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Crime Cult Classic

A psychopathic drifter claws his way to rock stardom through seduction, manipulation, and crime.

RAT FINK

A "Rat Fink" likes women, bars and expensive cars. How do you describe a movie like this... you don't... you see it! Even if we could... we wouldn't dare!

1965 · 1h 20m · NR · Crime / Drama / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A sadistic rock singer will do whatever it takes to become a star.

Quick Answer

What is Rat Fink about?

Rat Fink is a 1965 American crime drama thriller directed by James Landis about an ambitious, sociopathic drifter who will stop at nothing—including seduction and crime—to achieve stardom as a singer.

Programmer's Pick

If you think fame is only for the talented, Rat Fink will set you straight: in this world, ruthless ambition and psychological manipulation are your tickets to the top. Rock clubs, seductions, and a protagonist you wouldn't want anywhere near your wallet—or your girlfriend.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Lonnie Price, a sadistic and manipulative drifter, is determined to become a music sensation, no matter the cost. As he claws his way toward fame, Lonnie seduces, robs, and betrays those around him—leaving a trail of emotional wreckage in his wake. His obsession with success propels him into the music world, where he engineers misfortune for his rivals and dazzles promoters with his talent. Set against the backdrop of nightclubs and concert venues, Rat Fink presents a cynical portrait of ambition gone awry, driven by psychological manipulation, seduction, and relentless self-interest. The film simmers with themes of loneliness, greed, and the dark side of showbiz.

Details & Specs

Director
James Landis
Writer
James Landis
Release
1965
Runtime
1h 20m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Also Known As
Wild and Williing

Why This Matters

This 1965 crime thriller features a guest appearance by the surf rock band The Futuras and was both written and directed by James Landis, adapting a story by Matthew Cheney and Jack Miller, with star Schuyler Hayden also serving as producer.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: James Landis Writer: James Landis

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Why Cult

Sadistic Protagonist

Lonnie Price is no garden-variety antihero—he's a full-blown psychopath who weaponizes charm and cruelty to further his ambitions.

Music Scene Backdrop

The film weaves its criminal drama through the world of rock bands, nightclubs, and concert venues, making music both a lure and a battlefield.

Manipulation and Seduction

Psychological games, seductions, and emotional betrayals keep the stakes high as ambition clashes with morality.

Unvarnished Ambition

Rat Fink pulls no punches in its cynicism about the cost of stardom, spotlighting ambition's ugliest forms.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Lonnie's pursuit of fame

Threat

Sadistic, manipulative protagonist

Effect

Victimization of those around him through crime and betrayal

Setting

Music clubs and urban nightlife

Questions from the Vault

When was Rat Fink released? +

Rat Fink was released in 1965.

Who directed Rat Fink? +

Rat Fink was directed by James Landis.

How long is Rat Fink? +

Rat Fink has a runtime of 80 minutes.

What genre is Rat Fink? +

Rat Fink is a crime, drama, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Rat Fink? +

Rat Fink is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips