Duel
Action, Mystery, Thriller
Universal Studios  (1971) 90 mins PG

7.7 (17,777 votes)
David Mann (Dennis Weaver) departs from his home on a trip. While driving through the desert in his car, he overtakes an 18-wheeled tanker truck. The truck, who's driver we don't see, starts following and tailgating David. First the truck driver seems only to want to irritate David, but before long, the truck gets more aggressive, actively trying to force David into having an accident. In a truck stop, David tries to see who is the driver of the truck, but fails, and is chased once again when he gets back on the road. David tries to hide from the truck, but several attempts are all to no avail. When David's car starts to overheat from a radiator problem, things must come to a head......

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Cast and Crew
Dennis Weaver  ......  David Mann
Eddie Firestone  ......  Cafe Owner
Gene Dynarski  ......  Man in Cafe
Tim Herbert  ......  Gas Station Attendant
Charles Seel  ......  Old Man
Alexander Lockwood  ......  Old Man in Car
Director  .....  Steven Spielberg
Producer  .....  George Eckstein; Jon Miedzik
Writer  .....  Richard Matheson
Cinematography  .....  Jack A. Marta
Musician  .....  James Lee; Billy Goldenberg; Al Trace; Oakley Haldeman
Notes
Goofs:
Anachronisms: As David flips through different radio stations, a sports broadcast mentions Texas beating the Yankees. The Texas Rangers began play in 1972. However, a few minutes later he is listening to a call-in show discussing the Census questionnaire. The Census was taken in 1970. (more)

Trivia:
Steven Spielberg says that many European film critics found abstract concepts in the film, such as class struggle in America, but he considers it High Noon (1952) on wheels. (more)

Filming Locations:
Acton, California, USA (more)

Quotes:
David Mann: That truck driver's crazy, he's been trying to kill me, I mean it!
Bus Driver: Well, mister, if I was to vote on who's crazy around here, it'd be you.
(more)

Awards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations (more)