An accidental nerve gas leak by the military kills not only a rancher's livestock, but also his son. When he tries to hold the military accountable for their actions, he runs up against a wall of silence.
Acting
Scott simmers instead of erupts—rare and devastating.
Direction
First and only time behind camera; quietly assured, almost documentary.
Writing
Pre-Watergate conspiracy thriller that feels eerily prescient.
Director
George C. Scott
George C. Scott
Dan Charles Logan
Richard Basehart
Dr. Roy Caldwell
Martin Sheen
Maj. Holliford
Barnard Hughes
Dr. Spencer
Nicolas Beauvy
Chris Logan
Paul Stevens
Col. William Franklin
Stephen Young
Major Reintz
Kenneth Tobey
Col. Alan A. Nickerson
Robert Walden
Dr. Janeway
William Jordan
Major Cooper
Dabbs Greer
Dr. Thompson
John Dierkes
Bill Parker
Bette Henritze
Sarah Parker
Lou Frizzell
Dr. Spike Boynton
Ed Lauter
Simpson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released months before Watergate broke, it anticipated America's crash of faith in government—no wonder MGM buried it.
Scott reportedly took over direction uncredited after firing the original director, then refused to direct again despite decent reviews.
US
