When a sheriff arrests a writer, a family, a couple, and a hitchiker and throws them in a jail cell in the deserted town of Desperation, they must fight for their lives.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Tom SkerrittJohn Edward Marinville | John Edward Marinville |
 Steven WeberSteve Ames | Steve Ames |
 Annabeth GishMary Jackson | Mary Jackson |
 Charles DurningTom Billingsley | Tom Billingsley |
 Matt FrewerRalph Carver | Ralph Carver |
 Henry ThomasPeter Jackson | Peter Jackson |
 Shane HabouchaDavid Carver | David Carver |
 Kelly OvertonCynthia Smith | Cynthia Smith |
 Sylva KelegianEllie Carver | Ellie Carver |
 Ron PerlmanCollie Entragian | Collie Entragian |
 Sammi HanrattyPie Carver | Pie Carver |
 Ewan ChungShih | Shih |
 Alain UyCha'an | Cha'an |
 Trieu TranYoung Viet Cong | Young Viet Cong |
 Tom ParkerYoung Johnny | Young Johnny |
| DDarren VictoriaBrian Ross | Brian Ross |
 Glenn R. WilderDrunk Driver | Drunk Driver |
 Clint JamesTed Blue (uncredited) | Ted Blue (uncredited) |