Horror Cult Classic

An ageless Nazi playboy haunts Las Vegas nightlife while a detective hunts for answers.

CATACLYSM

1980 · 1h 34m · R · Horror · IMDB TMDB

Police detective, Mitchell, investigating the death of a victim of a Nazi concentration camp discovers a nightclubbing playboy who has strange powers over women and is seemingly ageless.

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Quick Answer

What is Cataclysm about?

Cataclysm is a 1980 American horror film directed by Phillip Marshak, Tom McGowan, and Gregg Tallas about a Holocaust survivor who recognizes his former tormentor as an ageless nightclub playboy, leading a detective into a web of murder and supernatural intrigue.

Programmer's Pick

Cataclysm is where WWII trauma meets supernatural sleaze, with a Nazi villain who’s not just ageless but seems to have a few diabolical tricks up his sleeve. Expect a pulpy collision of psychic powers, cult horror, and Las Vegas glitz — with more than one murder to keep the night interesting.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Cataclysm sets its eerie stage in Las Vegas, where Holocaust survivor Abram Wiese believes he has spotted his old Nazi tormentor, Olivier, who has mysteriously not aged in decades and now enjoys a reputation as a charismatic playboy. When Wiese’s pleas for justice are dismissed by detective Sterne, tragedy strikes and Wiese is found murdered. This compels Sterne to reconsider the bizarre tale and dig into Olivier’s background. With themes of revenge, the supernatural, and the horrors of the past refusing to stay buried, the film blends police procedural elements with occult undertones, painting a world where evil may be more than human and the line between justice and vengeance is dangerously thin.

Details & Specs

Directors: Phillip Marshak, Tom McGowan, Gregg Tallas
Writer: Philip Yordan
Release: 1980
Runtime: 1h 34m
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Genres: Horror
Also Known As: The Nightmare Never Ends

Cast & Crew

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Directors: Phillip Marshak +2 more Writer: Philip Yordan

Cameron Mitchell Lt. Sterne

Marc Lawrence Abraham Weiss / Dieter FC Faith Clift Claire Hansen

Richard Moll James Hanson MG Maurice Grandmaison Papini RB Robert Bristol Olivier KS Klint Stevenson Jim EM Elizabeth Martin Ann CS Christie Starley Ann

Explore More

Independent Film Murder Death Sadism Supernatural Power Dancing Cigar Smoking Nightmare Machine Gun Nightclub Sadist Massacre Cult Occult Demon Women

Why Cult

Ageless Nazi Villain

Olivier, a former Nazi who hasn’t aged, stalks the Las Vegas nightlife with sinister charm and unexplained powers.

Supernatural Murder Mystery

A police detective’s investigation into a Holocaust survivor’s murder spirals into occult territory, mixing classic procedural with horror.

Occult and Psychic Powers

Cataclysm features cults, visions, supernatural abilities, and plenty of ominous omens — all grounded in horror’s darkest traditions.

Las Vegas Underbelly

The film’s action unfolds amid the glitz and seediness of Las Vegas, complete with nightclubs, dancing, and a touch of the macabre.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Holocaust survivor recognizes his tormentor

Threat

Ageless Nazi with supernatural powers

Effect

Murder, manipulation, and supernatural influence over women

Setting

Las Vegas nightlife

Questions from the Vault

When was Cataclysm released? +

Cataclysm was released in 1980.

Who directed Cataclysm? +

Cataclysm was directed by Phillip Marshak, Tom McGowan, and Gregg Tallas.

How long is Cataclysm? +

Cataclysm has a runtime of 94 minutes.

What genre is Cataclysm? +

Cataclysm is a horror film.

What makes Olivier, the former Nazi, appear ageless in Cataclysm? +

The film suggests that Olivier’s mysterious lack of aging is tied to supernatural or occult forces, as detective Sterne uncovers strange powers at play.