Capricorn One

Peter Hyams wrote and directed this government conspiracy thriller obviously inspired by moon landing hoax theories first published in Bill Kaysing’s book “We Never Went to the Moon” (1976), a series of sensationalist lucubrations promulgating the theory that the Apollo astronauts didn’t really land on the moon.

The director shifts the focus to a fictional Mars mission, but retains all the other classic conspiracy theory ingredients, from interference by powerful, sinister groups (“There are people out there, forces out there who have a lot to lose“), to an organized disinformation campaign, to the systematic use of blackmail, threats, even murder. Everything is skillfully inserted into a late Cold War context dominated by paranoia and performance anxiety (“There are a number of people who feel there are no more pressing problems than our declining position in world leadership“).

From a pure entertainment point of view, the result is decidedly appealing: Hyams knows the rules of the genre and displays his usual skill in building tension with intelligent pacing. The cast turns in a good overall performance, but the excellent Hal Holbrook stands out, comfortable as usual in the role of a slimy big shot with dubious morality (Telly Savalas’ juicy cameo is also a must-see).

Ken Follett (under the pseudonym “Bernard L. Ross”) turned the screenplay into a novel of the same name (1978).