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The Formula

The Formula

Artiflix
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The Formula
1980 1h 57m5.5

The Formula

“Big Oil. Big Money. Big Mystery. Everyone’s out to make a killing.”

ThrillerMysteryCrime
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5.5

Rating

/ 10

47

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1

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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.

Details

DirectorJohn G. Avildsen
ScreenplaySteve Shagan
StatusReleased
ReleasedDecember 19, 1980
CountryGermany
Languageen
Runtime1h 57m
Budget$13M
Revenue$9M
Loss$4M
Rating⭐ 5.5 / 10
IMDb⭐ 5.6 / 10
Votes47
GenresThriller, Mystery, Crime
StudioCIP Filmproduktion GmbH, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Photos14

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Cast

George C. Scott

George C. Scott

Barney Caine

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando

Adam Steiffel

Marthe Keller

Marthe Keller

Lisa

John Gielgud

John Gielgud

Dr. Abraham Esau

G.D. Spradlin

G.D. Spradlin

Arthur Clements

Beatrice Straight

Beatrice Straight

Kay Neeley

Richard Lynch

Richard Lynch

General Helmut Kladen / Frank Tedesco

🎭

John van Dreelen

Hans Lehman

Robin Clarke

Robin Clarke

Major Tom Neeley

Ike Eisenmann

Ike Eisenmann

Tony

Marshall Thompson

Marshall Thompson

Geologist #1

Dieter Schidor

Dieter Schidor

Assassin

Werner Kreindl

Werner Kreindl

Schellenberg

Jan Niklas

Jan Niklas

Gestapo Captain

Wolfgang Preiss

Wolfgang Preiss

Franz Tauber

Calvin Jung

Calvin Jung

Sgt. Yosuta

Alan North

Alan North

Nolan

David Byrd

David Byrd

Obermann

Ferdy Mayne

Ferdy Mayne

Siebold

🎭

Gerard Murphy

Chauffeur

🎭

Francisco Prado

Mendosa

🎭

Louis Basile

Vince Rizzo

🎭

Ric Mancini

Printman

Weston Gavin

Weston Gavin

U.S. Army Captain

Craig T. Nelson

Craig T. Nelson

Geologist #2

Herb Voland

Herb Voland

Geologist #3

🎭

Diane Tyler

Telex Operator

🎭

Nathan Roberts

Reporter

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Formula

Where can I watch The Formula?

The Formula (1980) streaming availability varies by region. Check Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and other major platforms. It may also be available for digital rental or purchase on Amazon, Apple TV, or Vudu.

What is The Formula about?

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,...

Who directed The Formula?

The Formula (1980) was directed by John G. Avildsen. The film is a Thriller, Mystery production with a runtime of 1h 57m, rated 5.5/10.

How long is The Formula?

The Formula runs 1h 57m (117 minutes total). Audience rating: 5.5/10 from 47 votes. Genre: Thriller, Mystery.

Is The Formula worth watching?

The Formula is rated 5.5/10 by 47 viewers — below average. A good pick for Thriller and Mystery fans.