Thought provoking military thriller, if not in the way intended. Instead, provoking thoughts on how so many Hollywood pros signed up for this glossy dud. Led by ex Air Force General Burt Lancaster, a trio of escaped prisoners (Burt's in on a trumped up murder charge) take over a nuclear ballistic missile launch silo demanding money and transport to freedom, along with the public exposure of a secret war policy manifesto explaining modern war actions as little more than pissing contests for the superpowers. The first half of the film is inexplicably poor, unable to convince on any level. Things perk up toward the middle as director Robert Aldrich latches onto a two-reel action set piece involving an attempt to flush out the hostage takers in classic caper style. But that just sends us back to square one as a big name cast of middle-aged depleted testosterone types argue over the fate of the world in front of President Charles Durning and we wait for the next Coca-Cola product placement. Somehow, in the midst of all this palaver, Melvyn Douglas, old, frail, reduced to essentials & spirit, makes a little acting miracle as a Presidential advisor. But hardly enough to make up for one of Burt Young’s vocally strangled signature simpletons. And it's two & a half hours before the thuddingly obvious secret comes out.
WATCH THIS, NOT THAT: Lancaster shows his brass ass megalomania to far greater effect in the military coup thriller SEVEN DAYS IN MAY/’64.
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