The Challenge (1970)
Directed by George McCowan / Alan Smithee
Genres - Drama |
Release Date - Feb 10, 1970 (USA) |
Run Time - 120 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson
This TV movie proposes that at some future date, America will be at loggerheads against some unnamed Asiatic power. Realizing that all-out nuclear war will decimate the planet, the two countries decide to boil down their argument to two combatants. Darren McGavin, an army malcontent, is the American "delegate', while martial-arts expert Mako is the Asian. They are place together on a small Pacific Island and ordered to duke it out on behalf of their countries--winner take all. According to the press release, both men learn "that there is a higher morality than temporary politics." The shamefaced director of The Challenge was able to hide behind the pseudonymous cognomen "Allan Smithee"; unfortunately Darren McGavin and Mako weren't offered that option.
Characteristics
Keywords
bad-guy, battle [war], champion, conflict, good-guy, international, wager, war