Synopsis

Small-time hustler Franklin Hatchett is being transported to jail when a prison-break ambush leaves him framed for murder and hunted by both police and criminals. He forces disgruntled television reporter James Russell to help clear his name, turning the pair into reluctant partners. Their frantic search for evidence leads through Los Angeles, corrupt officials, dangerous gangsters, and a climactic confrontation at the Coliseum.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was released by New Line Cinema on August 22, 1997.

• Filming took place in Los Angeles between July 5 and September 25, 1996. Locations included the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the 1st Street Bridge, and a Silver Lake car wash.

• The production had an estimated budget of $25 million and earned approximately $48.4 million worldwide.

• The jail-cell scene involving Franklin and his fellow inmate was improvised after the performer playing the inmate visited the set. The performers developed the exchange shortly before filming, and the scene reportedly required 89 takes because of repeated laughter.

• The film marked the beginning of a creative partnership that continued with the three Rush Hour movies.

• A sequence in which Franklin delivers a romantic speech at an upscale gathering uses lyrics associated with Barry White's "You're the First, the Last, My Everything."

• Lalo Schifrin, known for his work on action and crime films, composed the score.