Capricorn One
“The mission was a sham. The murders were real.”
Synopsis
In order to protect the reputation of the American space program, a team of NASA administrators turn the first Mars mission into a phony Mars landing. Under threat of harm to their families the astronauts play their part in the deception on a staged set in a deserted military base. But once the real ship returns to Earth and burns up on re-entry, the astronauts become liabilities. Now, with the help of a crusading reporter, they must battle a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Vintage TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-08-18
Top Cast
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Elliott Gould
Robert Caulfield
James Brolin
Col. Charles Brubaker
Brenda Vaccaro
Kay Brubaker
Sam Waterston
Lt. Col. Peter Willis
O. J. Simpson
Cmdr. John Walker
Hal Holbrook
Dr. James Kelloway
Karen Black
Judy Drinkwater
Telly Savalas
Albain
David Huddleston
Hollis Peaker
David Doyle
Walter Loughlin
Lee Bryant
Sharon Willis
Denise Nicholas
Betty Walker
Robert Walden
Elliot Whitter
James B. Sikking
Control Room Man
Alan Fudge
Capsule Communicator
James Karen
Vice President Price
Jon Cedar
F.B.I. Man Number 1
Hank Stohl
General Enders
Release History & Theatrical Window
June 2, 1978
Wide Cinema Exhibition
February 17, 1998
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$5M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$12M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
2.4x
+$7M net gain
Theatrical Status
Profitable
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Peter Hyams
- Screenplay & Story
- Peter Hyams
- Original Score
- Jerry Goldsmith
- Original Title
- Capricorn One
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 3m
- Production Budget
- $5M
- Worldwide Gross
- $12M
- Production Studios
- Associated General Films, ITC Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Peter Hyams
Peter Hyams
Jerry Goldsmith
Wilmer Butler
James Mitchell
Paul Lazarus III
Department Leadership Roster
Peter Hyams
Screenplay
Paul Lazarus III
Producer
Wilmer Butler
Director of Photography
James Mitchell
Editor
Peter Hyams
Director
Jerry Goldsmith
Original Music Composer
Patricia Norris
Costume Design
Albert Brenner
Production Design
Bill Hickman
Stunt Coordinator
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Capricorn One.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Capricorn One
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Capricorn One about?
In order to protect the reputation of the American space program, a team of NASA administrators turn the first Mars mission into a phony Mars landing. Under threat of harm to their families the astronauts play their part in the deception on a staged set in a deserted military base. But once the real ship returns to Earth and burns up on re-entry, the astronauts become liabilities. Now, with the help of a crusading reporter, they must battle a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.
Who directed Capricorn One?
Capricorn One was directed by Peter Hyams.
Who stars in Capricorn One?
The principal cast of Capricorn One includes Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O. J. Simpson.
When was Capricorn One released and how long is it?
Capricorn One was released in 1977 with a total runtime of 2h 3m.
What was the box office and production budget of Capricorn One?
Capricorn One had a reported production budget of $5M and grossed $12M at the worldwide box office (2.4 return on budget, classified as a commercial hit).
Who composed the musical score for Capricorn One?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Capricorn One was composed by Jerry Goldsmith.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Capricorn One?
Capricorn One holds official age classifications: AU: PG (Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.); US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).