HANGAR 18

US, 1980, 97 minutes, Colour.
Darren Mc Gavin, Robert Vaughn, Pamela Bellwood.
Directed by James L.Conway.

Hangar 18 is science fiction looking like science fact. The screenplay resembles considerably Peter Hyams' Capricorn One (1978). The theme is government cover-up for a space project which went wrong. The space project, however, has been very much influenced by Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The science fiction material is of interest - although it draws on popular ideas e.g. The Chariots of the Gods.

The cover-up material is presented in a hard hitting way with Robert Vaughan as an icy villain in control. Darren McGavin?
and Gary Collins are effective as the expert and the hero trying to find out what is happening, on its popular level, Hangar 18 is enjoyable entertainment - as well as raising a number of questions.

1. The film capitalising on the science fiction trends of the '70s: the space projects, close encounters, visitors from outer space? The comparison with Capricorn One? The blend of science fiction and science fact? Technology?

2. The authentic background: American space programme, NASA? The plausibility of flying saucers and visitors from space? The locations used for authentic contemporary atmosphere? Places with times and dates? Special effects? Musical score?

3. The information given at the opening - its plausibility? Space technology, the possibility of life in outer space? The plausibility of the politics and the eruption into violence? Cover-ups? The American experiences of the '70s?

4. The initial space programme and situation? Preparation for blast-off? Introduction to the characters, atmosphere, the mystique of space shuttles? The puzzle on the radar? The crash and its repercussions?

5. Harry Forbes and his expertise, interest, contact with the men? The follow-up in examining the spacecraft? His enthusiastic research? Hangar 18 and its staff? Supporting them, asking questions, medical examinations, translations of the symbols? The examination of the space vehicle itself? The glimpse of the team and the variety of specialists? Their particularly American style in examination and research? Harry's discovery of the cover-up and his declaration of his conscience?

6. The two astronauts and the accident, their being blamed for the accident? Their being informed and deciding to search for the truth? The visit to the landing site in Arizona, the discussion with the sheriff, flying to Hangar 18, the car chases and crashes, the gunmen? The build-up to their escape with the tanker? The ploy and Lew's being shot? Steve finding Hangar 18 and Harry? The pace and suspense of the chase sequences? The astronauts as heroes becoming victims? Their achievement? American-type astronauts?

7. The political background: the forthcoming election, Cordon Cain and his belief in the President? The end justifying the means? Robert Vaughn's controlled villainy? Ruthlessness? Pressures on people? The situation getting out of hand? The Army and its responsibility? The General and his part in the cover-up? Frank Lafferty and his administering Cain's orders? The violence. the gunmen? The nature of the conspiracy, the violence and murder? The decision then to bomb Hangar 18? The irony of the survivors in the spacecraft? The exposure of the conspiracy?

8. The blending of the various strands for interest, suspense, emotional involvement?

9. Themes of political cover-ups? Ends justifying means? Moral issues and responsibilities? The contrast with heroism, integrity and the search for truth?

10. The background of space exploration, the possibilities of alien visitors? The use of current ideas (fact and fiction) for space exploration e.g. the Mexican pyramids and symbols?

11. Science fiction as a way of symbolising contemporary interests and interpreting them?