Capricorn One (1978)

On the day it is due for lift off, it is discovered that the first manned mission to Mars designated Capricorn One has a faulty life support system. Instead of canceling the flight, the astronauts (James Brolin, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson) are removed and the unmanned flight leaves as planned. With the lives of their families threatened, the astronauts reluctantly consent to recreate a Mars landing in a government controlled studio. But it doesn't end there. Written and directed by Peter Hyams (OUTLAND), this exciting if far fetched thriller is one of the best conspiracy thrillers of the paranoid 1970s decade. But unlike the more serious conspiracy thrillers like ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR and THE PARALLAX VIEW etc., foremost the film is a lighter cousin and pure entertainment. The film contains a spectacular helicopters/airplane chase through desert canyons that's breathtaking and without CGI too! There's a nice amiable performance by Elliott Gould as the journalist tracking down the story, Hal Holbrook makes for a wonderfully unctuous NASA villain and a lovely quiet performance by Brenda Vaccaro as Brolin's wife. Top it off with one of Jerry Goldsmith's best scores and you have a winner. With Karen Black, Telly Savalas, David Doyle, James Karen, Nancy Malone and David Huddleston.