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Blue Thunder (1983)
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Overview
Tagline:
He's Out There...Plot:
The cop test pilot for an experimental police helicopter learns the sinister implications of the new vehicle. full summary | full synopsis (warning! may contain spoilers)Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 2 nominations moreUser Comments:
The original film is much better than the TV show moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Roy Scheider | ... | Officer Frank Murphy |
 | Warren Oates | ... | Capt. Jack Braddock |
 | Candy Clark | ... | Kate |
| Daniel Stern | ... | Officer Richard Lymangood |
| Paul Roebling | ... | Icelan |
| David Sheiner | ... | Fletcher |
| Joe Santos | ... | Montoya |
 | Malcolm McDowell | ... | Col. F.E. Cochrane |
| Ed Bernard | ... | Sgt. Short |
| Jason Bernard | ... | Mayor |
| Mario Machado | ... | Himself |
| James Murtaugh | ... | Alf Hewitt |
| Pat McNamara | ... | Matusek |
| Jack Murdock | ... | Kress |
| Clifford A. Pellow | ... | Allen (as Clifford Pellow) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
109 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColour:
Colour (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.20 : 1 moreCertification:
Argentina:Atp | South Korea:15 | Singapore:NC-16 | Finland:K-16 | Ireland:15 | Norway:15 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R | West Germany:12 | Iceland:LMOVIEmeter: 
21% since last week
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Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Director Cameo: ['John Badham']He's in the video room, the furthest of the three from camera. moreGoofs:
Continuity: The license plate number heard read over the police radio by LAPD dispatch for Frank Murphy's Trans-Am doesn't match the car's actual license plate which can be clearly seen in several shots. moreQuotes:
Col. F.E. Cochrane: You threatening me, Murphy?Frank Murphy: No, I'm telling you. Back off!
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A helicopter is developed for police work using full surveillance technology, stealth modes etc. Officer Murphy and his partner are trained to fly it for street tests. However Murphy suspects that it has more sinister uses when he finds that the man in charge is Colonel Cochrane – who he has a history with in Vietnam. The battle between the two men heads for a showdown as Murphy gets evidence to back up his suspicions.
Made as a film but turned into an inferior tv show this film is entertaining but no more than that. The plot is interesting – with plenty of conspiracy stuff but the action is sometimes forced. Because most of the helicopter shenanigans are save for the climax we are given car chases etc to help fill the time. The helicopter itself is very cool and well used and the final battle above the city is exciting if formulaic. The morals of a `big brother' helicopter, able to pry everywhere isn't examined as well as could have been but it's still interesting.
Scheider is always good to watch and does well, as do Warren Oates and a young Daniel Stern. However the show is stolen and the film made by a great baddie from Malcolm McDowell (catch you later!) who is menace incarnate for me.
Overall an enjoyable thriller but it really only sticks in the memory due to the TV series that followed – worth watching for McDowell though.