The Tenth Level

I saw this movie as a teen, and have been looking for it ever since. Something about it stuck with me, and I wanted to see it again.

I've since stumbled across a reference to it in a pamphlet written by Chuck Colson. That article stated that the film "was a powerful testimony about man's inability to safeguard human rights."

The 10th Level is intense and moving, because it displays, via a real life incident that reveals how very malleable people can be.

I think it should be shown in every High school Political science and psychology class in the country.

If ANYONE knows how I could obtain even a "taped off TV" copy, please let me know!

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of The Tenth Level recently. I've watched it three times since then and it continues to chill my blood each time. Others I have shared this gem with have felt the same way. This is a story that works on many deep psychological levels, and sends a clear message which manages to transcend both time and the dated production values. This is truly a case where effective story-telling conquers all, and causes the viewer to forget they are watching something made on a shoestring budget 30 years ago. The story is cleverly woven in such a way that the viewer is compelled to put themselves in the place of the test subjects and left to wonder what choices they themselves would make. The real life statistics which are finally presented are absolutely frightening. If you ever have a chance to see this chilling glimpse into the human psyche, you MUST take advantage! You won't regret it.

I saw this movie when I was 13 years old. I have not seen it since, but to this day, the movie keeps me emotionally gripped whenever I think about it. It well demonstrates what man is capable of doing to another man if pressured enough. William Shatner is absolutely, devilishly brilliant as the menacing doctor. I would love to see this movie again, so if someone knows how I may obtain a copy I would be terribly grateful.

When reading my review, please consider my rating carefully. I saw it when I was a kid and it has not been on TV for many, many years AND it's not available on video. So, if I COULD see it again, maybe I would think less highly of it.

The reason I am rating it so high is that this film was very instrumental in influencing my career choices. As a psychology teacher, much of the time is spent discussing the moral implications of the famous Milgram Studies--on which this TV movie is based. It's too bad that such a moral dilemma is rarely discussed on television--TV too seldom is about moral decisions and choices.

If it every comes back on TV or video, get a copy FAST--it may be your only chance!

PS--NOTE that all the reviews as of 2/13/06 are VERY positive yet the movie has a score of only 5.0--this doesn't make sense. Please don't dismiss this film too quickly based on such a low score!

UPDATE (11/24/15)--The film IS currently available on YouTube. I haven't yet re-watched it but thought you might like to know.

I have been waiting to see The Tenth Level starring William Shatner again,myself. I have never been able to find it even though I have searched for it from time to time, although not for a few years now. This drama made an indelible mark on my psyche and I have never gotten it out of my mind since first seeing it when it originally aired back in the seventies. It was chilling to the core! I watched it alone and I recall it being in black and white though it's possible we only had a black and white set at the time. If someone has a copy of The Tenth Level for sale or rent, please advise on how I might be able to acquire a copy from you! I am glad to find others that also were struck by the brilliance of this production and that I am not the only one looking for it. Thank you very much. Victoria Perkins Crystal Lake, Illinois