Scott LeBrun Here's an interesting and intelligent film that is worthy of discovery or rediscovery. It stars George Maharis as Lee Barrett, a security agent. He's hired for a baffling case of theft: valuable flasks containing a doomsday virus, otherwise known as The Satan Bug of the title, are stolen from a germ warfare compound. Barrett and others reason that not only did the crime probably involve a few people, but it also must have required inside help. Eventually, Barrett must do battle with the mad genius behind everything. They cause death and destruction in Florida, and threaten to do so again in Los Angeles.Alistair MacLeans' novel was adapted for the screen by James Clavell and Edward Anhalt, and produced & directed by John Sturges. It might not be to every taste because Sturges dares to go for a careful, measured pace. There's also a lot of exposition to digest. But patient viewers will be rewarded with a scenario that does eventually kick into a higher gear. Robert Surtees' cinematography in Panavision is absolutely gorgeous; dig those colours inside the lab. And Jerry Goldsmith contributes a typically effective score. The story keeps the viewers engrossed, and comes up with a neat twist that they might not see coming.The cast is full of familiar faces and rock solid right down the line. Maharis is an unflappable and stoic hero. Anne Francis has the only substantial female role, but she's an absolute joy to watch. Richard Basehart, Dana Andrews, John Larkin, Richard Bull, Frank Sutton, Edward Asner, Simon Oakland, John Anderson, Hari Rhodes, Henry Beckman, Harry Lauter, and the too briefly seen James Hong co-star, with uncredited roles for James "Scotty" Doohan and Harold Gould."The Satan Bug" easily predates movies like "Outbreak" by a wide margin, and deftly entertains its audience for the better part of two hours.Eight out of 10.

LeonLouisRicci The times, they were a changin' in the Mid-Sixties, but unfortunately for Moviegoers they were not changing fast enough. It was a very awkward time at the Cinema just after the Fifties and not yet into the Definitive Sixties. This is one of those that just couldn't get it right. Should Men wear Hats or not? Should Women be more involved in a Men's Club Scenario (like Scientist and Spies)? These things would be answered shortly but not yet, at least not here.This is not a Bad Movie it just isn't too well thought out considering its Serious Subject Matter and its intention as High Brow Entertainment. It is a confusing Script that may bug (sorry) those wanting more credibility and tension involving the Bio-Weapons.There is a Chinese Checkers situation with vials of, which one is that now?, The Deadly one or the totally wipe out Mankind one, or the Antidote that really only works on the one, or the other, that nobody left on earth one, but we're not sure if it works but who's going to try it one. It is better just not to think of such things in this thinking Man's Movie.It is completely without frills or chills for that matter because everyone and everything is so bland and uninteresting that maybe smashing that flask is the only way to make this a satisfying affair. That just isn't going to happen. Especially in 1965.

Sean Kaye Well, I guess I'm the only one but I found this movie incredibly boring. I loved the sets, the old cars and how it was filmed -- very Spartan, and I really wanted to like it but I just couldn't. There's also some odd holes which others have mentioned too, like they find the virus in a box under a rock in a river and when the guy takes it out to check it, suddenly these two bad guys step out of nowhere. Why were they there? That part was pretty cheesy and unforgivable. Also, near the end there is a ridiculous struggle that takes place in a helicopter which is pretty laughable and the end of the movie literally comes out of nowhere.However, if you have nothing else to do and it happens to come on TV it might be worth watching if you have time to kill.

whpratt1 This is a good Sci-Fi Thriller about a secret laboratory that is studying Biochemical Weapons Research out in a remote desert area of Arizona. This secret plant is invaded by people who want to obtain this certain chemical which is called the "Satan Bug" in order to have complete control over the entire world which can cause complete destruction of the entire world. George Maharis, (Lee Barrett) sets out to find out who has been able to break into their labs along with Dana Andrews,(General Williams) who also has a daughter Ann Williams,(Anne Francis) who gets into the middle of this story about germ warfare. Edward Asner,(Veretti) plays one of the bad guys in this film and gives a great supporting role. This film was a head of its times and it fits in greatly with the year 2007 and all the talk about Weapons of Mass Destruction.