The Formula

Directed by John G. Avildsen

R

1980 1h 57mThriller, Crime,

5.620%23%5.5

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A detective uncovers a formula that was devised by the Germans in World War II to make fuel from synthetic products, thereby eliminating the necessity for oil, and oil companies. A major oil company finds out about it and tries to destroy the formula, and anyone who knows about it.

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Cast of The Formula

George C. ScottBarney Caine
Marlon BrandoAdam Steiffel
Marthe KellerLisa
John GielgudDr. Abraham Esau
G. D. SpradlinArthur Clements
Beatrice StraightKay Neeley
Richard LynchGeneral Helmut Kladen / Frank Tedesco
John van DreelenHans Lehman
Robin ClarkeMajor Tom Neeley
Ike EisenmannTony
Marshall ThompsonGeologist #1
Dieter SchidorAssassin
Werner KreindlSchellenberg
Jan NiklasGestapo Captain
Wolfgang PreissFranz Tauber
Calvin JungSgt. Yosuta
Alan NorthNolan
David ByrdObermann
Ferdy MayneSiebold
Gerard MurphyChauffeur
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The Formula Ratings & Reviews

Mister ArnMay 23, 2025
I'm not exactly sure why this movie didn't work for me. Maybe it was the ending or the awkward attempt to build suspense with the camera. However, when it was over, I understood why I failed to hear about this Brando-Scott movie. It's very forgettable.

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The Formula Trivia

The Formula was released on December 19, 1980.

The Formula was directed by John G. Avildsen.

The Formula has a runtime of 1 hr 57 min.

The Formula was produced by Steve Shagan.

The key characters in The Formula are Barney Caine (George C. Scott), Adam Steiffel (Marlon Brando), Lisa (Marthe Keller).

The Formula is rated R.

The Formula is a Thriller, Crime, Mystery film.

The Formula has an audience rating of 2.3 out of 10.

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