The synthetic fuel production formula, invented by the Nazis at the end of World War II, is sought after by some who aim to sell it, and by others who wish to destroy it.The synthetic fuel production formula, invented by the Nazis at the end of World War II, is sought after by some who aim to sell it, and by others who wish to destroy it.The synthetic fuel production formula, invented by the Nazis at the end of World War II, is sought after by some who aim to sell it, and by others who wish to destroy it.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 7 nominations total
- Hans Lehman
- (as John Van Dreelen)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaMarlon Brando told Lawrence Grobel ("Conversations with Brando") that this movie, which he only made for the money, as he was broke, was ruined in the editing room, with the humor of his scenes cut out.
- GoofsThe basic premise of the movie (that oil companies are hiding a "secret" formula for converting coal into gasoline) is false, as the formula is well known and has been known for a very long time. It's readily accessible.
- Quotes
Barney Caine: Let me tell you something. If I didn't have a son that still loved me, I'd blow your fuckin' brains out all over that wall back there... right here, right now. But I'm not in the murder business... and you're not worth one more minute of my time.
I can remember that just prior to the opening of the film at Christmas of 1980 it became public knowledge that the studio (with the backing of writer Steve Shagan) took the film away from director John Avildsen. Shagan wanted many changes made so Avildsen sent a long memo to the studio outlining Shagan's apparent wrong decisions with the editing. The studio seemed to agree - somewhat. Some of Avildsen's suggestions were restored while others weren't. Thankfully the Brando speech that I mentioned above was not cut per Shagan's request. Avildsen believed that because Brando basically improvised the scene Shagan was not happy with it.
Come to think of it I think I would have rather seen a movie based on the internal battles of the studio/writer and the director then this mess. Whomever is to blame, and it's probably 50-50, "The Formula" is a major disappointment considering all the talent involved.
- jrs-8
- Jun 14, 2005
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Die Formel
- Filming locations
- Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA(estate of Conrad Hilton standing in for Adam Steiffel's office)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $13,200,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $8,894,289
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $842,985
- Dec 21, 1980
- Gross worldwide
- $8,894,289
- Runtime1 hour 57 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1