Rollercoaster (1977 film)
| Rollercoaster | |
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Promotional poster of Rollercoaster
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| Directed by | James Goldstone |
| Produced by | Jennings Lang |
| Written by |
Richard Levinson William Link Tommy Cook (story) |
| Starring |
George Segal Richard Widmark Timothy Bottoms Harry Guardino Susan Strasberg Richard Widmark |
| Music by | Lalo Schifrin |
| Cinematography | David M. Walsh |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
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Release date
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Running time
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119 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $9 million |
Rollercoaster is a 1977 American disaster-suspense film starring George Segal, Richard Widmark, Henry Fonda and Timothy Bottoms, and directed by James Goldstone. It was one of the few films to be shown in Sensurround, which caused audience seats to vibrate during certain periods during the "thrill scenes" on the rides.
An unnamed man (Timothy Bottoms) sneaks into Ocean View Amusement Park and places a small radio-controlled bomb on the tracks of the park's wooden roller coaster, The Rocket. The bomb detonates, and The Rocket derails, killing several riders. Safety inspector Harry Calder (George Segal), who initially cleared the ride, is called to the park to investigate. A park worker tells Calder that there was an unauthorized man on the track.
In Pittsburgh the bomber causes a fire at a dark ride at another park. Calder suspects the incidents are linked, and learns that the executives of companies running the largest amusement parks in America are holding a meeting in Chicago. Calder flies to Chicago and intrudes on the meeting. One of the executives plays a tape sent by the bomber, wherein he demands $1 million to stop his bombing campaign.
Back home, Calder is visited by FBI Agent Hoyt (Richard Widmark), who says the extortion money is to be delivered by Calder at Kings Dominion. There, Calder is ordered to wait at a telephone. The bomber calls, warning him there is a bomb in the park. He sends Calder a two-way radio so that he can keep contact, then orders Calder to go on various rides in the park. While Calder is on the Skyway, the bomber tells Calder that the bomb is in the radio. He warns Calder not to throw it away, because it will explode on impact on the crowded paths below. He orders Calder to falsely signal that he has made the delivery, in order to distract the FBI, then leave the money on a bench. Calder complies and walks away. Later, Hoyt admits that he marked the money (violating the bomber's instructions). Calder demands to be sent home and leaves the bomb radio with the bomb squad.
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