Pendulum (1969)
A decorated police captain becomes a fugitive when he is framed for murder in this taut late-1960s crime thriller.
Pendulum - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: George Schaefer
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 14, 1969 (Germany - 16), March 20, 1969 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: Pendulum Productions, Columbia Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Pendulum - Plot
On the evening of his decoration for bringing a murderer to justice, Washington DC Police Captain Frank Matthews' wife, and her lover are murdered in bed. Jailed as the prime suspect, with the aforementioned murderer released on a technicality Matthews escapes in search of the man he believes to be the real killer.
Pendulum - Trailer
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A motion picture with the hard edge of today!
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Pendulum - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Schaefer
Main Cast
- George Peppard
- Jean Seberg
- Richard Kiley
- Charles McGraw
- Madeleine Sherwood
- Robert F. Lyons
- Frank Marth
- Marj Dusay
- Paul McGrath
- Stewart Moss
Writers
- Stanley Niss
Producers
- Stanley Niss
Pendulum - FAQs
What is Pendulum about?
Pendulum follows Washington DC police captain Frank Matthews, who is celebrated for catching a killer only to be accused of murdering his own wife and her lover. Jailed as the prime suspect while the killer he caught goes free on a technicality, Matthews escapes to find the real culprit himself.
Who are the main actors in Pendulum?
Pendulum stars George Peppard as Captain Frank Matthews and Jean Seberg as his wife Adele. The supporting cast includes Richard Kiley, Charles McGraw, Madeleine Sherwood, Robert F. Lyons, Frank Marth, Marj Dusay, Paul McGrath, and Stewart Moss.
Does Pendulum explore civil liberties and due process themes?
Yes. Pendulum is notable for its pointed commentary on the tension between law enforcement authority and civil liberties. The film examines how a police captain who once bent legal rules to secure a conviction finds himself victimized by those same loopholes when the convicted man is freed on a technicality.
Who directed Pendulum and who wrote the screenplay?
Pendulum was directed by George Schaefer, a veteran director known primarily for his television work. The screenplay was written by Stanley Niss, who also served as the film's producer. The cinematography was handled by Lionel Lindon, with music composed by Walter Scharf.
When was Pendulum released and what is its age rating?
Pendulum was released in the United States on March 20, 1969, and carries an R rating. It had an earlier release in Germany on February 14, 1969, where it was rated 16. The film runs approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Is Pendulum based on a true story?
No, Pendulum is not based on a true story. It is an original screenplay by Stanley Niss. However, the film draws on real anxieties of the late 1960s surrounding crime, police authority, and controversial Supreme Court rulings that expanded defendants' rights, giving the story a strong sense of social realism.
What are similar movies to Pendulum?
Viewers who enjoy Pendulum may also appreciate Strange Homecoming (1974), Accused of Murder (1956), Last Embrace (1979), and Kiss or Kill (1997). These films share similar themes of wrongful accusation, fugitives seeking justice, and tense crime narratives set against morally complex backdrops.
How was Pendulum received by critics?
Pendulum received a mixed but respectful reception upon release. Critics acknowledged George Peppard's committed lead performance and the film's timely social commentary on civil liberties and criminal justice. It is regarded as a solid, if underseen, late-1960s crime thriller that captures the era's anxious mood effectively.
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