The Water Engine (1992)

Synopsis: Set during the Depression, this TV adaptation of Mamet's 1976 radio play tells the story of Charles Lang, a bright, idealistic American laboring anonymously as a drill-press operator. In his... Set during the Depression, this TV adaptation of Mamet's 1976 radio play tells the story of Charles Lang, a bright, idealistic American laboring anonymously as a drill-press operator. In his off-hours, Lang works diligently at perfecting an engine capable of running on common tapwater. His invention is a success -- but what would seem to be a one-way ticket to the American Dream ultimately reaps tragic results. Not surprisingly, the kingpins of American industry decide that Lang's creation might seriously diminish their future profits. While battling him in court, these secret "business interests" hire a band of thugs to kidnap the inventor's helpless sister. Desperate, Lang courts disaster by telling his story to a daring newspaper reporter. [More]

Starring: William H. Macy, Joe Mantegna, Treat Williams, John Mahoney

Starring: William H. Macy, Joe Mantegna, Treat Williams, John Mahoney, Charles Durning, Patti LuPone, Joanna Miles, Mike Nussbaum

Director: Steven Schachter

Director: Steven Schachter

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