The Final Option (1982)

It's suspected that a peace/anti-nuke organization in UK has some extremists willing to use terrorism. The action will probably be against an embassy in London. The SAS/Special Air Service try to get the organization infiltrated.

Director:

Ian Sharp

Writers:

George Markstein (based on an original story by), Reginald Rose (screenplay by)

Stars:

Lewis Collins, Judy Davis, Richard Widmark

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lewis Collins	...	Captain Peter Skellen
Judy Davis	...	Frankie Leith
Richard Widmark	...	Secretary of State
Edward Woodward	...	Commander Powell
Robert Webber	...	General Ira Potter
Tony Doyle	...	Colonel Hadley
John Duttine	...	Rod
Kenneth Griffith	...	Bishop Crick
Rosalind Lloyd	...	Jenny Skellen
Ingrid Pitt	...	Helga
Norman Rodway	...	Ryan
Maurice Roëves	...	Major Steele (as Maurice Röeves)
Bob Sherman	...	Hagen
Albert Fortell	...	Freund
Mark Ryan	...	Mac

Storyline

A trooper with the British Special Air Service (SAS) infiltrates a radical political group who are planning a terrorist operation against American dignitaries. A glamourized look at the methods and tactics of the famed British anti-terrorist squad.The SAS are a elite army unit which as well as its Anti terrorist role also performs covert and overt training of friendly countries armed forces and operates enemy lines.

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Plot Keywords:

murderess | politician | german | american in the uk | american abroad | 

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Taglines:

The closest you'll ever get to knowing the secrets of the legendary S.A.S.

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Genres:

Action | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK Switzerland

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 September 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Final Option

Filming Locations:

Portobello Road Market, Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$750,259, 18 September 1983, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,666,873

Company Credits

Production Co:

Richmond Light Horse Productions, Varius Entertainment Trading A.G.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min 109 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The PND (People for Nuclear Disarmament) lobby group protested and demonstrated against the film outside cinemas in the UK. The picture was controversial upon release and was considered by some as being quite political.

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Goofs

General Ira Potter (Robert Webber) is supposed to be the Commander-in-Chief of Strategic Air Command, however on his white mess dress uniform he wears no pilot's wings. Few, if any members of the United States Air Force advance to General officer rank unless they are experienced flying officers.

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Quotes

[S.A.S. burst into Mews and kill the terrorists]
Policeman at Mews: You blokes do that again. It was a bit fast for me.

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Crazy Credits

In final credits, "Military Advisors" are listed as "Anonymous."

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Connections

Referenced in 6 Days (2017)

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Soundtracks

Catch Or Be Caught
(uncredited)
Written by Roy Budd, Jerry Donahue and Marc Donahue
Performed by Roy Budd And His Orchestra featuring Jerry Donahue & Marc Donahue

User Reviews

Soldier of Fortune Magazine Approved

I saw this movie when it was titled, "The Final Option". I was an avid reader of Soldier of Fortune (SOF) magazine and it was recommended as a must see movie. It was noted for its realism. In addition, it was felt the peace movement was actually supported by Russia because by having the "West" disarm, it would allow Russia to get stronger while the West got weaker. You see this in the movie when the bankers help funnel money to the peace movement.

The main reason for seeing the movie was the action by the Special Air Service (SAS). SOF magazine said the SAS cooperated in the making of the movie. I thought the movie was a little long but the action parts were first rate. The final part was the best part. The best part was when the camera was filming through the gas mask and you could hear and see what it is really like to be on the inside. I remember the huffing and puffing and the words, "One terrorist down, one terrorist down" as each one got shot. SOF magazine said when the SAS goes in, there are no prisoners taken-only dead terrorists. As a real law enforcement person I am always complaining how the public has no idea of what really happens during police actions. The public always seems to ask why did the police not shoot the gun out of a persons hand or why did the police shoot or didn't shoot. Split second decisions have to be made and it is so easy to to be a "Monday morning quarterback" They never see the confusion. I think every person who thinks the cops are always wrong should see this movie.