Traveling businessman David Mann angers the driver of a rusty tanker while crossing the California desert. A simple trip turns deadly, as Mann struggles to stay on the road while the tanker plays cat and mouse with his life.
Direction
Spielberg was 24. TWENTY-FOUR. The blocking is already genius.
Cinematography
Desert heat waves as psychological horror—no CGI needed.
Sound
That engine growl is a character. We never see the driver.
Director
Steven Spielberg
Dennis Weaver
David Mann
Jacqueline Scott
Mrs. Mann
Eddie Firestone
Cafe Owner
Gene Dynarski
Man in Cafe
Lucille Benson
Lady at Snakerama
Tim Herbert
Gas Station Attendant
Alexander Lockwood
Old Man in Car
Shirley O'Hara
Waitress
Carey Loftin
The Truck Driver
Dale Van Sickel
Car Driver
Lou Frizzell
Bus Driver (expanded cut only)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Spielberg shot this in 13 days for ABC's Movie of the Week. The theatrical version added 14 minutes of footage he'd already filmed.
Richard Matheson's short story was inspired by his own road rage incident on Highway 126 in 1963—he never even saw the other driver's face.
US
