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![The Satan Bug [New DVD] - Brand New Sealed - Picture 1 of 1](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/IQ4AAOSwhH9kvuvn/s-l500.jpg)
Station 3, an American germ warfare lab has created the deadliest virus in the history of mankind. Called the Satan Bug, it has a mortality rate of 100% and if unleashed could kill the entire population of the world in mere months. When thieves steal the only known sample of the Satan Bug, as well as an experimental strain of botulinus, Lee Barrett is tasked with tracking them down and recovering the viruses before they're used. The Satan Bug is a 1965 sci-fi/mystery thriller directed by John Sturges, who also directed such classic films as The Great Escape, and it's based off of a novel by Alistair MacLean, who had then recently given the world the WWII thriller The Guns of Navarone (although MacLean wrote Satan Bug under the pseudonym "Ian Stuart," and he's credited as such in Satan Bug's credits). Add to this the fact the movie features an early score by famed composure Jerry Goldsmith, and The Satan Bug has an impressive pedigree - behind the camera, anyway. In front of the camera is a different story. First and foremost, there's the total change in setting. Although the movie is, beat for beat, a fairly accurate retelling of MacLean's novel, the book was set in England. There wasn't really much reason beyond budgetary constraints to relocate the story's setting to America and make all of the character's American. They also changed (i.e. simplified) the villain's plan. In the novel, his threat to unleash the viruses unless the lab is closed is just a smokescreen so he can achieve something completely different behind the good guys' backs, a la Simon in Die Hard with a Vengeance. That said, despite the relocation to America, I rather slightly prefer the film to the novel. The cast is good, but with the exception of Richard Basehart as Dr. Hoffman, there aren't too many familiar faces in prominent roles. I will say, though, I liked George Maharis as Barrett. In terms of the supporting cast, look for James Doohan (Scotty from Star Trek) as an SDI agent who shows up in a few brief scenes, and Ed Asner as henchman Veretti.Read full review
Okay this is a film of its time and the plot is a bit fanciful but it is enjoyable all the same. Based on a novel by Alistair MacLean, the pace and tension keeps you on the edge of your seat until the rather implausible end. Of course there are flaws in this film, you can see that the flask, thrown through the window is on a wire, but it is still gripping stuff. Clearly you would hope that surveillance techniques would be more foolproof than in this film where all life on Earth is at stake but the if everything went with clockwork efficiency there wouldn’t be enough jeopardy to keep the viewer watching.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Just as good as I remember from when it first came to the theatres. Of course, any film with a Jerry Goldsmith score is worth the experience.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Great Thriller shows us what was at stake from this field of Biological Weapons Research during the Cold War and to this day. We witness the effects of the Bochulinus, and God forbid The Satan Bug. Keeps you riveted. Fine performances, above average.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A star filled cast; movie very closely follows the book
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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