The Andromeda Strain
“The picture runs 130 minutes... The story covers 96 of the most critical hours in man's history... The suspense will last through your lifetime!”
Synopsis
When virtually all of the residents of Piedmont, New Mexico are found dead after the return to Earth of a space satellite, the head of the US Air Force's Project Scoop declares an emergency. A group of eminent scientists led by Dr. Jeremy Stone scrambles to a secure laboratory and tries first to isolate the life form while determining why two people from Piedmont - an old alcoholic and a six-month-old baby - survived. The scientists methodically study the alien life form, unaware that it has already mutated and presents a far greater danger in the lab, which is equipped with a nuclear self-destruct device designed to prevent the escape of dangerous biological agents.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Behind the scenes of "The Andromeda Strain" 1971 featurette
Type: Featurette • Published 2015-07-03
Top Cast
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Arthur Hill
Dr. Jeremy Stone
David Wayne
Dr. Charles Dutton
James Olson
Dr. Mark Hall
Kate Reid
Dr. Ruth Leavitt
Paula Kelly
Karen Anson
George Mitchell
Jackson
Ramon Bieri
Major Manchek
Peter Hobbs
General Sparks
Kermit Murdock
Dr. Robertson
Richard O'Brien
Grimes
Eric Christmas
Senator from Vermont
Mark Jenkins
Lt. Shawn (Piedmont team)
Peter Helm
Sgt. Crane (Piedmont team)
Joe Di Reda
Wildfire Computer Sgt. Burk
Carl Reindel
Lt. Comroe
Ken Swofford
Toby (technician)
Frances Reid
Clara Dutton
Richard Bull
Air Force Major
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 12, 1971
Wide Cinema Exhibition
August 24, 2015
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$6.5M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$12.4M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
1.9x
+$5.9M net gain
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Wise
- Screenplay & Story
- Nelson Gidding
- Original Score
- Gil Mellé
- Original Title
- The Andromeda Strain
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 11m
- Production Budget
- $6.5M
- Worldwide Gross
- $12.4M
- Production Studios
- Robert Wise Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Wise
Nelson Gidding, Michael Crichton
Gil Mellé
Richard H. Kline
John W. Holmes, Stuart Gilmore
Robert Wise
Department Leadership Roster
John W. Holmes
Editor
Richard H. Kline
Director of Photography
Robert Wise
Director
Robert Wise
Producer
Nelson Gidding
Screenplay
Stuart Gilmore
Editor
Gil Mellé
Original Music Composer
Helen Colvig
Costume Design
Boris Leven
Production Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Andromeda Strain.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Andromeda Strain
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Andromeda Strain about?
When virtually all of the residents of Piedmont, New Mexico are found dead after the return to Earth of a space satellite, the head of the US Air Force's Project Scoop declares an emergency. A group of eminent scientists led by Dr. Jeremy Stone scrambles to a secure laboratory and tries first to isolate the life form while determining why two people from Piedmont - an old alcoholic and a six-month-old baby - survived. The scientists methodically study the alien life form, unaware that it has already mutated and presents a far greater danger in the lab, which is equipped with a nuclear self-destruct device designed to prevent the escape of dangerous biological agents.
Who directed The Andromeda Strain?
The Andromeda Strain was directed by Robert Wise.
Who stars in The Andromeda Strain?
The principal cast of The Andromeda Strain includes Arthur Hill, David Wayne, James Olson, Kate Reid, Paula Kelly.
When was The Andromeda Strain released and how long is it?
The Andromeda Strain was released in 1971 with a total runtime of 2h 11m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Andromeda Strain?
The Andromeda Strain had a reported production budget of $6.5M and grossed $12.4M at the worldwide box office (1.9 return on budget, classified as a budget recovered).
Who composed the musical score for The Andromeda Strain?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Andromeda Strain was composed by Gil Mellé.
Is The Andromeda Strain based on a book or true story?
The Andromeda Strain is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Michael Crichton".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Andromeda Strain?
The Andromeda Strain holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.); US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).