Duel (1971) Reviews

Duel (1971)
Member Rating:  
Driving down a deserted Southern California highway at a safe and sane 55 miles per hour, David Mann (Dennis Weaver) steps on the pedal to pass a large gas trailer truck. Moments later, the truck is back, dangerously tailgating Mann before abruptly cutting him off. For the next 90 minutes, Mann and the never-seen truckdriver are pitted against one another in a motorized duel to the death. Author Richard Matheson conceived Duel after a similar experience with a reckless trucker. The story first appeared in Playboy magazine, then was picked up for adaptation by the producers of The ABC Movie of the Week. The director chosen to helm Duel on location in Soledad Canyon was a bright 23-year-old who'd shown promise on such series as Night Gallery and Columbo: Steven Spielberg. First telecast on December 18, 1971, Duel was so popular that a somewhat longer version (with added violence and profanity) was prepared for theatrical release in 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott, (more)
Director(s):
Steven Spielberg
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Average Ratings

(19 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Greg A.

First watched this movie when I was in 7th grade. Teacher insisted that we see it. Don't ask me why, but I'm glad he did. A classic....

Yes   |   No


Ron C.

This is Stephen Spielberg's first movie as director. No wonder a seemingly simple plot can be so captivating for 90 minutes.

Yes   |   No


Maya W.

fun movie to watch. didn't realize that this was Spielberg's first movie. just don't like how most of his movie's have this Disney-ish element to them. worth checking out though.

Yes   |   No


Alan B.

Historical because it was Steven Spielberg's first feature. Hard to believe it is a made for TV movie. My heart still jumps into my throat if I glance into my rear view mirror and see a semi tailgating me.

Yes   |   No


LEANNE D.

Very enjoyable thriller, this film also perfectly captures the era, like a time capsule of the world of my childhood. The addition of the theatrical extra scenes doesn't detract from the tautness of the original TV version.

Yes   |   No


LA TONYA W.

Great! Full of suspense. I saw this movie decades ago and even in these modern times, this no frills movie kept my eyes glued to the screen. I felt the Dennis Weaver character's frustration.

Yes   |   No


Carlos M.

The first ten minutes of this movie are really an eye-opener. The technique of shooting from the point of view of the driver makes the opening scenes terrific. The transmission that comes from the car radio gives these first ten minutes a very pleasant touch of humor. As for the rest of the movie, I really loved the cat and mouse chase even though it was nerve shattering. Denis Weaver performance was superb. Carlos Munoz Medina

Yes   |   No


Stephen P.

This movie had some good "car chase" scenes. That trucker was relentless. I admit I fast-forwarded the scenes of Weaver tooling down the road waiting to see if he was being followed again. Nice action scenes, overall.

Yes   |   No


Rohit S.

Thats a mild one. I loved this movie from start till end.. once started never slowed down. Best part you could enjoy this movie with your family... nothing was indecent, I am not sure how is this movie rated, I guess 70s was good time and anything happening like this could scare a hell out of you. Enjoy.

Yes   |   No


Matt C.

Duel started off as a made for TV movie. As that, Duel is superlative. The directing by an up and comer Steven Spielberg is excellent and Spielberg does a great job of depicting the speed of the two vehicles, as well as the nervous tension of the protagonist in various scenarios. As a full-length feature film, however, it falls short. The plot, although interesting, is relatively simplistic and lacks the entanglements and plot twists that in my opinion make a great movie. The unstoppable psychopath that chases you has been so many times, and now it’s a plot that has just lost its punch. This movie would have been better off as an hour long episode of the Twilight Zone, especially considering that Spielberg himself is admittedly a big fan of the show, and because the author of “Duel” penned various T.Z. episodes as well.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (19)
     
    Greg A.

    First watched this movie when I was in 7th grade. Teacher insisted that we see it. Don't ask me why, but I'm glad he did. A classic....

    Yes   |   No

     
    Ron C.

    This is Stephen Spielberg's first movie as director. No wonder a seemingly simple plot can be so captivating for 90 minutes.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Maya W.

    fun movie to watch. didn't realize that this was Spielberg's first movie. just don't like how most of his movie's have this Disney-ish element to them. worth checking out though.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 19 Reviews
       

      Quick Links

      Email Exclusives

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      FIND MOVIES

      ALL MOVIES

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      ALL ACTORS AND DIRECTORS

      Popular | # | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

      BLOCKBUSTER CORPORATE

       

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C. © 2012 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation. © 2012 Rovi Corporation.