SUPERDOME (1978, USA, 97m, PG) (TV) **
Crime, Drama, Thriller
dist. American Broadcasting Company (ABC) (USA); pr co. ABC Circle Films; d. Jerry Jameson; w. Barry Oringer (based on a story by Barry Oringer & Bill Svanoe); pr. William Frye; ph. Matthew F. Leonetti (Colour | 1.37:1); m. John Cacavas; ed. J. Terry Williams.
cast: David Janssen (Mike Shelley), Edie Adams (Joyce), Clifton Davis (P.K. Jackson), Peter Haskell (Doug Collins), Ken Howard (Dave Walecki), Susan Howard (Nancy Walecki), Van Johnson (Chip Green), Vonetta McGee (Sonny), Donna Mills (Lainie Wiley), Ed Nelson (George Beldridge), Jane Wyatt (Fay Bonelli), Tom Selleck (Jim McCauley), Robin Mattson (Gail Green), Shelly Novack (Peter Brooks), Marvin Fleming (Mooney), Les Josephson (Nick Caretta), Bubba Smith (Moses Gordine), Dick Butkus (Scott Hennerson), Michael Pataki (Tony Sicota), M. Emmet Walsh (Whitley).
This flat made-for-TV crime thriller uses the setting of the US’s major sports event – the Super Bowl. The star players for the Cougars gather in New Orleans for the big game but are preoccupied with some serious off-the-field issues. Dave Walecki’s (Howard) marriage to his wife Nancy (Howard) is falling apart, while Jim McCauley (Selleck) is involved in a shady deal with a management firm that could destroy his career. But that’s nothing compared to the real drama. There’s an assassin killing off many of the team’s personnel (as well as their chances of winning). Janssen stars as the team manager, who races against time to identify the killer before it’s too late. The plot may be implausible at best, but the cliche-filled script and the total lack of urgency surrounding the investigation sap the film of any tension it may have otherwise built. A strong ensemble cast is given little opportunity to shine, instead, they are saddled with stock two-dimensional characters and clunky dialogue. The chase finale in the rafters of the Superdome is poorly directed and sluggishly paced. The few pluses include the extensive use of New Orleans locations and the gruff, ever-reliable Janssen.
