When a super computer apparently turns on a group of naughty tech students who've created a bogus identity to essentially commit credit card fraud, the student who wrote the programme (Stockwell) becomes prime suspect in the series of bizarre accidents that follow. Stefanie Powers, James Stacy, Elliot Street and Tina Chen initially profit handsomely from Stockwell's handy-work, but the sheriff (Ross Elliot) suspects that Stockwell may not be as introverted and shy as his reputation suggests. As the "accidents" escalate, a twisted nerve is revealed that might identify the culprit.
While it's dated, the concept of the super computer becoming an all powerful entity of destruction is a theme that's as prolific as they come forty years later. Stockwell (sporting an epic bouffant) is suitably suspicious (and not unlike his character in "Compulsion"), while Powers is an attractive and sympathetic psychology graduate, ex-Marine Stacy the stereotypical jock, Chen providing the ubiquitous ethnicity and Street a likable, computer geek, perhaps creating the "nerd" mould. James Olson has a key supporting role as the computer technician.
I saw the 90 minute version, and the suspense builds nicely to a climax that while not entirely telegraphed, isn't going to shock most armchair sleuths. Nevertheless, the acting is watchable, the dialogue realistic and the narrative consistent. Dated but entertaining mid-week movie.
