Who? (film)

Who?—also recognized under alternate titles such as The Man in the Steel Mask, Roboman, Robo Man, and Prisoner of the Skull'—is a British science fiction film from 1974, helmed by director Jack Gold and featuring performances by Elliott Gould, Trevor Howard, and Joseph Bova. The screenplay, authored by John Gould, adapts the 1958 novel penned by Algis Budrys.

Plot

A man bearing a metallic visage is repatriated from East Germany, asserting his identity as Lucas Martino, an American scientist who was critically injured in an automobile accident while working on a confidential rocket initiative. U.S. officials place him under scrutiny to determine whether he is genuinely Martino or an impostor attempting to extract sensitive information.

Cast

• Elliott Gould as Sean Rogers
• Trevor Howard as Colonel Azarin
• Joseph Bova as Lucas Martino
• Ed Grover as Finchley
• James Noble as General Deptford
• John Lehne as Haller
• Kay Tornborg as Edith
• Lyndon Brook as Dr. Barrister
• Joy Garrett as Barbara
• Michael Lombard as Dr. Besser
• John Stewart as Frank Heywood
• Ivan Desny as General Stürmer
• Alexander Allerson as Dr. Kothu
• Bruce Boa as Miller

Release

Despite claims that the movie was withheld from release for five years following its 1974 completion, records from the period verify that it was shown in U.S. theaters in 1975 and later broadcast on British television in 1976.

Critical reception

According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, the production exhibited signs of rushed execution and financial limitations, opting for symbolic rather than elaborate set designs. Nonetheless, it was commended for its clear narrative structure derived from Algis Budrys' carefully crafted novel. The adaptation transitions from the novel’s persistent ambiguities to a detective-style storyline, culminating in a somewhat dubious endorsement of diligence. To meet commercial demands, the film incorporates an action-packed car pursuit and a subplot involving an FBI agent, elements that detract from its authenticity. Trevor Howard’s portrayal of a Russian intelligence officer received favorable remarks, whereas Elliott Gould's performance was critiqued for excessive affectation. Ultimately, Who? is regarded as an assemblage of varied components that failed to achieve significant resonance.

The Iowa Gazette described it as "distinctly average but better than mediocre," while the Kentucky Courier-Journal dismissed it as an "inane... funereal mess."