Rollercoaster

An ominous threat unfolds when a young man tampers with a roller coaster, planting devices on the track and setting off chaos at a Norfolk amusement park. After a second attack in Pittsburgh, the same assailant escalates his blackmail plot by dispatching a message to a Chicago gathering of park executives, demanding a one million dollar payoff to halt his campaign of fear. The film follows investigators and security teams racing against the clock as the threat shadow looms over crowds, ride operators, and families who simply want a day of thrills. As authorities connect the dots across cities, the tension hinges on whether the villain can be outmaneuvered before he strikes again. Tension builds as deadlines collide with fate.

Directed by James Goldstone, Rollercoaster arrived in 1977 with a screenplay credited to Tommy Cook, Sanford Sheldon and William Link. The film, starring George Segal and Richard Widmark, leans into mid late 70s tech paranoia and big set pieces to fuel its suspense throughout its run.

Its worldwide gross stood at about 8.2 million against a 9 million budget, and despite a marketing push the returns fell short of expectations. Critics considered it solid but not a breakthrough at release.

Rollercoaster remains a notable example of 70s thrillers set in public venues, using the amusement park as a pressure cooker for suspense. Its claustrophobic chase sequences and juxtaposition of carnival brightness with danger have influenced later disaster thrillers, and the film is cited for its use of crowds and pacing.

Critics offered a mixed response, praising the taut setup and performances by Segal and Widmark while noting pacing dips and a finale that felt conventional. The film engages with fears about terrorism and public vulnerability, while probing how authorities balance freedom and protection in crowded spaces for communities and audiences.