The Hoax 1972
"Two guys become a nuclear power, open a secret Swiss bank account… and hold a city for ransom!"
In The Hoax (1972), director Robert J. Anderson crafts a zany crime-comedy about two small-time schemers who stumble upon a lost nuclear weapon off the coast of Los Angeles.
Director: Robert J. Anderson
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Hoax (1972) about?
The film follows two wannabe criminals who find a lost nuclear weapon and attempt to extort money from an entire city by threatening to detonate it. Their grandiose plan quickly spirals into a comedic battle with law enforcement, blending humor with a dash of social commentary.
Who directed The Hoax?
The Hoax was directed by Robert J. Anderson, a filmmaker known for his work in mid-century crime and comedy films.
Who stars in The Hoax?
The main cast includes Bill Ewing, Frank Bonner, Jacques Aubuchon, Sharon DeBord, and Don Dubbins, with Harriet Gibson rounding out the ensemble.
Is The Hoax (1972) worth watching?
While not widely celebrated today, The Hoax offers a charming snapshot of 1970s crime-comedy tropes, with a runtime short enough to keep it from overstaying its welcome. It's a quirky, lighthearted pick for fans of the genre, though it's far from a cinematic masterpiece.
How long is The Hoax?
The Hoax runs for 85 minutes, making it a concise and breezy watch.
The Hoax (1972) — A 1970s Crime-Comedy Classic with Nuclear Stakes
In The Hoax (1972), director Robert J. Anderson crafts a zany crime-comedy about two small-time schemers who stumble upon a lost nuclear weapon off the coast of Los Angeles. With mischievous glee, they hatch a ludicrous plan to blackmail the city by demanding ransom from every citizen, turning chaos into a twisted game of cat and mouse with local authorities. The film blends sharp wit with lighthearted absurdity, capturing the spirit of 1970s counterculture and the era's fascination with crime capers.
The atmosphere crackles with playful audacity as the duo navigates their farcical scheme, their brash confidence masking the sheer impossibility of their stunt. With a runtime that keeps the energy tight and focused, The Hoax (1972) delivers a quirky, underrated gem that's equal parts comedy and crime, perfect for fans of offbeat humor and mid-century mischief.