Burt Simpson (played by Dabney Coleman) is a protagonist in Short Time.
Seattle police detective and protagonist nearing retirement. Initially risk-averse and obsessed with financial planning for his son, he becomes recklessly suicidal after a medical misdiagnosis, eventually learning to value life and reconciling with his family and partner. Ernie Dills (played by Matt Frewer) is a protagonist in Short Time.
Burt's longtime police partner. Initially frustrated by Burt's risk aversion, he investigates the hospital mix-up after noticing his partner's drastic behavioral change and plays a crucial role during the final confrontation with Stark. Stark (played by Xander Berkeley) appears in Short Time.
A heavily armed local gun smuggler and cop killer. His henchmen are apprehended earlier, but Stark becomes the primary antagonist in the climax, leading Burt on a fatal chase that ends with his own death.
Short Time (1990) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Burt Simpson
(played by Dabney Coleman) — protagonist
Seattle police detective and protagonist nearing retirement. Initially risk-averse and obsessed with financial planning for his son, he becomes recklessly suicidal after a medical misdiagnosis, eventu...
Ernie Dills
(played by Matt Frewer) — protagonist
Burt's longtime police partner. Initially frustrated by Burt's risk aversion, he investigates the hospital mix-up after noticing his partner's drastic behavioral change and plays a crucial role during...
Stark
(played by Xander Berkeley) — supporting
A heavily armed local gun smuggler and cop killer. His henchmen are apprehended earlier, but Stark becomes the primary antagonist in the climax, leading Burt on a fatal chase that ends with his own de...
Key Relationships
Burt Simpson → Burt Simpson
(Temporal Past Vs Present Self)
A risk-averse detective's false terminal diagnosis triggers a suicidal pursuit of death, ultimately teaching him to value life and reconcile with his loved ones.
Plot Progression
The Fatal Misdiagnosis
Reckless Redemption
The Hostage Standoff
The Final Descent
Directed by Gregg Champion
Short Time (1990) · 6.5/10 · action, comedy, crime
