Cast
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Steve Lawrence
as Mike Post
Stella Stevens
as Lucy
George Hamilton
as David Belnik
Vicki Lawrence
as Karen Price
Don Meredith
as Rick Prince
Fred Williamson
as Al Roberts
Char Fontane
as Cindy Chappel
Don Stroud
as Jack Fisk
Keenan Wynn
as Winfield Root
Deborah Benson
as Barbara Root
John Karlen
as Quinn
Nita Talbot
as Rose Casey
Edward Andrews
as Harry Flood
Robert Alda
as Dr. Dan Lewis
Michael Delano
as Lou Atkins
Crew
Director
- Dan Curtis
Producer
- Anthony Spinner
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Express to Terror 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 Dan Curtis 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 1979, 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 Express to Terror took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Express to Terror shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kontroll, which focuses more on action than character development, Express to Terror subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Les Misérables and TransSiberian explore similar territory, Express to Terror 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: February 7, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 40m
