edwagreen Outstanding film with George C. Scott, in a change of pace, not only directing, but starring as the victim here when the army and others try to cover up an accidental valve leakage that emitted nerve gas killing his son, sheep and putting Scott in a terminal situation himself.The hospital takes part in the cover up by not telling him right away that his son has died. He is hospitalized for testing and not told of his true fate.Being drugged so as to keep him sedated, Scott manages to escape and becomes a one man killing machine as the film goes into revenge mode. Richard Basehart is effective as the family doctor who is told to keep quiet about the true details. A colossal tragic mistake by the army leading to unthinkable tragedy and revenge.

moonspinner55 Scrappy, ultimately pointless scare-tactics drama with George C. Scott playing a rancher who, along with his son, is accidentally sprayed with toxic chemicals by the military while on a camp-out. Scott made his directorial debut here and does a fine job handling the actors, as well as himself. Unfortunately, Scott's continuity as a filmmaker is spotty; worse, his vision of this material is singularly unimaginative, with routine action and set-ups which don't involve the viewer. The anti-military undermining isn't so much provocative as it is half-baked, and the narrative of the film strays. Martin Sheen, Richard Basehart and Barnard Hughes are all worth-watching here, and Scott as always is a magnetic screen performer, but this 'message film' is awfully tepid. ** from ****

fop-6 This was one of the films I remember from back in the day. One of those that I watched every time it came on TV. Not artsy, but despite the usual predictable elements (as is the case with most films), I found the plot both interesting and entertaining. Watching it, you could imagine the possibility of it really happening and reacting the same way Scott's character did. Unfortunately, its not out on DVD. If I recall correctly, it was not a great success in the theater, but considering all the junk that does make it to DVD, I don't know why this one isn't out. While films remembered from your youth can be disappointing, I will definitely be buying this one when it becomes available. This one, "Hardcore", "Day of the Dolphin" and "Patton" are my favorite George C. Scott features.

G-Man-25 George C Scott stars and makes his directorial debut in this tense but ultimately pointless drama about a peaceful rancher who goes on a rampage of revenge after a botched military nerve-gas experiment conducted over his land leads to the death of his young son. You can feel Scott's character's frustration as he's lied to and stone-walled from every angle by the military bureaucrats who want to cover up the incident. Scott knows how to keep things moving and shows some stylish touches in the director's chair, but he can't keep the ending from being disappointing and unsatisfying. Still, all said, it's a fairly absorbing ride while it lasts. It's a movie that will likely stay with you long after the end credits roll.