ABC Movie of the Weekend Open 1971

From ABC, the Movie of the Weekend open for Steven Spielberg's Duel. Mostly intact but one video hit in this clip.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• ABC
• Movie
• Open

[wmbrown6]

I have to ask - was it from this opening that the memorable WABC-TV movie opens from the 1970's (notably "The 4:30 Movie" and its other umbrellas) was derived, given that the same panned footage of the silhoutted cameraman with the movie camera was used here?

[eyeontv]

I think you're right about that one, it was probably customized for the O&Os.

[convoyduel]

No, Duel was the ABC Movie of the Weekend filmed in September 1971 and first airing in October 1971. Approximately 15 minutes of additional scenes were shot a few years later, making it a complete 90 minute movie for theatrical release.

[wlhardy]

I remember this movie--it scared the crap out of me! No special effects, no swearing, no sex, no cursing, no blood, no guts--but still scary! Amazing, isn't it? I remember that it was filmed in a way where you couldn't see the truck driver's face. I think this was Spielberg's first movie, he was so young (in his 20s) and did a fantastic job.

[TrekkiELO]

@wlhardy Same here, I first saw this on Channel 13 KCOP Los Angeles back in the 1980s, Billy Goldenberg's soundtrack music for "Duel" is what creeps me out most! 8-)

[ssoberstgroupandfuhr]

Spielberg directed "Murder By the Book" prior to this for NBC & Peter Falk for the opening episode. Columbo episodes may as well be considered movies given their run time was 90-120 minutes.

[Htos1av]

@wlhardy Me too!Loved it!

[UnseenCaller]

Duel is overrated IMO.  Yes, it makes you "wonder" why the truck driver was doing it, and who he was, but it was the ultimate leaves-you-dangling movie. We never even see him. It leaves everyone saying "so what the fuh?? I just spent 90 minutes being teased with no satisfaction."

[TubeGunner]

I also notice in this here, Dennis Weaver says "He wanted me to hit that car head on" and "why is he doing this?" Neither are in my old VHS nor my DVD version. I also recall on my own, another part toward the end where the final chase begins as the trucker waves his arm for Weaver to go ahead, and Weaver is thinking to himself again like in the diner, something like "He wants to keep me ahead of him until he's ready to move in for the kill" and then he looks in his mirror and there he is.

[TubeGunner]

Wow, this is awesome! What memories. I saw this when I was a kid when it came out. Have seen it countless times since. Like most creepy flicks from that era, it was creepy as hell and unforgettable. Nowadays it's atrocious flicks with no story or real tension, just full of CGI crap and shit talent. Or "reality" shows full of people with no clothes on and no more talent than that, informercials, and endless talkshows, all lame as fuck.

[hobokenplayboy]

@sarkelcpa Yes. You are correct. The movie did air originally on November 18, 1971. When the T.V. version scored high ratings, it was decided that two new scenes would be added to extend the movie to 90 minutes for theatrical release internationally. A second Plymouth Valiant was purchased and a second Peterbilt was also located to film the two new scenes.

[Childist2]

Duel is one of my favorite movies of all time.

[sarkelcpa]

@convoyduel I thought it was aired in November. I remember that Saturday night like it was yesterday. We were out Christmas shopping (even though I wanted to stay at home and watch Duel). While everyone else was shopping, I was in the television section of the store watching the movie.