

Short Time
“Getting killed isn't as easy as it looks.”
As a result of a misdiagnosis, Detective Burt Simpson is told he has just weeks to live. He gains a new respect for his life and loved ones but learns that in order for his wife, Carolyn, and son, Dougie, to collect any insurance money, he must be killed in the line of duty. He then becomes the most reckless man on the police force, volunteering for dangerous assignments over the objections of his by-the-book partner.
Where to watch Short Time in United States
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Click a service to open Short Time there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
About Short Time
Short Time is a 1990 English-language action, comedy and crime film directed by Gregg Champion. The cast is led by Dabney Coleman, Matt Frewer, Teri Garr. It has a runtime of 1h 37m. Viewers rate it 6.5/10 across 100 ratings.
Short Time was produced by Gladden Entertainment and made in United States of America. It was released on May 4, 1990, and carries a PG-13 certification.
- Director
- Gregg Champion
- Writers
- John Blumenthal, Michael Berry, William Davies
- Release date
- May 4, 1990
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Production
- Gladden Entertainment
Short Time cast & crew
Short Time was directed by Gregg Champion and written by John Blumenthal, Michael Berry, and William Davies.
The cast features Dabney Coleman as Burt Simpson, Matt Frewer as Ernie Dills, Teri Garr as Carolyn Simpson, Barry Corbin as Captain, Joe Pantoliano as Scalese, and Xander Berkeley as Stark.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Ira Newborn, cinematography is by John J. Connor, and it was produced by Todd Black and Michael Borofsky.
Is Short Time worth watching?
Short Time holds an audience score of 6.5/10 from 59 ratings, a solidly received action films.
At 1h 37m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy action, comedy, and crime, Short Time is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Short Time
Short Time isn't currently available on major streaming services in United States. We track availability continuously — add it to your watchlist and we'll keep an eye out.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
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Cast of Short Time

Dabney Coleman
Burt Simpson

Matt Frewer
Ernie Dills

Teri Garr
Carolyn Simpson

Barry Corbin
Captain

Joe Pantoliano
Scalese

Xander Berkeley
Stark

Kaj-Erik Eriksen
Dougie Simpson

Sam Malkin
Hostage Man

Paul Jarrett
Jonas Lutz
Rob Roy
Dan Miller

Kim Kondrashoff
Michael Lutz
Tony Pantages
Vito
Short Time — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Short Time in United States?
Short Time is not currently available on major streaming services in United States. Availability changes often — check back soon.
▸What language is Short Time in?
Short Time is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Short Time?
Short Time runs 1 hours 37 minutes (97 minutes).
▸What is Short Time rated?
Short Time is rated PG-13. It holds a 6.5/10 audience score from 59 ratings.











