Black Sunday (1977)
John Frankenheimer's gripping political thriller pits an Israeli agent against a deadly PLO plot targeting the Super Bowl.
Black Sunday - Movie Information
- Original Title: Black Sunday
- Release Year: 1977
- Directed by: John Frankenheimer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 23m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 1, 1977 (United States - R), August 12, 1977 (United Kingdom - 15), September 8, 1977 (Germany - 18), August 17, 1977 (France - 12)
- Alternative Titles: ブラック・サンデー（Black Sunday 1977） (JP), Schwarzer Sonntag (DE), Dimanche noir (CA)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Robert Evans Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Black Sunday - Plot
An Israeli anti-terrorist agent must stop a disgruntled Vietnam vet cooperating in a Black September PLO plot to commit a terrorist attack at the Super Bowl.
Black Sunday - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this landmark 1977 political thriller:
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Black Sunday - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Frankenheimer
Main Cast
- Robert Shaw
- Bruce Dern
- Marthe Keller
- Fritz Weaver
- Steven Keats
- Bekim Fehmiu
- Michael V. Gazzo
- William Daniels
- Walter Gotell
- Pat Summerall
Writers
- Ernest Lehman
- Kenneth Ross
- Ivan Moffat
Producers
- Robert Evans
Black Sunday - FAQs
Is Black Sunday based on a true story?
Black Sunday is not based on a specific real event, but it draws on the very real threat of Palestinian terrorism in the 1970s. It is adapted from Thomas Harris's 1975 novel of the same name, which was itself inspired by the geopolitical tensions of that era, including the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.
Who are the main actors in Black Sunday?
Black Sunday stars Robert Shaw as Israeli agent Kabakov, Bruce Dern as troubled Vietnam veteran Lander, and Marthe Keller as PLO operative Dahlia. The supporting cast includes Fritz Weaver, Steven Keats, Bekim Fehmiu, Michael V. Gazzo, William Daniels, Walter Gotell, and real-life broadcaster Pat Summerall.
What is the Super Bowl attack plan in Black Sunday?
The terrorists plan to weaponize the Goodyear Blimp — the iconic airship used for aerial television coverage — by loading it with a massive fragmentation device and flying it over the packed Super Bowl stadium. The attack is designed to kill tens of thousands of spectators in a single devastating strike.
Why does Bruce Dern's character help the terrorists?
Michael Lander, played by Bruce Dern, is a deeply embittered Vietnam War veteran and former Navy pilot who feels betrayed by his country. Psychologically broken, humiliated, and suicidal, he is manipulated by PLO operative Dahlia into channeling his rage into the attack, seeing it as a final act of revenge against America.
Where to watch Black Sunday?
Black Sunday is available to stream on fuboTV, MGM+, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, and Philo. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. YouTube Free also offers ad-supported viewing.
What is the age rating for Black Sunday?
Black Sunday is rated R in the United States, reflecting its intense action sequences, themes of terrorism, political violence, and psychological disturbance. It is also rated 15 in the United Kingdom, 18 in Germany, and 12 in France, indicating it is intended for mature audiences.
Who composed the music for Black Sunday?
The score for Black Sunday was composed by John Williams, who was already one of Hollywood's most sought-after composers by 1977, the same year he released his legendary Star Wars soundtrack. His work on Black Sunday contributes a tense, propulsive quality that heightens the film's escalating sense of dread.
What are similar movies to Black Sunday?
Viewers who enjoy Black Sunday may also appreciate Munich (2005), Arlington Road (1999), Mission: Impossible (1996), and The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) for their shared themes of terrorism, espionage, and high-stakes action. The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973) and The Killing Fields (1984) offer similarly gritty, politically charged drama.
More About Black Sunday
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