
The Formula
1980 · Movie · R · 117 min · ★ 5.6
While investigating the death of a friend and fellow cop, Los Angeles police officer Barney Caine stumbles across evidence that Nazis created a synthetic alternative to gasoline during World War II. This revelation has the potential to end the established global oil industry, making the formula a very valuable and dangerous piece of information. Eventually, Caine must contend with oil tycoon Adam Steiffel, who clearly has his own agenda regarding the formula.
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Details
- Years
- 1980
- Release date
- 1980-12-19
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 117 min
- TMDB rating
- 5.6/10 (49 votes)
- Box office
- $8,894,289
- Budget
- $13,200,000
Themes
- espionage
- big oil
- international intrigue
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Cinematography · 1981 · nominated
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Screenplay · 1981 · nominated
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Supporting Actor - Razzie Award · 1981 · nominated
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Picture · 1981 · nominated
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Director · 1981 · nominated
Cast & crew

George C. Scott
as Barney Caine

Marlon Brando
as Adam Steiffel

Marthe Keller
as Lisa

John Gielgud
as Dr. Abraham Esau

G.D. Spradlin
as Arthur Clements

Beatrice Straight
as Kay Neeley

Richard Lynch
as General Helmut Kladen / Frank Tedesco
- JD
John van Dreelen
as Hans Lehman

Robin Clarke
as Major Tom Neeley

Ike Eisenmann
as Tony
Directed by John G. Avildsen