In the gripping action-drama "Borderline," we are introduced to Jeb Maynard, played by the iconic Charles Bronson, who is a dedicated patrolman stationed along the tumultuous U.S.-Mexican border. Jeb is a rugged lawman with a deep sense of duty towards his work. However, his life takes a tragic turn when his loyal partner, Scooter, is brutally murdered under mysterious circumstances. The tragic loss leaves Jeb not only in sorrow but also in a relentless pursuit of justice, as he delves into the circumstances surrounding Scooter’s death. Guided by his instincts and unwavering sense of friendship, Jeb is determined to uncover the truth, leading him down a treacherous path that intertwines personal loss with the dangers of border patrolling.
In the wake of this tragedy, Jeb becomes increasingly suspicious of the criminal underworld lurking across the border. His investigation points towards a notorious smuggler involved in human trafficking as the true orchestrator of Scooter's murder. However, Jeb finds himself at odds with federal authorities who dismiss his claims, insisting that the crime is the work of drug dealers. This disbelief only fuels Jeb’s determination, showcasing his resilience and the depth of his character. Tensions rise as he faces bureaucratic obstacles and encounters a network of deceit and corruption, revealing the complex reality of life on the border.
As the story unfolds, Jeb's quest for justice not only challenges external forces but also tests his own moral compass. With every step he takes, he uncovers layers of complicity and more sinister motives at play. The dynamic between Jeb and his new partner, Jimmy Fante, portrayed by Bruno Kirby, adds another layer to the narrative, illustrating the strains and bonds that are created under duress. Together, they navigate the perilous landscape filled with violence and betrayal, culminating in a thrilling climax that questions the very nature of justice in a world where right and wrong often blur.
Full Cast of Borderline
Charles Bronson
Jeb Maynard
In the 1980 neo-noir film "Borderline," Charles Bronson delivers a typically stoic and commanding performance as Jeb Maynard, an undercover American detective working in collaboration with a female Mexican police officer, played by Carolina Villa. Bronson's portrayal of Maynard is that of a hard-boiled, seasoned law enforcement officer, whose rugged exterior and taciturn demeanor mask a deep commitment to justice. His interactions are terse, yet his presence is imposing, as he navigates the treacherous world of drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border. Bronson's physicality and minimalist acting style effectively convey Maynard's world-weariness and determination, making his character a believable and formidable force against the criminal underworld he is determined to dismantle. While the role of Jeb Maynard may not be as iconic as some of Bronson's other performances, it is a testament to his ability to embody the archetype of the tough, uncompromising hero that defined much of his career.
In the 1980 crime thriller "Borderline," Bruno Kirby delivers a memorable performance as Jimmy Fante, a character that showcases his versatility as an actor. Kirby brings a raw intensity and depth to the role of a small-time con artist who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation involving drug smuggling and corrupt border officials. His portrayal of Jimmy is both charismatic and complex, as he navigates the treacherous world of crime with a mix of street smarts and vulnerability. Kirby's performance is particularly noteworthy for the way he conveys Jimmy's internal struggle between the desire for a better life and the lure of the criminal underworld. His scenes with co-star Charles Bronson are electrifying, as the two share an undeniable chemistry, with Kirby holding his own against the seasoned action star. Bruno Kirby's Jimmy Fante is a testament to his ability to inhabit nuanced characters, leaving an indelible mark on the film with a performance that is both gritty and heartfelt.
Bert Remsen
Carl J. Richards
Bert Remsen delivered a compelling performance as Carl J. Richards in the 1980 neo-noir film "Borderline," directed by Jerrold Freedman. His portrayal of the world-weary, disillusioned American smuggler is both nuanced and impactful, capturing the essence of a man caught in the moral quagmires of his profession. Remsen's Richards is a character of contradictions; he exudes a rugged charm while simultaneously revealing the deep-seated fatigue of a life lived on the edge of legality. His interactions with the other characters, particularly the undercover customs agent played by Charles Bronson, are fraught with tension, as he teeters between maintaining his tough facade and grappling with his own internal conflicts. Remsen's performance is a testament to his ability to bring depth and complexity to roles that could easily have succumbed to cliché, making Carl J. Richards a memorable and multifaceted antihero in the landscape of 1980s cinema.
Michael Lerner
Henry Lydell
Michael Lerner delivered a compelling performance as Henry Lydell in the 1980 film "Borderline," directed by Jeremy Kagan. Lerner's portrayal of the unassuming American border guard who becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and romance is nuanced and understated. His character's transformation from a man leading a mundane existence to someone caught in the throes of an intense cross-border affair with a Mexican woman, played by Charo López, is conveyed with a mix of vulnerability and quiet intensity. Lerner's Henry is both relatable and complex, as he grapples with the moral and emotional ramifications of his actions. His performance is a testament to his ability to convey deep emotional turmoil and the dichotomy of a man torn between duty and desire. Lerner's subtle expressions and restrained demeanor effectively capture the internal struggle of a character navigating the blurred lines of personal and professional boundaries, making his role as Henry Lydell a standout performance in this tale of love and betrayal.
Kenneth McMillan
Malcolm Wallace
Kenneth McMillan delivered a captivating performance as Malcolm Wallace in the 1980 film "Borderline," a gritty neo-noir thriller directed by Jerrold Freedman. McMillan brought a raw intensity and a deep sense of complexity to the role of Wallace, a disgraced former police officer who becomes embroiled in the illicit drug trade along the U.S.-Mexico border. His portrayal was marked by a profound ability to convey the internal struggle of a man caught between his moral compass and the seductive lure of criminal enterprise. McMillan's Wallace is a man whose hardened exterior and gruff demeanor mask a vulnerability and a yearning for redemption, making his performance both haunting and memorable. His interactions with co-star Charles Bronson's character, played with typical stoicism, provided a dynamic contrast that heightened the tension and emotional stakes of the narrative. McMillan's nuanced acting, filled with subtle gestures and piercing gazes, added layers of depth to Wallace, turning what could have been a stock antagonist into a fully fleshed-out, tragically flawed human being. His performance was a testament to his range as an actor and solidified his reputation as a character actor capable of bringing authenticity and gravitas to any role.
In the gripping film "Borderline," Ed Harris delivers a performance of intense complexity as Agent Hotchkiss of the U.S. Border Patrol. His portrayal is a masterclass in subtlety and nuance, as he embodies the character with a palpable sense of dedication and a haunting internal conflict. Harris's Hotchkiss is a man torn between the unyielding demands of his duty to enforce immigration laws and the compassion he feels for the individuals caught in the web of a flawed system. With his signature stoic demeanor, Harris conveys the agent's moral struggles through piercing gazes and restrained body language, revealing the depth of Hotchkiss's internal turmoil. His interactions with both his fellow agents and the migrants they encounter are fraught with a profound humanity that questions the very essence of right and wrong. Harris's performance is a standout, as he navigates the treacherous emotional terrain of his character with a gravitas that anchors the film's exploration of the human cost of border enforcement.
Castillo was a founding member of The Latino Theater Company. He co-wrote the company’s plays Stone Wedding and...
Norman Alden
Willie Lambert
Norman Alden was born on September 13, 1924 and passed away 12 years ago at the age of 87 on July 27, 2012.
Crew of Borderline
Full backstage crew list →
