Peter Hyams wrote and directed a movie that isn’t science fiction but is as intimately involved with the genre and the boundaries between science and fiction as any engaging work of speculative fiction. Capricorn One (1977) is a thriller with elements of action, adventure, and survival films. Yet its central point is the distinction between truth and deception.

The plot follows the much-anticipated adventure of three astronauts – Charles Brubaker (James Brolin), Peter Willis (Sam Waterston), and John Walker (O. J. Simpson) – about to be launched into the outer space on the first manned mission to Mars. But at the last minute, they are informed that the launch must proceed without them and they need to stay in government custody until the day when the fake Mars landing is executed. Und...

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