For those of us who have forgotten or were not around to see why Spielberg was such a sensation in the 70s, this gem is a reminder.
From the opening credits, we are drawn into the streamlined and fast-paced story that never lets up. Much like Jaws, there is not a single wasted frame anywhere in this film. If anything, it's a bit over-edited, but that's likely to make it fit into the running time limit.
Martin Landau and Barabara Bain have never been more engaging or dynamic, together or separately, befofe or since. They are the epitome of a true power couple. There is no direct hint at a romantic affiliation, no doubt on purpose to build and maintain tension as the would-be series advances through its episodes. From what I have read, the network was enthusiasitc toward greenlighting the series. So I speculate that it wasn't launched because Landau and Bain opted to go with ITC's Space:1999 instead. In retrospect, that's a shame. I think a Savage series would have been sensational, and Space: 1999 would have been just fine with another pair of actors in the lead.
You don't have to be a Spielberg fan to admire this film's bold and visionary style which must have seemed all the more so in 1973.
I encourage you to give this one a try. Available on YouTube in glorious VHS quality!
