Capricorn One (1978)

Thanks to repeated showings on cable television and home video, this speculative thriller has built quite a loyal following since its release in 1978. The provocative "what if?" scenario still packs a punch, even if it is not always believable. James Brolin, Sam Waterston, and O.J. Simpson star as three astronauts who agree to spare the government embarrassment by faking their historic landing on Mars after their spacecraft is determined to be unsafe for blastoff. When a scheming mission controller (Hal Holbrook) plots to kill the astronauts in a staged capsule fire, the trio embarks on a dangerous mission to expose the truth. Elliott Gould costars as the journalist determined to crack the conspiracy, and director Peter Hyams turns up the tension with an exciting chase sequence involving Telly Savalas as an eccentric barnstormer who comes to Gould's aid. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

All Star Cast 70's Conspiracy Thriller

I remember watching this on tv some time back and have finally managed to get it on dvd.

The plot involves the proposed first manned landing on mars...however before the rocket is even launched the Nasa realises that the mission is doomed. In order to ensure that the 'space programme' funding is secure they convince the astronauts (played by James Brolin, Sam Waterson and yes...O.J Simpson) to participate in an elaborate hoax. So far so good...all goes to plan until months later on return to earth something goes wrong on re-entry... which means the 3 astronauts holed up in the desert are also doomed.

The film builds the suspense slowly and purposefully and although now it may seem somewhat dated...I'm sure at the time of release it played nicely into the hands of the 'conspiracy theorists'. Elliot Gould gives a good performance as the reporter who uncovers the hoax and persues the truth. Brenda Vaccarro gives a nicely modulated turn as one of the wives and there are cameo appearances by 70's stalwarts Telly Savalas and Karen Black.
September 26, 2008

Conspiracy nutters need not reply

Capricorn One This is one my favorites. When it came out the Apollo missions were the state of the art space craft. So that's why these astronauts look so crammed together for the (impossibly long) mission to Mars. If they did a remake today, they would no doubt use something more like a shuttle with some room to exercise in!

That quibble aside, the premise behind Capricorn One's plot is believable: how an agenda-based government space program, struggling on a shrinking budget, tries to buffalo the public into believing in a faked mission to Mars, then the fallout over that botched attempt results in an action-packed "escape" plot of high entertainment. The cast is excellent: movie buffs will enjoy Telly Savalas, James Brolin and Elliot Gould at the peak of their careers, along with many others. Hal Holbrock plays an icy and very, very bad program director out to cover his kiester at any cost. It is perversely enjoyable to see O. J. Simpson fresh out of pro football and long before his infamous trial days. May 3, 2008

Is it real or smoke and mirrors?

Good plot. Could be repeated in many areas today. Classic movie for any collector. Moves well until toward the end. Really could have had more exciting and realistic chases. After all, a crop duster out maneuvering/flying helicopters? Of course it was great when I saw it in the "picture show" many decades ago. Had to own it... May 1, 2008

Conspiracy theory anyone?

It's easy for me to notice this movie was taken from the real life conspiracy theory about the moon landings being faked by the government. In my opinion Capricorn One is your standard government conspiracy movie that has a fascinating premise, but not much more.

First off I want to say the story and how the plot unfolds is solid. No complaints there. Everything moves in a logical, intelligent, and extremely realistic pace. That is at least one feather in Capricorn's cap. Some of the scenes impressed me like the astronaught's escape. Too bad a solid story is not enough on the silver screen. The acting was mostly dry, with the characters only having transparent personalities. That's not to say there wasn't any good acting, just that there was no dynamic. The only character that really stands out in personality is a surly crop duster played by Telly "Kojak" Savalas. The scenes with Savalas are worth watching the movie alone.

There isn't much action. There are hardly any special effects. Not that the movie really needs any of this. I just wanted to point that out to those of you who require these aspects in your sci-fi viewing. The movie's pace is consistent enough, but again for those of you who want edge of your seat plot progression you will not find it here.

All in all it's not a bad movie. As a matter of fact I bet most of you government conspiracy buffs will really get into as it does that quite well. For those of you who have a short attention span you might not like it. Well... you might like the Savalas scenes. For the masses I recommend catching it on television or cable and see for yourself what I'm talking about. For me I find the lack of character development really hurts what could have been a well-rounded movie. Capricorn One: A decent meal but has no spice to it.
February 27, 2008

Excellent

I do not discuss plots with movies. Better to not ruin things and let people watch without knowing what is going to happen.

But this is a 4, maybe 5 star must have. Great acting. Great story.

A plus for any DVD collection. December 22, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...