In Karel Reisz's film, based on Robert Stone's novel DOG SOLDIERS, John Converse (Michael Moriarty), a Marine combat veteran, returns to Vietnam as a war correspondent. He is overwhelmed by the challenges that face him, and so he decides that in an insane world, it makes sense to to smuggle heroin into the United States, and joins in with a conspiracy group suspected to have CIA connections. His ex-marine buddy, Ray Hicks (Nick Nolte), now a merchant marine sailor, helps him smuggle the heroin to San Francisco. When Ray delivers the drugs to John's wife Marge (Tuesday Weld), thugs disguised as Federal agents steal the drugs. Outraged at being double crossed, Hicks takes Marge with him on the run, followed now by real CIA agents. In their flight through the drug underworld of L.A. and down into New Mexico, Hicks discovers that Marge is a junkie herself. Though she is physically weak, she nonetheless possesses an inner strength to match Hick's exterior strength. Nolte, in one of his first staring roles, is unequaled in his expression of intelligence and sensitivity, while being simultaneously tougher than nails.
Reisz keeps the action and characters in the forefront, and in doing so keeps this heavily allegorical story about the corrupting effect of the Vietnam War on America from collapsing under its own weight.
Severely disappointed with the US government after the Vietnam conflict, John decides that the best way to make money is to smuggle heroin from South-east Asia into the States. He recruits his equally disgruntled wartime buddy, Ray who agrees to help. But when Anthell, a corrupt DEA man, gets wind of their plans, he abducts John in hopes of getting his hands on the stuff. Now Ray and Marge, John's wife, have to figure out how to get rid of the smack quickly and find a place to hide from Anthell and his goons.
Theatrical Release: August 2, 1978.
On the video box cover Nolte is shown walking along the railroad tracks. This is an homage to Neal Cassidy, the legendary beat character who died walking on the railroad tracks in Mexico.
The title of the film comes from the song by The Credence Clearwater Revival which is used in the film.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Letterbox - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital Mono - English
Dolby Digital Mono - Spanish
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer
Director of Photography
Richard H. Kline: American Director of Photography
Production Designer
Dale Hennesy:
Costume Designer
William Ware Theiss: Costume Designer
Review 1:
"...It has a hardnose progression and solidity in its characterizations. Nolte earns his star stripes here, displaying presence and perceptiveness..."
Source: Variety
05/24/1978
Review 2:
"The acting is superb....Here, Reisz preserved the frightening story, [and] made his best film..."
Source: Uncut
p.140 04/01/2005
Review 3:
Ranked #15 in Uncut's Best DVDs Of 2005 -- "[I]t gave Nick Nolte his first great role..."
Source: Uncut
p.84-85 01/01/2006
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