
123 minutes
12/10/1977
In order to protect the reputation of the American space program, a team of NASA administrators turn the first Mars mission into a phony Mars landing. Under threat of harm to their families the astronauts play their part in the deception on a staged set in a deserted military base. But once the real ship returns to Earth and burns up on re-entry, the astronauts become liabilities. Now, with the help of a crusading reporter, they must battle a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.

Elliott Gould
as Robert Caulfield

James Brolin
as Col. Charles Brubaker

Brenda Vaccaro
as Kay Brubaker

Sam Waterston
as Lt. Col. Peter Willis

O. J. Simpson
as Cmdr. John Walker

Hal Holbrook
as Dr. James Kelloway

Karen Black
as Judy Drinkwater

Telly Savalas
as Albain

David Huddleston
as Hollis Peaker

David Doyle
as Walter Loughlin

Lee Bryant
as Sharon Willis

Denise Nicholas
as Betty Walker

Robert Walden
as Elliot Whitter

James B. Sikking
as Control Room Man

Alan Fudge
as Capsule Communicator

James Karen
as Vice President Price

Jon Cedar
as F.B.I. Man Number 1
Hank Stohl
as General Enders

Norman Bartold
as President

Darrell Zwerling
as Dr. Bergen

Milton Selzer
as Dr. Burroughs

Lou Frizzell
as Horace Gruning

Nancy Malone
as Mrs. Peaker

Paul Picerni
as Jerry

Barbara Bosson
as Alva Leacock

Bob Harks
as Reporter (uncredited)
Frank Farmer
as Policeman