Bloodline (film)

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Bloodline

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Terence Young
Produced by Sidney Beckerman
Richard McWhorter
David V. Picker
Written by Laird Koenig
Sidney Sheldon (novel)
Starring Audrey Hepburn
Ben Gazzara
James Mason
Irene Papas
Music by Ennio Morricone
Cinematography Freddie Young
Editing by Bud Molin
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) June 29, 1979
Running time 116 min.
Country Flag of the United States United States
Flag of West Germany West Germany
Language English
IMDb profile

Bloodline is a thriller motion picture released in 1979. Based upon the novel Bloodline by Sidney Sheldon, it was produced by Paramount Pictures and directed by Terence Young with music by Ennio Morricone. The film was also released under the title Sidney Sheldon's Bloodline.

Contents

[edit] Plot

Sam Roffe, President of Roffe & Sons Pharmaceuticals dies in a climbing accident leaving his daughter Elizabeth (Audrey Hepburn) a billion dollar empire. Roffe's board members thus see the opportunity to settle old scores, jockey of higher positions and reap lucrative profits. However an investigation into Sam's accident uncovers a murder and a nefarious power struggle within the company. Lead investigator Max Hornung (Gert Fröbe) informs Elizabeth of his list of suspects that include her closest advisers and financially strapped family members. During this time she marries CEO Rhys Williams (Ben Gazzara) but he, too, is identified by Hornung as a suspect. As president, Elizabeth refuses Roffe & Sons to sell on the world market. Her choice prevents the board members from selling their shares of stocks and therefore remain in financial misery. Her death would allow for a unanimous decision to sell the board's stocks and get the money. After several attempts on her life an international chase ensues with Elizabeth unable to trust anyone.

[edit] Cast

[edit] Notes

  • This was Audrey Hepburn's first, and only R-rated film.
  • According to a 1979 article in Playboy, the film was originally produced with more graphic sexuality and violence, but was edited down to avoid an X-rating.
  • Sheldon originally wrote the character of Elizabeth as a much younger woman in her 30s. When the 50-something Hepburn was cast, he revised his novel to make the character older.

[edit] External links