Adapted by Michael Kozell, William Sackheim and Sylvester Stallone from David Morrell’s same-titled novel, Ted Kotcheff’s First Blood premieres. In what is destined to become his signature role (along with Rocky), Stallone is John Rambo, a decorated Vietnam special ops veteran whose fateful encounter with the belligerent, redneck sheriff of a small town in the Pacific Northwest quickly escalates into an explosive conflict that puts his specialised combat and survival skills to the ultimate test. Co-starring Brian Dennehy as the recalcitrant cop and Richard Crenna as Rambo’s former commanding officer.