Review of The Satan Bug (1965) by Greg W — 15 Jan 2012

Alistair MacLean was a prolific writer who wrote the novel this film was adapted from under the name "Ian Stuart." By 1965, Alistair MacLean's name was associated with a number of hot literary properties that had been adapted into hit movies (The Guns of Navaronne and Ice Station Zebra) so its a cinch that either Hollywood didn't know that Ian Stuart was Alistair MacLean or Alistair MacLean didn't want his name associated with this adaptation of his novel.

I don't see why the latter would be the case. Its a decent thriller dealing with a still-topical subject matter. Two murders and the theft of several flasks containing deadly biological warfare agents (including the ultra-lethal Satan Bug which could wipe out all life on earth) are carried out at the secretive "Site 3" in the middle of the American desert.

George Maharis is brought in to help chase down the madman who engineered this crime before he carries out his blackmail scheme on a huge scale. He is put up to this task by a general (Dana Andrews) and is aided by the general's daughter/secretary (Anne Francis).

John Sturges had previously directed The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape. James Clavell helped write the screenplay adaptation. Look for Ed Asner as a thug, Simon Oakland as a government administrator, and James Doonhan (Star Trek's "Scotty") and James Hong in bit parts.

Its no Guns of Naveronne or Where Eagles Dare but its worth a look.