Signal Seven (1984) | Stream

SIGNAL 7

The first Direct Action Feature Film (shot in 3 days): One night in the life of aging cab drivers Marty and Speed who have not lost the dream of making it as actors. In the driver's room they tell truths and lies about exploits out on the streets, and plan to move to LA where the action is. Then comes the Signal 7, a call signifying a driver in trouble. A friend and fellow driver is robbed and murdered. Dreams and lies don't mean much in the face of the truth.

An historical film: the first small format video to be blown up to 35mm. for theatrical distribution around the world. World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, restored by Pacific Film Archive, 2015

"Signal 7 is an unusual, touching, intelligent film...whose haunting theme will linger long after many more expensive films are forgotten...The high level of the performances, by unknown actors, is one of the film's greatest achievements...For all its bleakness, the film utlimately conveys hope. Marty and Speed search for meaning, wealth and a way out, and find instead friendship, humanity and themselves." - Nina Darnton, The New York Times, May 30, 1986

“Your film Signal 7 is one of my most favorite films ever and as far as I'm concerned, you are one of the most important American filmmakers in history, one of 3 or 4 of the most important American directors still living.” – Andre Puca, Film teacher, Emerson College

Director:

• Rob Nilsson

Story:

• Rob Nilsson

Improvised by the Cast:

• Bill Ackridge as Speed

• Dan Leegant as Marty

• Johnny Tidwell as Johnny

• Herb Mills as Steve

• Don Bajema as Roger

• Phil Polakoff as Phil

• Don De Fina as Setts

• Frank Triest as Tommy

• Jack Tucker as Hank

• David Schickele as Bert

• Paul Prince as Paul

• Paul West as Pump Man

• Bob Elross as Director

• Charles Webb as Producer

• Burns Ellison as Writer

• Jules Burstein as Dr. Berfman

• Sara Morris as Mrs. Berman

• Hagit Farber as Sophie

• Michelle Marrus as Ellen

Cinematography:

• Geoffrey Schaaf

• Tomas Tucker

Production Manager:

• Karen J. McCabe

Electrician:

• James Childers

Jib Operator:

• Chris Rhodes

Production Sound:

• Philip Perkins

Art Direction:

• Hildy Burns

• Steve Burns

Music:

• Andy Narell

Editor:

• Richard Harkness

Post Production Sound:

• Mixer - Mark Berger

• Sound Effects - Cliff Latimer

• Supervising Editor - Robert Shoup

Producers:

• Roy Kissin

• Ben Myron

• Don Taylor