The Formula (1980)

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With George C. Scott and Marlon Brando heading the cast, The Formula should have been far better than it is. Adapted by Steve Shagan from his own best-selling novel, the film is predicated on the concept that a formula for synthetic fuel had been developed by the Nazis during WW II. In the intervening 35 years since the war's end, the formula has disappeared and several people connected with it have died under mysterious circumstances. Also during this period, oil magnate Adam Steiffel (Marlon Brando) had commiserated with one of the decedents. Police officer Barney Caine (George C. Scott), a friend of the dead man, hopes to solve the mystery, and in so doing gets mixed up in a wide-ranging conspiracy to manipulate worldwide fuel prices. Reportedly, The Formula underwent a great deal of editing-room surgery before its release. If so, the editors certainly erred in retaining so many of the film's interminable "steadicam" sequences. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Starring:: George C. Scott, Marthe Keller, (more)

Director(s):: John G. Avildsen

Theatrical MPAA Rating:: R

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Synopsis of The Formula

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Complete Cast of The Formula

George C. Scott - Barney Caine
Marlon Brando - Adam Steiffel
John van Dreelen - Hans Lehman
G.D. Spradlin - Clements
Richard Lynch - Kladen/Tedesco
Ike Eisenmann - Tony
Ferdinand "Ferdy" Mayne - Siebold
David Byrd - Obermann
Ric Mancini - Printman
Martin Brandt - Concierge (German)
Lavelle Roby - Secretary
Weston Gavin - U.S. Army Captain
Ernie Fuentes - Pool Man
Stephanie Edwards - Reporter
Albert Carrier - Butler
Craig T. Nelson - Geologist #2
René Kolldehoff - Reimeck

Marthe Keller - Lisa
John Gielgud - Dr. Esau
Calvin Jung - Sgt. Yosuta
Beatrice Straight - Kay Neeley
Robin Clarke - Maj. Neeley
Alan North - Nolan
Gerry Murphy - Chauffer
Wolfgang Preiss - Franz Tauber
Dieter Schidor - Assassin
Louis Basile - Vince Rizzo
Jim Brewer - Security Guard
Marshall Thompson - Geologist
Jan Niklas - Gestapo Captain
Werner Kreindl - Schellenberg
Tom Hall - Reporter
Herb Voland - Geologist #3

Director(s):: John G. Avildsen

Writer(s):: Steve Shagan

Producer(s):: Steve Shagan

Theatrical MPAA Rating:: R(Adult Language, Violence, Questionable for Children)

Warning: This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.