Filming the climax during an actual Superbowl game was inspired - it was actually AD Jerry Zeismer's idea, and brilliantly well coordinated. The arrival of 'Jimmy Carter' (actually a double) was perfectly timed to the beginning of the National Anthem so it looked like everyone stood up for the President. I guess it has the effect of a William Boyd - supplant drama on reality and it makes it seem more realistic. Though as to the mechanics of the terrorist plot, it seems slightly dubious to me.
Rather over-inflated - could have done with pruning in scenes and script, which is by Ernest Lehman, Kenneth Ross and Ivan Moffat from Thomas Harris novel. Robert Shaw is saddled with a distracting accent, and Marthe Keller has a tendency to overact. Still it's worth it for the climactic helicopter versus zeppelin moments featuring some incredibly brave stunt man.
Well photographed, some of it hand held, by John A Alonzo, music from John Williams. Paramount.
Excuse me, I forgot to mention that Bruce Dern is one of the stars and he is reliably good. With Fritz Weaver, Steven Keats (other Jewish intelligence guy), Bekim Fehmiu, Michael Gazzo, William Daniels.
To answer my former neighbour's (good) question, it did well at the box office, though Star Wars was the hit of the year.
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