Assault on Precinct 13 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop, a couple of crims, and a surprisingly capable secretary have a really bad night at a police station closing party when some excessively rude gang members crash it uninvited.

🍿 Assault on Precinct 13: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Prelude to Violence

In crime-ridden South Central Los Angeles, members of the Street Thunder gang steal a cache of weapons. A police ambush leaves six gang members dead, prompting the remaining warlords to swear a blood oath of revenge against the police and the citizens of Los Angeles.

The Anderson Precinct

Lieutenant Ethan Bishop is assigned to supervise the decommissioning of the Anderson precinct, aka Precinct 13. Meanwhile, a prison bus carrying convicts, including the notorious Napoleon Wilson, stops at the precinct due to a prisoner’s illness. Lawson and his daughter Kathy are driving through the area when Kathy is tragically shot and killed by a gang member after she returns to an ice cream truck. Lawson, grief-stricken and armed, pursues the gang.

Siege

Lawson arrives at Precinct 13, traumatized and seeking refuge. Soon after, the precinct is plunged into darkness as the gang cuts off power and phone lines. When officers venture outside, they are ambushed, initiating a full-scale assault on the precinct. Bishop, along with his remaining staff and the prisoners, find themselves under siege by the relentless gang members.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ethan Bishop (Austin Stoker): The newly promoted lieutenant tasked with decommissioning Precinct 13, who must lead the defense against a relentless gang.
• Napoleon Wilson (Darwin Joston): A death row inmate with a cool demeanor, forced to ally with the police to survive the siege.
• Leigh (Laurie Zimmer): A capable secretary who finds herself fighting alongside the police and prisoners to defend the precinct.
• Lawson (Martin West): A traumatized father seeking refuge at the precinct after avenging his daughter’s death, inadvertently drawing the gang’s attention.
• Wells (Tony Burton): A prisoner who is transported with Wilson to the precinct.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Napoleon Wilson: “Anybody got a smoke?” – Wilson’s repeated question, highlighting his cool demeanor in a dangerous situation.
• Leigh: “Black?” – Offering coffee to Bishop, referencing his race and implying a shared understanding.
• Napoleon Wilson: “Maybe I can help you maintain a semblance of law and order.” – Wilson’s ironic offer to Bishop, showing his cynical yet helpful nature.
• Ethan Bishop: “It’s not my job to judge you.” – Bishop’s professional attitude towards Wilson, despite his criminal status.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $150,000
• Domestic Gross: $0
• Worldwide Gross: $436

💥 Assault on Precinct 13 Reviews

Personal Review

This movie is like a punch to the gut! From the very beginning, with that ice cream truck scene (still shocking!), it grabs you and doesn’t let go. The tension just keeps building as the gang closes in. I loved the unlikely team of the cop and the con working together – the ‘Got a smoke?’ line is classic. Every time I watch it, I’m on the edge of my seat, and it reminds me that John Carpenter is a genius! The soundtrack too? Perfection.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Carpenter’s films”
  • “Those who enjoy siege thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in low-budget action cinema”
  • “People who appreciate gritty, 1970s filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Death of a child”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Intense action sequences”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Carpenter’s lean direction and pulsing score create unrelenting tension. While the performances are understated, the gritty realism and shocking violence make for a visceral experience. A cult classic for a reason.
• The New York Times: “A raw, stylish thriller that transcends its low budget. Carpenter expertly builds suspense and delivers effective action sequences. The film’s stark depiction of urban violence resonates even today. One of the best!
• LA Times: “A taut, suspenseful, and violent thriller that succeeds due to Carpenter’s skill. The unlikely alliance of cop and criminal is compelling, and the film’s unflinching portrayal of gang warfare remains chilling. A movie that will stay with you after seeing!

Audience Reactions

That ice cream truck scene is still one of the most shocking things ever put on film.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and the surprising chemistry between the main characters.

The synth score is iconic and adds so much to the tension.: The film’s realism, despite its low budget, and the unflinching depiction of violence are frequently mentioned as standout features.

Overall Consensus: A low-budget but highly effective thriller with a suspenseful atmosphere, memorable characters, and a shocking portrayal of violence.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Carpenter has acknowledged that Night of the Living Dead (1968) was an influence on the marauding street gang. Like George A. Romero’s zombies, they’re completely dehumanized.”
• “Carpenter wrote, directed, and composed the score for the film, showcasing his versatile filmmaking skills.”
• “The film was shot on a very low budget, leading to creative solutions and a raw, gritty aesthetic.”
• “The Venice Police and Fire Station was used for filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch Assault on Precinct 13?

As of October 2024, “Assault on Precinct 13” (1976) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Assault on Precinct 13, you might like these similar films:

• Rio Bravo (1959): Direct inspiration for the siege scenario in a confined space with a small group defending against a larger force.
• Night of the Living Dead (1968): Thematic similarity in the relentless, dehumanized attackers and the desperate fight for survival.
• The Warriors (1979): Era-specific alternative depicting gang violence and survival in a hostile urban environment.
• Escape From New York (1981): Shares the director (John Carpenter) and anti-hero elements, featuring a lone protagonist in a dangerous, contained setting.
• Doomsday (2008): Modern Equivalent: A group is trapped and besieged in a contained location, battling overwhelming and relentless forces.

🛒 Assault on Precinct 13 Related Products

• Assault on Precinct 13 (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: A limited-edition Blu-ray featuring a newly restored transfer, commentary by John Carpenter, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. A must-have for serious fans.
• Assault on Precinct 13 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: The iconic synth score by John Carpenter, pressed on limited-edition vinyl. A perfect gift for soundtrack enthusiasts and Carpenter fans.
• Lego City Police Station: Create your own tense police station situation with the Lego city police station.
• Assault on Precinct 13 Movie Poster: This high-quality reproduction captures the iconic imagery of the film’s original promotional artwork, printed on archival paper for long-lasting display. Its bold and graphic design makes a statement.

🎧 Soundtrack

Assault on Precinct 13 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Assault On Precinct 13 (Main Title)” – performed by John Carpenter
• “The Bank Robbery” – performed by John Carpenter
• “Napoleon’s Escape” – performed by John Carpenter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

POST MORTEM: John Carpenter — Part 1

Ever wonder what inspired John Carpenter to make such a gritty and intense film? Check out this interview where he talks about his early influences and how they shaped Assault on Precinct 13 – it’s fascinating to hear his perspective!

Everyone WAS SHOCKED by this scene in “ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13” & how they fooled the censors!

Remember that shocking ‘Ice Cream Truck’ scene from Assault on Precinct 13? This video dives into how it even made it into the movie! I was surprised by the trick they used to fool the censors, you have to watch this!

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