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The Swarm

THE SWARM

1978 • US HMDB

June 26, 1978

Scientist Dr. Bradford Crane and army general Thalius Slater join forces to fight an almost invisible enemy threatening America; killer bees that have deadly venom and attack without reason. Disaster movie-master Irwin Allen's film contains spectacular special effects, including a train crash caused by the eponymous swarm.

Directors

Irwin Allen

Horror Thriller Fantascienza

Cast

Michael Caine

Brad Crane

Katharine Ross

Capt. Helena Anderson

Richard Widmark

Gen. Thaddeus Slater

Richard Chamberlain

Dr. Hubbard

Olivia de Havilland

Maureen Schuester

Ben Johnson

Felix

Lee Grant

Anne MacGregor

José Ferrer

Dr. Andrews

Patty Duke

Rita

Slim Pickens

Jud Hawkins

Bradford Dillman

Maj. Baker

Fred MacMurray

Maj. Clarance Tuttle

Henry Fonda

Dr. Walter Krim

Cameron Mitchell

Gen. Thompson

Christian Juttner

Paul Durant

Morgan Paull

Dr. Newman

Alejandro Rey

Dr. Martinez

Don 'Red' Barry

Pete Harris

Elizabeth Rogers

Woman Scientist

Doria Cook-Nelson

Mrs. Durant

Crew

Production: Irwin Allen (Producer)

Screenplay: Stirling Silliphant (Screenplay)

Music: Jerry Goldsmith (Original Music Composer)

Cinematography: Fred J. Koenekamp (Director of Photography)

REVIEWS (1)

Marco Castellini

• November 29, 2025

A swarm of killer bees from Africa terrorizes the United States: the city of Houston is attacked and almost razed to the ground. But there is a way to stop the terrible insects, and in the end, a scholar will find it. A classic of the fantasy-horror genre with a great cast including the names of Michael Caine, Richard Chamberlain, and Henry Fonda. A film not very imaginative but certainly of great impact that manages to keep the viewer's tension high throughout the duration of the movie. Recommended.