMDB

Shortly after moving to Dallas, a young woman is raped at gunpoint. Her intense anger drives her to seek revenge, and she becomes a hunter on a vengeance mission.

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Quick Answer

What is Handgun about?

Handgun is a 1983 United Kingdom action drama film directed by Tony Garnett about a Boston educator who, after being raped at gunpoint in Texas, seeks revenge by learning to use firearms.

Programmer's Pick

Handgun doesn’t just flirt with the revenge thriller—it loads the chamber and pulls the trigger on American gun obsession. Tony Garnett trades English restraint for Texas firepower, and Karen Young’s transformation from educator to avenger is as compelling as it is unsettling.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Handgun marks British director Tony Garnett’s American debut, tackling the grim realities of sexual violence and the cultural entrenchment of firearms in the U.S. The story centers on Kathleen Sullivan, an idealistic teacher from Boston who relocates to Texas for a new job. There, she is introduced to Larry Keeler, a charming lawyer with a distinct obsession with guns. What begins as a promising encounter quickly darkens; on their second date, Larry assaults Kathleen at gunpoint. Traumatized but resolute, Kathleen channels her anger into learning about guns herself, transforming into a determined avenger. The film is an unflinching critique of American gun culture and the personal cost of violence.

Details & Specs

Director
Tony Garnett
Writer
Tony Garnett
Release
1983
Runtime
1h 41m
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English
Genres
Action, Drama
Also Known As
Deep in the Heart

Cast & Crew

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Director: Tony Garnett Writer: Tony Garnett
Karen Young Karen Young Kathleen CD Clayton Day Larry SH Suzie Humphreys Nancy HH Helena Humann Miss Davis Ben Jones Ben Jones Chuck JA Jane Abbott Lady JS Jane Simoneau Lady PA Peggy Akin Lady JB Joe Bowman Trickshooter JT John Tufts Jr. Tranquillizer Gun Man NW Norine Williams Student with Baby KH Kitty Harlen Mrs. Sullivan JH Jim Harlen Mr. Sullivan SS Sam Shipp Lawyer VZ Vince Zubras Jr. Lawyer GR Gary Richardson Lawyer GS Glenda Standifer Barmaid

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Why Cult

British Director in Texas

Tony Garnett, known for his UK work, brings a sharp outsider’s eye to American gun culture.

Female Revenge Arc

Kathleen Sullivan’s journey from victim to avenger is central, flipping the script on typical genre power dynamics.

Gun Culture Critique

The film isn’t just about vengeance—it’s a pointed commentary on the pervasive influence of firearms in American life.

Unsettling Realism

Handgun confronts sexual violence and trauma without sensationalism, grounding its story in harsh reality.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

A date turns violent

Threat

Armed sexual assault

Effect

Psychological trauma and quest for vengeance

Setting

Dallas, Texas

Questions from the Vault

When was Handgun released? +

Handgun was released in 1983.

Who directed Handgun? +

Handgun was directed by Tony Garnett.

How long is Handgun? +

Handgun has a runtime of 101 minutes.

What genre is Handgun? +

Handgun is an action drama film.

How does Kathleen Sullivan prepare for her revenge? +

After her assault, Kathleen learns how to handle a gun and becomes a skilled shooter as she sets out to seek vengeance.

Trailers & Clips

Handgun trailer
Official Trailer
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