BIRDS OF PREY

US, 1972, 81 minutes, Colour.
David Janssen, Ralph Meeker.
Directed by William A. Graham.

Birds of Prey is a routine thriller, made in the early days of telemovie, utilising David Janssen who had made a great impact on television in The Fugitive. Ralph Meeker was a veteran of many films of the 1950s, a strong action character.

The film focuses on an ex-military pilot who works for a radio station in Salt Lake City – a traffic helicopter pilot. When a bank robbery takes place and the teller is abducted, he follows in the helicopter (a bird of prey). They also transfer to a helicopter – and the pursuer, running out of fuel, flags down a tanker truck on the highway. The film is an effective suspense chase movie.

1. An enjoyable film? Quality as a telemovie: techniques, compact plot?

2. The importance of the atmosphere of Salt Lake City, environment? The city, the police, air surveillance? The surrounding locations and mountains?

3. The theme of the present and the past? The nostalgia week, the plane in the parade, the memories of World War II, war heroes, the medley of songs, the references to Casa Blanca? A view of America?

4. The significance of the title and the reference to helicopters? Birds of prey for destruction? The peaceful use of helicopters, the helicopters as new? Harry and his job? Surveillance? The exhilaration of flying? The helicopter and the swooping, surveying? The importance of the helicopter and its being damaged? The confrontation with destructive helicopters? Death in the helicopter? Their fascination for the audience?

5. The character sketch of Harry - age, memories. war heroism, failed marriages, enjoyment of his work, a romantic in the air? The contrast with Mac, his attitude towards Mac as a cog in the work force? Arguing with Mat?

6. The character sketch of Mac and his role in the police, his memories, pragmatic, involved in the routine?

7. The change of mood with the robbery, its staging and as seen from the air? The criminals, the taking of the hostage, the use of helicopters?

8. Harry and his decision for involvement? An older man yet his ability with helicopter tricks? The damaged his rescuing of the hostage, eluding his pursuers, hiding and mending his helicopter?

9. The importance of Teresa Jane, younger generation, hostage, hero worship and admiration? Her being saved by him?

10. The melodramatics of the chase, Harry as victim being pursued, outwitting his pursuers, the clash?

11. His decision to save Mac and giving himself in death? The irony of the crash of the birds of prey?

12. How entertaining a thriller, how well presented? Themes?