The Formula
“Big Oil. Big Money. Big Mystery. Everyone’s out to make a killing.”
Synopsis
While investigating the death of a friend and fellow cop, Los Angeles police officer Barney Caine stumbles across evidence that Nazis created a synthetic alternative to gasoline during World War II. This revelation has the potential to end the established global oil industry, making the formula a very valuable and dangerous piece of information. Eventually, Caine must contend with oil tycoon Adam Steiffel, who clearly has his own agenda regarding the formula.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Formula - TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2013-10-22
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
George C. Scott
Barney Caine
Marlon Brando
Adam Steiffel
Marthe Keller
Lisa
John Gielgud
Dr. Abraham Esau
G.D. Spradlin
Arthur Clements
Beatrice Straight
Kay Neeley
Richard Lynch
General Helmut Kladen / Frank Tedesco
John van Dreelen
Hans Lehman
Robin Clarke
Major Tom Neeley
Ike Eisenmann
Tony
Marshall Thompson
Geologist #1
Dieter Schidor
Assassin
Werner Kreindl
Schellenberg
Jan Niklas
Gestapo Captain
Wolfgang Preiss
Franz Tauber
Calvin Jung
Sgt. Yosuta
Alan North
Nolan
David Byrd
Obermann
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 19, 1980
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$13.2M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$8.9M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.67x
-$4.3M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John G. Avildsen
- Screenplay & Story
- Steve Shagan
- Original Score
- Bill Conti
- Original Title
- The Formula
- Country of Origin
- Germany, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- German, English, Portuguese, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 57m
- Production Budget
- $13.2M
- Worldwide Gross
- $8.9M
- Production Studios
- CIP Filmproduktion GmbH, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John G. Avildsen
Steve Shagan
Bill Conti
James Crabe
John Carter
Steve Shagan
Department Leadership Roster
Steve Shagan
Screenplay
John G. Avildsen
Director
Steve Shagan
Producer
James Crabe
Director of Photography
Bill Conti
Original Music Composer
John Carter
Editor
Herman A. Blumenthal
Production Design
Bill Thomas
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Formula.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Formula.
Mid Hunting List
A list of mids found by Mid Hunters
list0
Political-Thriller
Marlon Brando Portfolio - Movies
Curated master portfolio of movies starring Marlon Brando Portfolio - Movies. Updated frequently. Last updated September 26, 2026.
Thriller
ReelBox
Oscar Best Cinematography Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Cinematography Nominees
Similar Titles to The Formula
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
6.6
4.8
7.0
6.6
6.8
5.5
8.0
5.7
7.3
7.2
6.1
7.4
7.0
6.9
4.8
6.2
7.7
6.6
7.7
7.1
More Like The Formula
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Formula
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Formula about?
While investigating the death of a friend and fellow cop, Los Angeles police officer Barney Caine stumbles across evidence that Nazis created a synthetic alternative to gasoline during World War II. This revelation has the potential to end the established global oil industry, making the formula a very valuable and dangerous piece of information. Eventually, Caine must contend with oil tycoon Adam Steiffel, who clearly has his own agenda regarding the formula.
Who directed The Formula?
The Formula was directed by John G. Avildsen.
Who stars in The Formula?
The principal cast of The Formula includes George C. Scott, Marlon Brando, Marthe Keller, John Gielgud, G.D. Spradlin.
When was The Formula released and how long is it?
The Formula was released in 1980 with a total runtime of 1h 57m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Formula?
The Formula had a reported production budget of $13.2M and grossed $8.9M at the worldwide box office (0.67 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Who composed the musical score for The Formula?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Formula was composed by Bill Conti.
Is The Formula based on a book or true story?
The Formula is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Steve Shagan".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Formula?
The Formula holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).