THE DISAPPEARANCE OF FLIGHT 412

US, 1974, 74 minutes, Colour.
Glenn Ford, Bradford Dillman, Guy Stockwell, David Soul, Robert F. Lyons, Kent Smith.
Directed by Jud Taylor.

The Disappearance of Flight 412 is a brief telemovie focusing on the U.F.O. phenomenon - before Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The film focuses on the military, a cover-up operation (reminiscent of such films as Capricorn One, Hangar 18, which were yet to be made).

The film has a strong cast led by Glenn Ford and Bradford Dillman. The screenplay uses the places and dates technique to give something of a military precision to the exercise and the cover-up.

The film takes seriously the phenomenon of the U.F.O., the evidence that has been circulated - and the hypothesis that the American military covers up the data and the accidents and disasters that have been consequent on U.F.O. sightings.

The film looks realistic - but is a piece of science fiction.

1. Audience interest in the U.F.O. phenomenon? The American military and its cover-up concerning U.F.Os?

2. The telemovie style: brevity, commercial breaks? The technical qualities: the Air Force locations, the bases, aerial shots, technology? The interrogations?

3. The title and the focus - thriller style?

4. The film's stance on U.F.Os: the opening with the evidence being given? The popular understanding of U.F.Os? The hypothesis of the U.F.Os being hostile, attacking the American Air Force, the authorities covering up for morale?

5. The focus on the flight, the pilots and their interactions, communications with Base, the strange sightings, the disappearance, their being told to land? Their being isolated for hours, the interrogations? The de-briefing so that they would keep quiet about the experience? The reactions of the pilots? To their superior, when rescued? Their promotions and silence as indicated at the end?

6. The officer played by Glenn Ford, American authority? His concern, puzzle, follow-up? His discovery of the truth, the confrontation of the interrogator, the confrontation with the General, the material about the crashed planes revealed? His silence - and lack of promotion? His assistant and his help, advice to let the situation go?

7. The interrogator and his style, closed-circuit television, records? De-briefing? The use of authority over the men? The General and his information, secrecy, transfer of responsibilities?

8. The film as a military entertainment? The military precision with names and dates? With the conspiracy theory?