COLOSSUS: THE FORBIN PROJECT (1970)

With a premise ahead of its time and no major stars attached, this 1970 science fiction thriller was initially a box-office failure for Universal upon its release. As technology continues to advance, however, it’s developed a cult following. Eric Braeden stars as Dr. Charles Forbin, the creator of Colossus, a super-computer designed to control U.S. weapons systems. Instead, it develops a mind of its own and sets out to control the world. Using actual computer parts on loan from Control Data Corporation, director Joseph Sargent created a very convincing depiction of the rising information age. Although the studio initially wanted to cast Charlton Heston or Gregory Peck, Sargent and producer Stanley Chase insisted on unknown talent to make the plot more believable. That opened the door for Braeden—who would go on to star on The Young and the Restless for 45 years and counting—as well as Susan Clark, William Schallert, Gordon Pinsent, and Marion Ross.  

d. Joseph Sargent, 100m, DCP

Courtesy of Universal Pictures.