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.
In a stunning deception, NASA fakes the landing of the first manned mission to Mars, known as Capricorn One. When the three astronauts aboard realize they are part of a fraudulent mission with no chance of return, they must race against time to expose the truth before they are silenced forever. Meanwhile, a determined reporter stumbles upon evidence of the conspiracy and finds himself entangled in the deadly plot.
Capricorn One was a commercial success and received generally positive reviews, praised for its suspenseful plot, thrilling action sequences, and strong performances. While some critics found the premise far-fetched, its execution as a conspiracy thriller resonated well with audiences.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's suspenseful narrative and action-packed elements. Many found the conspiracy plot intriguing and enjoyed the performances of the cast.
Director Peter Hyams intentionally filmed many of the desert chase sequences at a slower frame rate to enhance the feeling of speed and danger.
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