The Killer Elite (1975)

User Rating:

6.0/10   

Director:

Sam Peckinpah

Writers:

Marc Norman (screenplay) and
Stirling Silliphant (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

19 December 1975 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller | Action

Tagline:

MEN WANTED. Private company with C.I.A. contract seeks men willing to risk life. Perfect physical condition. Experience with weaponry, incendiaries, Karate/Judo. No loyalties. No dependents. Long career doubtful.

Plot:

Mike Locken is one of the principle members of a group of freelance spies. A significant portion of their work is for the C.I.A...

Plot Keywords:

Reference To Elizabeth Barrett Browning | Female Nudity | Katana Sword | Nudity | Shot In The Knee

Cast

James Caan	...	Mike Locken
Robert Duvall	...	George Hansen
Arthur Hill	...	Cap Collis
Bo Hopkins	...	Jerome Miller
Mako	...	Yuen Chung
Burt Young	...	Mac
Gig Young	...	Lawrence Weyburn
Tom Clancy	...	O'Leary
Tiana Alexandra	...	Tommie (as Tiana)
Walter Kelley	...	Walter
Kate Heflin	...	Amy
Sondra Blake	...	Josephine
Carole Mallory	...	Rita
James Wing Woo	...	Tao Yi
George Cheung	...	Bruce (as George Kee Cheung)

Runtime:

122 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Netherlands:12 | France:U | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Canada:14A (video rating) | Finland:K-18 | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:16 (1976) | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:PG | West Germany:16

Filming Locations:

Bethlehem Steel Pier, San Francisco, California, USA

Company:

Exeter Associates

Trivia:

This film was the last collaboration between Sam Peckinpah and composer Jerry Fielding with Fielding stating that it was time for them to end their creative partnership.

Goofs:

Incorrectly regarded as goofs: The opening disclaimer mentions an interview with character Lawrence Weyburn that took place on September 31, 1975. There are only 30 days in September, so this is likely an indication that this is not a disclaimer at all.

Quotes:

Lawrence Weyburn: Chung, I thought somebody had taken care of him.
O'Leary: It's just a question of time. But it's not in the national interest that it should happen either today, or for that matter tomorrow. It's especially central that it doesn't happen under any circumstances within the confines of the United States. What happens to him Friday, after he's gone, is no longer our concern.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Slanted Screen (2006)

vastly underrated gem!!!!!

I consider Peckinpah one of the big five--- Kubrick. Scorsese. Walter Hill. Eastwood.--- I've seen all his films numerous times, and this one along with Garcia stands up the best to multiple viewings. It plays like a great old album. These negative comments I've read about this flick are cuuckie talk. Every spy movie since has lifted something from this movie, as a matter of fact every action flick. Great cast, and peckinpah's wonderful laid back style are the highlights. It may seem old hat now, but try erasing the last 30 years of wannabees. Great Movie!!!