Formula (1980)

The Formula (1980) — George C. Scott & Marlon Brando — DVD

When Los Angeles police detective Barney Caine (George C. Scott) investigates a suspicious death, he uncovers an international conspiracy surrounding a secret chemical formula capable of producing synthetic fuel. As witnesses and contacts are murdered, Caine's pursuit of the truth leads him from Los Angeles to Germany and into the orbit of powerful oil executive Adam Steiffel (Marlon Brando). Who controls the formula—and who benefits from keeping it hidden? Directed by John G. Avildsen, this tense political thriller blends murder mystery, corporate intrigue and Cold War-era paranoia.

Principal Cast & Crew

• George C. Scott — Lieutenant Barney Caine
• Marlon Brando — Adam Steiffel
• Marthe Keller — Lisa Spangler
• John Gielgud — Dr. Abraham Esau
• G. D. Spradlin — Arthur Clements
• Richard Lynch — General Helmut Kladen
• Screenplay: Steve Shagan, based on his novel

Hollywood Connections & Trivia

• Director John G. Avildsen won the Academy Award for directing Rocky (1976).
• The film brings together two legendary actors, George C. Scott and Marlon Brando, in a story about corporate power and secrecy.
• Writer Steve Shagan adapted the screenplay from his own novel.
• Its synthetic-fuel conspiracy reflects public concerns about energy supplies and oil-industry influence around the turn of the 1980s.
• Composer Bill Conti, also known for his music for Rocky, scored the film.

DVD Edition Details

• Film: The Formula (1980)
• Format: DVD
• Condition: Used / Pre-owned

Used DVD condition: Disc and packaging may show normal handling or shelf wear. Original inserts are not guaranteed.

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