Captain America (1979)
MovieOptionalLegacy
Ex-Marine Steve Rogers gains super-strength from a serum and dons a transparent shield to stop a neutron-bomb plot across two made-for-TV films. Released in 1979, it’s a Marvel film that isn’t part of the MCU timeline, so it’s optional and stands on its own. It runs 1h 37m.
| Release date | January 19, 1979 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 1h 37m |
| IMDb rating | 3.5/10 |
| Series | Legacy Marvel films |
| Post-credit scene | No |
Why it matters now
Two 1979 TV movies gave Cap his first live-action outings, complete with a transparent shield and a custom van. Fans remember them fondly for how low-budget they are.
About Captain America
This CBS TV movie reimagines Steve Rogers as a former Marine and aspiring artist who travels in a conversion van. His late father was a government agent nicknamed Captain America in the 1940s, and when Steve is nearly killed, Dr. Simon Mills saves him with the FLAG formula (Full Latent Ability Gain), developed from his father's glands. Steve takes up his father's mantle, with a costume based on one of his own sketches, and goes after a criminal plot involving a neutron bomb.
Universal Television produced it on a reported $150,000 budget. Rod Holcomb directed from a script by Don Ingalls, with Martin M. Goldstein producing and Allan Balter as executive producer. Reb Brown plays Steve, Len Birman plays Dr. Mills and Heather Menzies plays Dr. Wendy Day, with Steve Forrest, Robin Mattson and Lance LeGault in support. It aired on January 19, 1979, runs 97 minutes, and drew mixed reviews. Holcomb later called the experience devastating, though he went on to a long TV directing career.
Good to know
- Cap's bike is a Yamaha XT 500 customized with fiberglass panels and wheel covers by Reb Brown's stunt double, Gary Davis.
- Cap's clear shield doubles as the windshield of his motorcycle and pops off when he needs it.
- It was meant to launch a weekly series, alongside The Incredible Hulk, which CBS was already airing.
- A sequel, Captain America II: Death Too Soon, followed later in 1979.
How to watch it
Watch this before Captain America II: Death Too Soon, since the sequel keeps Reb Brown, Len Birman and the same version of the hero. It fits in a 1970s Marvel TV block alongside The Incredible Hulk and Dr. Strange (1978). Don't expect the comics version: there's no World War II and no Red Skull.
Where it fits in your watch
- All legacy Marvel films
Captain America (1979) FAQ
Who plays Captain America in the 1979 movie?
Reb Brown plays Steve Rogers. He returned for the sequel, Captain America II: Death Too Soon, later the same year.
Why didn't the 1979 Captain America get a TV series?
Both TV movies were designed as pilots, but Universal lost the rights soon after, reportedly because Marvel's licensing fee rose to $50,000 per episode.
How does Steve get his powers in the 1979 film?
After he's badly hurt, Dr. Simon Mills gives him the FLAG formula, a serum developed from his father's glands.
Can you skip Captain America (1979)?
Yes. It isn’t part of the MCU timeline.
When was Captain America (1979) released?
Captain America was released on January 19, 1979.
Is Captain America (1979) part of the MCU?
No. Captain America (1979) is a Marvel film made outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so it isn’t on Marvel Studios’ official timeline.
Does Captain America (1979) have a post-credit scene?
No, Captain America (1979) has no post-credit scene.