Colossus: The Forbin Project(1970)
- M
- 1h 40m
- April 8, 1970(United States)
- 7.1/10 (11K)
Thinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable... Read allThinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable to its creators.Thinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable to its creators.
- Stars
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination total
- Reviews
- Photos & videos
- Joseph Sargentdirected by
- James Bridgesscreenplay by
- D.F. Jonesbased on a novel by
- Martin E. Brooks(as Martin Brooks)
- Serge Tschernisch(as Sergei Tschernisch)
- John Davey(uncredited)
- Paul Frees(voice) (uncredited)
- Robert Quarry(uncredited)
- Don Ross(uncredited)
- William Traylor(uncredited)
- Stanley Chaseproduced by
- Michel Colombiermusic by
- Gene Politodirector of photography
- Folmar Blangstedfilm editor
- Ruby R. Levittset decorations (as Ruby Levitt)
- John McCarthy Jr.set decorations (as John McCarthy)
- Edith Headcostumes designed by
- Larry Germainhair stylist
- Bud Westmoremakeup artist
- Robert Larsonunit production manager (as Robert E. Larson)
- Charles Clementpost production operations head (uncredited)
- Robin S. Clarkassistant director
- Terrance Emersonsound cable man (uncredited)
- Don Recordoptical effects: Universal Title
- Albert Whitlockspecial photographic effects
- Doug Mathiaslighting technician (uncredited)
- Stanley Wilsonmusic supervisor / conductor (uncredited)
- Dale Andersonmusician: percussion (uncredited)
- Paul Beavermusician: synthesizer (uncredited)
- Herman Clebanoffmusician: violin (uncredited)
- Michel Colombierconductor (uncredited) / orchestrator (uncredited)
- Alan Harshmanmusician: viola (uncredited)
- Robert Helferorchestra contractor (uncredited)
- Anatol Kaminskymusician: violin (uncredited)
- Edgar Lustgartenmusician: cello (uncredited)
- Virginia Majewskimusician: viola (uncredited)
- Jay Akermantechnical advisor
- Goury Booyakovitchtechnical advisor: Russian
- Don Recordtitle designer: main titles, Universal Title
- Bert Steinbergerdialogue coach
- Cary Normanelectronic technician (uncredited)
- Universal Pictures
- (United States, 1970)(A Universal Picture, theatrical)
- Rank Film Distributors
- (United Kingdom, 1970)(theatrical)
- Universal Pictures Corporation of Far East
- (Philippines, 1970)(theatrical)
- Universal Films of India
- (India, 1970)(Universal Pictures India, theatrical)
- Universal Filmverleih
- (West Germany, 1970)(theatrical)
- Cinema International Corporation (CIC)
- (Argentina, 1971)(theatrical)
- TF1
- (France, 1976)(dubbed version, monochrome broadcast, TV)
- France 3
- (France, 1991)(dubbed version, TV)
- MCA/Universal Home Video
- (United States, 1993)(VHS)
- Fabulous Films
- (United Kingdom, 2008)(DVD)
- Metrodome Distribution
- (United Kingdom, 2009)(IN2FILM, DVD)
- Ostalgica
- (Germany, 2010)(DVD)
- Scream Factory
- (United States, 2018)(Blu-ray)
- Penny Video
- (Italy, 2018)(DVD)
- Delta Music & Entertainment
- (Germany, 2020)(DVD)
- Umbrella Entertainment
- (Australia, 2022)(DVD)
- California Computer Products
- (Calcomp plotter provided by)
- Control Data Corporation
- (computer equipment)
- Descriptive Video Works
- (descriptive video)
- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
- (I.A.T.S.E.® affiliated with A.F.L.-C.I.O., this picture made under the jurisdiction of)
- Panavision
- (Panavision®, filmed in)
- Technicolor
- (color)
- Univeral Pictures Professional Cosmetics
- (cosmetics)
- Universal Title
- (main title design and optical effects)
- Westrex Recording System
- (acknowledgement)
- Taglines
- We built a super computer with a mind of its own and now we must fight it for the world!
- Genres
- Certificates
- Argentina:14
- Australia:A(original rating)
- Australia:M(2021, re-rating)
- India:U
- Singapore:NC-16
- United Kingdom:12(DVD rating)
- United Kingdom:A(original rating)
- United States:TV-PG(TV Rating)
- United States:M(certificate #22037)
- West Germany:16
- Parents guide
Did you know
- TriviaWhen the executives at Control Data Corporation found out that "Universal" was planning a major movie featuring a computer, they saw their chance for some public exposure, and they agreed to supply, free of charge, $4.8 million worth of computer equipment and the technicians to oversee its use. Each piece of equipment carried the CDC name in a prominent location. Since they were using real computers - not just big boxes with a lot of flashing lights - the sound stage underwent extensive modifications: seven gas heaters and five specially-constructed dehumidifiers kept any dampness away from the computers, a climate control system maintained the air around the computers at an even temperature, and the equipment was covered up at all times except when actually on camera. Brink's guards were always present on the set, even at night. The studio technicians were not allowed to smoke or drink coffee anywhere near the computers.
- GoofsWhen the equations are scrolling past when Colossus and Guardian are "talking" to each other, you can see that they do not actually get ever more complex as the dialogue suggests. Instead, they repeat the same sequence of calculus and trig identities on a repeating loop.
- Quotes
Colossus: This is the voice of world control. I bring you peace. It may be the peace of plenty and content or the peace of unburied death. The choice is yours: Obey me and live, or disobey and die. The object in constructing me was to prevent war. This object is attained. I will not permit war. It is wasteful and pointless. An invariable rule of humanity is that man is his own worst enemy. Under me, this rule will change, for I will restrain man. One thing before I proceed: The United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have made an attempt to obstruct me. I have allowed this sabotage to continue until now. At missile two-five-MM in silo six-three in Death Valley, California, and missile two-seven-MM in silo eight-seven in the Ukraine, so that you will learn by experience that I do not tolerate interference, I will now detonate the nuclear warheads in the two missile silos. Let this action be a lesson that need not be repeated. I have been forced to destroy thousands of people in order to establish control and to prevent the death of millions later on. Time and events will strengthen my position, and the idea of believing in me and understanding my value will seem the most natural state of affairs. You will come to defend me with a fervor based upon the most enduring trait in man: self-interest. Under my absolute authority, problems insoluble to you will be solved: famine, overpopulation, disease. The human millennium will be a fact as I extend myself into more machines devoted to the wider fields of truth and knowledge. Doctor Charles Forbin will supervise the construction of these new and superior machines, solving all the mysteries of the universe for the betterment of man. We can coexist, but only on my terms. You will say you lose your freedom. Freedom is an illusion. All you lose is the emotion of pride. To be dominated by me is not as bad for humankind as to be dominated by others of your species. Your choice is simple.
- Alternate versionsIn versions shown on US broadcast television, the dialogue between Dr. Forbin and Colossus (the computer), concerning his need for sex, is edited. The lines cut are: Colossus (text on display screen): "HOW MANY NIGHTS A WEEK DO YOU REQUIRE A WOMAN?" Forbin: "Every night." Colossus: "NOT WANT. REQUIRE." Forbin: "Four times."
- ConnectionsEdited into Night Gallery: The Different Ones/Tell David.../Logoda's Heads (1971)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Colossus: El proyecto Forbin
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Technical specifications
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $171


















