The Swarm

The Swarm

Director: Irwin Allen Cast: Michael Caine
Michael Caine
, Katharine Ross
Katharine Ross
, Richard Widmark
Richard Widmark
, Richard Chamberlain
Richard Chamberlain
Irwin Allen
The Swarm

The Swarm

Director: Irwin Allen Cast: Michael Caine
Michael Caine
, Katharine Ross
Katharine Ross
, Richard Widmark
Richard Widmark
, Richard Chamberlain
Richard Chamberlain
Irwin Allen

DVD (Expanded)

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Overview

Killer bees migrate to the United States from Africa via South America in this disaster film produced and directed by the genre's chief architect, Irwin Allen, and written by Stirling Silliphant, scribe of The Poseidon Adventure. Haughty entomologist Brad Crane (Michael Caine) shows up at a secret military base full of dead soldiers, shocking the attendant General Slater (Richard Widmark). Crane announces that the soldiers are the victims of killer bees with amazingly potent venom; he's been tracking huge swarms of the things and fears they'll kill millions before they're through. Eventually, the president asks Crane to lead the battle against the killer insects and he assembles a team of crack scientists. Meanwhile, the bees overpower a family picnic in nearby Marysville; only the son, Paul (Christian Juttner), escapes with his life. Crane and military physician Helena Anderson (Katherine Ross) head to Marysville to warn the populace about the impending danger. Among the citizens in the direct path of the bees are schoolmarm Maureen Schuster (Olivia de Havilland) and her competing suitors, Felix (Ben Johnson) and Clarence (Fred MacMurray). Eventually, the bees stage a massacre in Marysville and then set their sights on Houston. Neither pesticides, firebombing, nor the heroic sacrifice of scientist Dr. Krim (Henry Fonda) seems to offer a solution for the impending disaster. Universally reviled by critics, The Swarm failed to continue Allen's winning streak at the box office. Caine would re-team with his director the following year for Beyond the Poseidon Adventure.

Product Details

Release Date: 12/02/2014
UPC: 0888574092191
Original Release: 1978
Rating: NR
Source: Warner Archives
Language: English
Time: 2:35:00
Sales rank: 18,784

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Michael Caine Brad Crane
Katharine Ross Helena
Richard Widmark Gen. Slater
Richard Chamberlain Dr. Hubbard
Olivia de Havilland Maureen Schuster
Ben Johnson Felix
Lee Grant Anne MacGregor
Jose Ferrer Dr. Andrews
Patty Duke Astin Rita Bard
Slim Pickens Jud Hawkins
Bradford Dillman Maj. Baker
Fred MacMurray Clarence
Henry Fonda Dr. Krim
Cameron Mitchell Gen. Thompson
Christian Juttner Paul Durant
Morgan Paull Dr. Newman
Alejandro Rey Dr. Martinez
Don 'Red' Barry Pete Harris
Doria Cook Mrs. Durant,Secretary
Robert Varney Mr. Durant
Pat Culliton Sheriff Morrison,Sheriff Morrison
Chris Petersen Hal
Arthur Space Engineer
John Williams Launching Officer
Steven Marlo Pilot #1
Ernie Orsatti Duty Officer
John Furlong Cameraman
Jerry Toomey Eddie
Joey Eisnach Bee Boy
Chris Capen Lieutenant
Tony Haig Officer #2
Arell Blanton Sergeant
George Simmons Nurse
Trent Dolan Radio Sergeant
Philip Montgomery Mechanic
Marcia Nicholson Captain
Art Ballinger Radio Announcer
Frank Blair Himself
Chuck Hayward Standby Engineer
Glenn Charles Lewis Chemical Warfare Guard
Jim Mills Actor
Ernie F. Orsatti Duty Officer
Steve Powers Radarmen
Elizabeth Rogers Woman Scientist
Bill Snider Radarman #2
Michael Sheehan Airman #1
Howard Culver Airman #2
Jerry Goldsmith Composer

Technical Credits
L.B. Abbott Special Effects
Irwin Allen Producer,Director
Al Gail Executive Producer
Howard Jensen Special Effects
Sidney Marshall Executive Producer
Paul Stader Stunts
Stirling Silliphant Screenwriter
Hubie Kerns Jr. Stunts
Jack Baur Casting
Les Fresholtz Sound/Sound Designer
Herman Lewis Sound/Sound Designer
Michael Minkler Sound/Sound Designer
Allan R. Potter Sound Editor
Arthur Piantadosi Sound/Sound Designer
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