“The Andromeda Strain” (1971) / Z-View
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Director: Robert Wise
Screenplay: Nelson Gidding based on THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN by Michael Crichton
Stars: James Olson, Arthur Hill, David Wayne, Kate Reid, Paula Kelly, George Mitchell, Ramon Bieri, Kermit Murdock, Peter Hobbs, Eric Christmas and Mark Jenkins
Tagline: Rated G…But May Be Too INTENSE For Younger Children
The Plot…
Shortly after a US satellite crashes near Piedmont, New Mexico, all of the residents, except for a baby and an old alcoholic are found dead. The survivors are rushed to a secret underground military facility. Top scientists are brought in. They determine that the satellite brought back an alien organism that has been released into the atmosphere. The clock is ticking as the scientists need to find a way to kill the organism before it spreads throughout the world.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Andromeda Strain is filmed in a serious documentary tone. Keeping with that idea, the casting is excellent. Instead of a 1971 superstar we are given solid actors. I can imagine some directors saying, “For the female scientist we need a Raquel Welch-type”. Instead they went with a middle-aged, grumpy type.
The Andromeda Strain (1971) rates 3 of 5 stars.
