Chase (1973)
A tense TV pilot from Jack Webb and Stephen J. Cannell, following an elite police unit on the hunt for a cop-killer.
Chase - Movie Information
Chase - Plot
A special police unit goes after a cop-killer in this pilot film to the short-lived series.
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Chase - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jack Webb
Main Cast
- Mitchell Ryan
- Reid Smith
- Michael Richardson
- Brian Fong
- Brenda Scott
- Albert Reed Jr.
- John Davis Chandler
- Valentin de Vargas
- Ann Morgan Guilbert
- Virginia Gregg
Writers
- Stephen J. Cannell
Producers
- Jack Webb
Chase - FAQs
What is Chase (1973) about?
Chase follows a specialized police unit as they pursue a dangerous cop-killer. Directed by Jack Webb and written by Stephen J. Cannell, it served as the pilot film for a short-lived TV series. The story centers on Captain Chase Reddick and his team navigating a tense, high-stakes manhunt.
Is Chase a TV movie or theatrical film?
Chase is a TV movie that aired in 1973. It was produced as a pilot film intended to launch a television series. The show did follow but had a brief run. It was produced by Mark VII Ltd. and Universal Television, the same production house behind many of Jack Webb's projects.
Who directed and wrote Chase (1973)?
Chase was directed by Jack Webb, the legendary creator of Dragnet, who also served as producer. The screenplay was written by Stephen J. Cannell, who would go on to become one of television's most prolific creators, responsible for shows like The Rockford Files and The A-Team.
Who stars in Chase (1973)?
Mitchell Ryan leads the cast as Captain Chase Reddick, heading a team that includes Reid Smith, Michael Richardson, and Brian Fong. The supporting cast features Brenda Scott, John Davis Chandler, Ann Morgan Guilbert, and Virginia Gregg, among others.
Is Chase (1973) connected to a TV series?
Yes — Chase was produced as a pilot film, and it successfully launched a TV series of the same name. The series aired on NBC during the 1973–74 season but was short-lived, lasting only one season. The pilot established the show's premise of an elite police unit tackling serious crimes.
What is the legacy of Stephen J. Cannell's Chase script?
Chase marked one of Stephen J. Cannell's early television writing credits. Cannell would later become a defining force in American TV drama, creating iconic series like The Rockford Files, The A-Team, and 21 Jump Street. Chase offers an early glimpse of his sharp, action-driven storytelling instincts.
What are some movies similar to Chase (1973)?
If Chase appeals to you, check out similar titles like Starsky & Hutch (1975), Emergency! (1972), and The Rookies (1972) — all TV movies or pilots from the same era with a comparable action-crime flavor. These share the gritty, procedural energy that defined early 1970s American television.
Who composed the music for Chase (1973)?
The score for Chase was composed by Oliver Nelson, a celebrated jazz musician and arranger who also had an extensive career in television and film scoring. Nelson's work brought a distinctive, propulsive energy to the film's action sequences and helped set the tone for the series that followed.
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