Ruthless and calculating government investigator Tuxon (superbly played to icy perfection by George Peppard) tries to figure out who's exactly responsible for a break-in at a top secret research facility. The sole lead Tuxon has is the enigmatic John David Welles (a fine performance by Michael Sarrazin), but the guy has amnesia and hence can't remember a thing.
Director Lamont Johnson relates the complex and gripping story at a constant pace, maintains a tough no-nonsense tone throughout, generates a good deal of tension, and stages a few exciting action sequences with skill and flair. The smart script by Douglas Hayes not only neatly explores a pleasingly uneasy line in very cynical 70's dread and paranoia, but also delivers one doozy of a surprise twist at the end. The ace acting by the excellent cast rates as another substantial asset: Christine Belford as the sweet and helpful Nicole Devon, Cliff Potts as smooth press agent Carl Mosely, James Olson as the shifty Senator Stanton, Tim O'Connor as the huffy Frank Gossage, James McEachin as the easygoing Bender, and Alan Oppenheimer as the hard-nosed General Hackett. Michael Reed's crisp widescreen cinematography provides an impressive polished look. Paul Hoffert's dynamic groovy'n'jazzy score hits the stirring spot. An on the money movie.
Director Lamont Johnson relates the complex and gripping story at a constant pace, maintains a tough no-nonsense tone throughout, generates a good deal of tension, and stages a few exciting action sequences with skill and flair. The smart script by Douglas Hayes not only neatly explores a pleasingly uneasy line in very cynical 70's dread and paranoia, but also delivers one doozy of a surprise twist at the end. The ace acting by the excellent cast rates as another substantial asset: Christine Belford as the sweet and helpful Nicole Devon, Cliff Potts as smooth press agent Carl Mosely, James Olson as the shifty Senator Stanton, Tim O'Connor as the huffy Frank Gossage, James McEachin as the easygoing Bender, and Alan Oppenheimer as the hard-nosed General Hackett. Michael Reed's crisp widescreen cinematography provides an impressive polished look. Paul Hoffert's dynamic groovy'n'jazzy score hits the stirring spot. An on the money movie.