Cast
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Glenn Ford
as Colonel Pete Moore
Bradford Dillman
as Maj. Mike Dunning
David Soul
as Capt. Roy Bishop
Robert F. Lyons
as Capt. Cliff Riggs
Guy Stockwell
as Lt. Col. Trottman
Greg Mullavey
as Lt. Tony Podryski
Stanley Bennett Clay
as 2nd Lt. Ferguson
Jack Ging
as Green
Ken Kercheval
as White
Edward Winter
as Mr. Cheer
Jonathan Goldsmith
as Smith
Simon Scott
as Col. Barnes
Kent Smith
as Gen. Enright
Crew
Director
- Jud Taylor
Writer
- Neal R. Burger
- George Simpson
Producer
- Gerald L. Adler
Reviews
talisencrw
This was a decent TV-movie about US government reaction to the question of air force personnel coming across UFOs during routine flight tests. It is well-acted and constructed, and at 71 minutes, doesn't overstay its welcome. Though I haven't been the biggest Glenn Ford fan over the years, through seeing more of his work, my appreciation and fondness had been slowly but steadily climbing, and it was a decent, fun look at pre-'Starsky and Hutch' and pop-music-success David Soul and pre-'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman' Greg Mullavey, as well as other decent, recognizable talent from the 70's American crime/police shows and TV-movies I watched growing up here in Canada.
Former actor and later Directors Guild of America vice president and president director Taylor, a mainstay of American TV-movies and shows from 1965-2004 (whom I know most from his work on the original 'Star Trek' series) utilizes a documentary-style approach for the film, complete with military words and times appearing on the screen and narration. It's a serviceable method, though at the very end he undermines it, showing the usual 'All characters and events are fictitious...' blurb...had he not, I would have given it 7/10. It's a decent watch and makes you wonder just how governments around the world have reacted to abnormal events such as those that are talked about here. It's definitely worth a watch if you're interested at all in 'close encounters', like any of the three actors I mentioned, and can appreciate and enjoy the 70's style of television making. My copy was in my infamous Mill Creek 50-pack 'Nightmare Worlds'.
Apr 19, 2016
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Disappearance of Flight 412 examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jud Taylor brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1974, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Disappearance of Flight 412 took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 72 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 293 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1974, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Disappearance of Flight 412 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Day the Earth Stood Still, which focuses more on action than character development, The Disappearance of Flight 412 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Duel and Close Encounters of the Third Kind explore similar territory, The Disappearance of Flight 412 stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 1, 1974
- Runtime: 1h 12m
Where to Watch
