Cast
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Jack Lord
as Special Agent Frank Thompson
Edmond O'Brien
as The Man
Katherine Crawford
as Jean
John Saxon
as George Ducette
Van Johnson
as Capt. Anderson
Tom Simcox
as Chipps, Flight Engineer
Michael Sarrazin
as Army Corporal
Ed Asner
as Feldman
Malachi Throne
as Bartender
Robert Pickering
as Willoughby
Jan Shepard
as Elizabeth Thompson
Greg Morris
as Balaban, FBI Agent
Richard Carlson
as Chief Pilot Bob Shea
David Lewis
as Mr. Rierdon
Howard Caine
as L.A. Dispatcher
Crew
Director
- William A. Graham
Writer
- Rod Serling
Producer
- Frank Price
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Doomsday Flight represents a fascinating example of TV Movie/Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director William A. Graham 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1966, 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 Doomsday Flight took approximately 19 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 130 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 356 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 2288 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1966, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Doomsday Flight 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 Fallen Sparrow, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Doomsday Flight offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Combat Shock and Out of the Fog explore similar territory, The Doomsday Flight 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: December 13, 1966
- Runtime: 1h 40m
