Based on the strength of his work, Universal signed Spielberg to do four TV films. The first was a Richard Matheson adaptation called Duel. The film is about a psychotic Peterbilt 281 tanker truck driver who chases the terrified driver (Dennis Weaver) of a small Plymouth Valiant and tries to run him off the road. Special praise of this film by the influential British critic Dilys Powell was highly significant to Spielberg's career. Another TV film (Something Evil) was made and released to capitalize on the popularity of The Exorcist, then a major best-selling book which had not yet been released as a film. He fulfilled his contract by directing the TV film-length pilot of a show called Savage, starring Martin Landau. Spielberg's debut full-length feature film was The Sugarland Express, about a married couple who are chased by police as the couple tries to regain custody of their baby. Spielberg's cinematography for the police chase was praised by reviewers, and The Hollywood Reporter stated that "a major new director is on the horizon.":223 However, the film fared poorly at the box office and received a limited release. COUNT 10
QSN1 How many TV films did Universal sign Spielbergo to direct? ANS1 four QSN2 What British critic helped boost Steven Spielberg's career? ANS2 Dilys Powell QSN3 Who starred in the TV show "Savage"? ANS3 Martin Landau QSN4 How did Steven Spielberg's film "The Sugarland Express" do in the box office? ANS4 poorly QSN5 What were the married couple in Steven Spielberg's film "The Sugarland Express" trying to regain? ANS5 custody of their baby QSN6 How many TV movies was Spielberg signed to direct? ANS6 four QSN7 What kind of truck was 'Duel' about? ANS7 Peterbilt 281 tanker QSN8 Which British critic praised 'Duel'? ANS8 Dilys Powell QSN9 Which TV film Spielberg directed played off 'The Exorcist'? ANS9 Something Evil QSN10 Who starred in 'Savage'/ ANS10 Martin Landau