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’70s Car Movies

Fear Is the Key

1h 44m

Directed by Michael Tuchner • 1972 • United Kingdom
Starring Barry Newman, Suzy Kendall, John Vernon

Based on a novel by thriller specialist Alistair MacLean, this excitingly unpredictable action joyride stars Barry Newman as an underwater salvage expert who, after his family is killed in a plane crash, hatches an elaborate scheme—involving impersonation, a phony murder, and the kidnapping of an oil heiress (Suzy Kendall)—in order to exact revenge on those responsible. An epic opening car chase and Ben Kingsley (with hair!) in his film debut are among the myriad pleasures.

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