The Fury (1978)

A former CIA agent uses the talents of a young psychic to help retrieve his telekinetic son from terrorists, who want to use his mental powers for evil.

Director:

Brian De Palma (as Brian DePalma)

Writers:

John Farris (screenplay), John Farris (novel)

Stars:

Kirk Douglas, John Cassavetes, Carrie Snodgress

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kirk Douglas	...	Peter
John Cassavetes	...	Childress
Carrie Snodgress	...	Hester
Charles Durning	...	Dr. Jim McKeever
Amy Irving	...	Gillian
Fiona Lewis	...	Susan Charles
Andrew Stevens	...	Robin
Carol Eve Rossen	...	Dr. Ellen Lindstrom (as Carol Rossen)
Rutanya Alda	...	Kristen
Joyce Easton	...	Mrs. Bellaver
William Finley	...	Raymond
Jane Lambert	...	Vivian Nuckells
Sam Laws	...	Blackfish
J. Patrick McNamara	...	Robertson
Alice Nunn	...	Mrs. Callahan

Storyline

A secret US agency behind the unscrupulous Childress gathers children with parapsychologic abilities and trains them to become killers in war situations. To rescue his son, who was officially declared dead after an arranged accident, the ex-CIA agent Peter investigates against Childress.

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Plot Keywords:

mind reading | opening action scene | secret government organization | glowing eyes | loss of son | 

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Taglines:

An experience in terror and suspense.

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Publicity for this film stated that this was the comeback movie for actress Carrie Snodgress who had not appeared in a theatrical film for eight years (since 1970 when she appeared in both Rabbit, Run (1970) and Diary of a Mad Housewife (1970)), her last credit at the time having being seven years previous in the 1971 tele-movie The Impatient Heart (1971).

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Goofs

Robin is using his "powers" on a "Paratrooper" carnival ride. In a close up view, of the top of the ride, all of the neon bulbs burst. When they show a full view of the ride, the bulbs are shining brightly.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Robin Sandza: [laughing]
Peter Sandza: I won.
Robin Sandza: What do you mean, you won? You did not!

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Alternate Versions

The film was cut in Argentina and Sweden.

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Connections

Edited into Histoire(s) du cinéma: Fatale beauté (1994)

User Reviews

A psychic mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Brian De Palma directs John Farris' novel like a wizard at a witches convention. Thrills, intrigue and paranormal with vivid violence. Kirk Douglas goes in search for his kidnapped son(Andrew Stevens), who has been snatched by the head of an institute for psychic research. The ruthless boss(John Cassavetes)and his administrative assistant(Charles Durning)are also cultivating the psychic powers of a young girl(Amy Irving). Both young people with their extraordinary mind power can be sold to the highest bidding terrorist organization.

My favorite two scenes happen to be two of the most violent scenes in the movie. The first is where the alluring Fiona Lewis playing Dr. Charles is elevated into the air by Stevens and is set to spinning until she bleeds to death. The second scene that gets to me is in the final moments when Cassavetes gets his just desert.

Douglas is showing his age in this role as the business tycoon, who himself was left for dead. He still proves to pack a punch and hold his own as the lead. Carrie Snodgrass is ho-hum in her role as Douglas' lover and friend of Irving. Her character's demise is also quite violent. Miss Irving is perfection in her young and charming way. Look for Gordon Jump(of WKRP fame)in a small role and yes that is Dennis Franz(of NYPD Blue) early on as the young cop with the brand new car.

Sometimes a little bit slow, but this is your part in earning the big bangs for your bucks. John Williams provides a very haunting score that keeps this thriller thrilling.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Fury

Filming Locations:

Water Tower Place Shopping Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox, Frank Yablans Presentations

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1