The Formula (1980)
The mystery film, The Formula (1980), was directed by John G. Avildsen and produced and written by Steve Shagan, who adapted his own novel of the same name from 1979. It follows the story of Soviet forces closing in on Berlin during World War II and Panzer Korps General Helmut Kladen being sent to the Swiss border with important documents. However, he is intercepted by the U.S. Army and handed over to Army Intelligence. In present-day Los Angeles, Lt. Barney Caine is tasked with solving the murder of his former boss and friend Tom Neeley. Neeley’s body has a message written in blood saying ‘Gene’, and Caine also finds a map of Germany labeled with ‘Obermann’. He later discovers that Neeley was supplying drugs at parties hosted by wealthy businessman Adam Steiffel.
During his initial interview with Neeley’s ex-wife, Steiffel uncovers multiple falsehoods. Upon revisiting her, he discovers that she has been killed in her hot tub. Further investigation reveals that Neeley was employed by Steiffel as a courier, responsible for delivering funds to international partners. In order to solve Neeley’s murder, Caine insists on traveling to Germany and receives permission from his superior. Later, the Chief informs one of Steiffel’s associates that their plan has succeeded in luring Caine. Caine meets with Paul Obermann at the Berlin Zoo where he learns about ‘Genesis’ – a synthetic fuel created by the Nazis which could disrupt the current oil market. It becomes clear that Neeley was murdered for involvement with Genesis. Tragically, Obermann is also assassinated outside of the zoo.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  George C. ScottBarney Caine  Marlon BrandoAdam Steiffel  Marthe KellerLisa  John GielgudDr. Esau  G.D. SpradlinClements  Beatrice StraightKay Neeley  Richard LynchKladen / Tedesco |
The mystery film, The Formula (1980), was directed by John G. Avildsen and produced and written by Steve Shagan, who adapted his own novel of the same name from 1979. It follows the story of Soviet forces closing in on Berlin during World War II and Panzer Korps General Helmut Kladen being sent to the Swiss border with important documents. However, he is intercepted by the U.S. Army and handed over to Army Intelligence. In present-day Los Angeles, Lt. Barney Caine is tasked with solving the murder of his former boss and friend Tom Neeley. Neeley’s body has a message written in blood saying ‘Gene’, and Caine also finds a map of Germany labeled with ‘Obermann’. He later discovers that Neeley was supplying drugs at parties hosted by wealthy businessman Adam Steiffel.
During his initial interview with Neeley’s ex-wife, Steiffel uncovers multiple falsehoods. Upon revisiting her, he discovers that she has been killed in her hot tub. Further investigation reveals that Neeley was employed by Steiffel as a courier, responsible for delivering funds to international partners. In order to solve Neeley’s murder, Caine insists on traveling to Germany and receives permission from his superior. Later, the Chief informs one of Steiffel’s associates that their plan has succeeded in luring Caine. Caine meets with Paul Obermann at the Berlin Zoo where he learns about ‘Genesis’ – a synthetic fuel created by the Nazis which could disrupt the current oil market. It becomes clear that Neeley was murdered for involvement with Genesis. Tragically, Obermann is also assassinated outside of the zoo.
