
In order to protect the reputation of the American space program, a team of NASA administrators turn the first Mars mission into a phony Mars landing. Under threat of harm to their families the astronauts play their part in the deception on a staged set in a deserted military base. But once the real ship returns to Earth and burns up on re-entry, the astronauts become liabilities. Now, with the help of a crusading reporter, they must battle a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.
Cast

Elliott Gould
Robert Caulfield

James Brolin
Col. Charles Brubaker

Brenda Vaccaro
Kay Brubaker

Sam Waterston
Lt. Col. Peter Willis

O. J. Simpson
Cmdr. John Walker

Hal Holbrook
Dr. James Kelloway

Karen Black
Judy Drinkwater

Telly Savalas
Albain

David Huddleston
Hollis Peaker

David Doyle
Walter Loughlin

Lee Bryant
Sharon Willis

Denise Nicholas
Betty Walker

Robert Walden
Elliot Whitter

James B. Sikking
Control Room Man

Alan Fudge
Capsule Communicator

James Karen
Vice President Price

Jon Cedar
F.B.I. Man Number 1
Hank Stohl
General Enders

Norman Bartold
President

Darrell Zwerling
Dr. Bergen

Milton Selzer
Dr. Burroughs

Lou Frizzell
Horace Gruning

Nancy Malone
Mrs. Peaker

Paul Picerni
Jerry

Barbara Bosson
Alva Leacock

Bob Harks
Reporter (uncredited)
Frank Farmer
Policeman
Crew

Peter Hyams
Director, Screenplay
James Mitchell
Editor

Bill Butler
Director of Photography
Irby Smith
Assistant Director
Paul Lazarus III
Producer
Michael I. Rachmil
Associate Producer
Albert Brenner
Production Design
James R. Connell
Camera Operator
Jane Feinberg
Casting

Mike Fenton
Casting
Patricia Norris
Costume Design
Emma M. diVittorio
Hairstylist

Michael Westmore
Makeup Artist
Jerry Jost
Sound mixer
Joseph Kite
Boom Operator
Bruce Mattox
Special Effects
Henry Millar
Special Effects
Robert Spurlock
Special Effects

Jerry Goldsmith
Original Music Composer
Rick Simpson
Set Decoration

Bruce McBroom
Still Photographer
Marshall J. Wolins
Script Supervisor

Ron Underwood
Location Manager

Bill Hickman
Stunt Coordinator

Dan Perri
Title Designer
David M. Haber
Art Direction
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