6.6/10
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183 user 118 critic

Rollerball (1975)

R | | Action, Sci-Fi, Sport | 25 June 1975 (USA)
Rollerball Poster
In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game.

Director:

Norman Jewison

Writer:

William Harrison (screenplay)

Stars:

James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams | See full cast & crew »
Watch on Prime Video rent/buy from $3.99
56
Reviews
Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 3 wins & 5 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

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Cast

Complete credited cast:
James Caan ... Jonathan E.
John Houseman ... Bartholomew
Maud Adams ... Ella
John Beck ... Moonpie
Moses Gunn ... Cletus
Pamela Hensley ... Mackie
Barbara Trentham ... Daphne
John Normington ... Executive
Shane Rimmer ... Rusty, Team Executive
Burt Kwouk ... Japanese Doctor
Nancy Bleier ... Girl in Library
Richard LeParmentier ... Bartholomew's Aide (as Rick LeParmentier)
Robert Ito ... Strategy Coach for Houston Team
Ralph Richardson ... Librarian
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

In a futuristic society where corporations have replaced countries, the violent game of Rollerball is used to control the populace by demonstrating the futility of individuality. However, one player, Jonathan E., rises to the top, fights for his personal freedom, and threatens the corporate control. Written by Jeff Hansen <jmh@umich.edu>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

dystopia | fictional sport | shower room | score | screech | See All (352) »

Taglines:

This movie will haunt your future ... because it's almost here! See more »

Genres:

Action | Sci-Fi | Sport

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
Edit

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

UK | USA | Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 June 1975 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Rollerball See more »

Filming Locations:

Frankfurt, Germany See more »
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Box Office

Gross USA:

$30,000,000
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Algonquin See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (35 mm magnetic prints)| 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In the original short story, the primary goal of the game was murder. In the movie, murder is phased in to try and stop Jonathan. See more »

Goofs

The opening title sequence has James Caan's character (and other team mates) in green jersey but then a moment later he is in orange along with his other team mates. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Pregame announcer: Good evening everyone! And welcome to Houston, the energy city, home of the defending Rollerball World Champions. This key international battle pits the divisional champions, visiting Madrid, against powerful Houston. - - And here they come to a standing ovation. On the track comes Houston! Houston, lead by captain Jonathan E, again their leading scorer this year.
See more »

Connections

Spoofed in Rollerbabies (1976) See more »

Soundtracks

Symphony No. 5: Fourth Movement
(uncredited)
Composed by Dmitri Shostakovich
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Chicago Opening Happened When?
Q: What are the 'rules' of Rollerball?
Q: Why was Jonathan E being forced to retire?
See more »

User Reviews

This is an excellent, unique movie.
21 June 2001 | by mrosen-1 – See all my reviews

This movie uses the characters of those involved in the game to question the wisdom of a supposedly perfect society where corporations rule. The corporations use the game as an opiate for the masses and to show the futility of individual effort, but the force of will of the main character shows how wrong that is. The effects and the game were remarkably well done for the time, and the characterizations are very good. Highly recommended.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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