The Groundstar Conspiracy

A super secret government space program laboratory known as Groundstar gets blown up while a woman, (Christine Belford) whose parents have recently died and is also recently divorced tries to find some solace for her shattered life in the summer house she was left in the will which just happens to be in the direct vicinity of the above mentioned lab. The lone "survivor" of the explosion stumbles to her house with a disfigured face followed by government security guru George Peppard and his crew who take him away to a high security hospital. Was he responsible for the explosion? The next time we see him, he turns out to be Michael Sarrazin. And what follows is a moderately intriguing story that delves into some of then, today's, and for all times big issues, such as unchecked government surveillance, brutal interrogation techniques, and brainwashing. The deft intermingling of personal elements with the government security apparatus and some political and public relations angles makes for a fairly sophisticated and complex movie.

I saw this in its original run in a college theatre. I have never been able to find it anywhere. Frankly, I'm just glad to see that it was remembered in imdb. If anybody can steer me toward a copy, please tell me. It was an independent precursor to Bourne before Bourne became an industry. Peppard is terrific. In fact, everyone is terrific.

This is truly one of my all time favourites. I hadn't written a review of it until now because I had been concentrating on newer films, but I just got through watching it again with my Dad. I had almost forgotten how awesome it was. I was VERY fortunate to score the Anchor Bay DVD just before it went OOP. Hard to believe that now it is going for over $70 used, if you can find it.

Anyway, George Peppard has always been one of the coolest guys, at least in his Pre-A Team days, and especially early on (check out some of the Banacek episodes if you have a chance. The Pilot is particularly good. And YES... I do have both the Pilot and 2 seasons : )

Michael Sarrazin has always been pretty slick too, and he is good here. But, it is primarily the great story that REALLY makes this film special. Also, I think the director did a particularly good job in keeping the pace and action very tight and the mood suspenseful and involving. I personally feel that it was one of THE very best Thrillers made around that time. It is much better than it's current rating of 6.x in my lowly and wretched opinion. I easily give it a strong '8'

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! (if you can ever get your hands on it : )

Just re-saw The Groundstar Conspiracy after some 20 something years. Always been a big fan of both George Peppard and Micheal Sarrazin, so I was looking forward to this flick. Somewhat out-dated today, but for 1972, it wasn't all that bad. There are twists and turns. Plots and subplots. Action, suspense, drama, and even a little romance thrown in. Humor, at least a few lines, would of helped a lot here. There is a nice surprise sort of ending. Clearly this is not a masterpiece of a cold war thriller like The Spy Who Can In From The Cold or The Ipcress File, but The Goundstar Conspiracy is a nice little entertaining film. George Peppard looked great here and Micheal Sarrazin was in his prime. It's not their best roles, but if you're a fan. it's a good way to spend a rainy night.

A top secret space research centre is blown up and only one of the scientists, Wells (Michael Sarrazin) surviving. In comes security chief Tuxon (George Peppard) who holds Wells responsible, to interrogate him, but Wells claims he has completely lost his memory.

Perfectly enjoyable and interesting seventies thriller with a sharp plot void of any padding, with decent turns from Sarrazin, Peppard, if a little bit too cold and two dimensional and particularly Christine Belford who takes runaway Wells in. It's an interesting idea - is Sarrazin lying?, is he an alien? And indeed the film has its fair share of decent twists and turns. No masterpiece, but solid fun and worth a look.