Deadly Encounter (1982)

If you know the TV industry from the seventies, you will notice that movie is very similar to another one also directed by Bill Graham, a film called BIRDS OF PREY, from 1973, starring David Janssen, as a vet pilot who chased bank robbers also chopper pilots. This is a very same topic, with also exciting helicopter chase sequences; But Robert Boris ALSO wrote the 1973 movie, maybe this explains that...I will prefer of course the DJ movie, from the seventies, far darker and more gloomy than this one, made during the Ronnie Reagan's post Vietnam era, when American values had to be optimistic with Wall Street reign and also the producers one too. But this one remains a very effective, action packed TV feature.

Although I agree this is a fun movie to watch we should give credit to the movie it is a almost direct copy of "Birds of Prey" with David Jansen, which was done in 1973. The same helicopters are used, a Hughes 500 and an Alouette with basically the same story line but I feel the acting was better in BOP. That said,I really did enjoy the movie especially the scenery and the flying. I enjoyed Hagman much more in this than Dallas. Also the visit to the old Pima Air museum brought back many memories A I live in Peonix for a whle. These were the days when flying was still fun and not regulated as much as now. I still have to highly recommend this movie for any helicopter buff.--- shalako

I have only seen the movie once - but boy it has always stuck! I am a helicopter pilot firstly and secondly a fixed wing pilot. The flying sequences in this movie, are just absolutely stunning and well executed. I salute the pilots who performed these awesome stunts and flying! If you are an airplane nut or rotorhead, you will enjoy this movie - guaranteed! I have not seen any other movie that equals this in flying action. The only other movie that comes to mind is Blue Max, but that is all about bi-planes in WW1, never the less that movie also had some stunning flying sequences. I wish for the movie to be released on DVD, I bet it makes a comeback!!! I buy one for each of my fly-buddies...

I've seen this movie many many times, since I was a little boy. My dad is a helicopter pilot and he taped this movie on new year's eve, so he could see in the other day. Awesome, because I don't see any DVDs available so far. With it's storyline shifting between the US and Mexico, Sam Hooten (Larry Hagman) pilots a Hughes 500 series helicopter. He an ex-army pilot who now flies on his own. The story is pretty simple: Sam must protect an old girlfriend (Chris Butler, played by Susan Anspach) - who married a rich gangster - from other gangsters, flying her from USA to Mexico City. The great thing about this movie is the helicopter scenes; with amazing maneuvers and a lot of dogfighting. The movie gets to it's climax when Sam and Chris find themselves trapped by the gangsters and call Sam's old army buddies for help. This movie is worth watching because of the helicopters and planes. A real good classic.