The Formula (1980)

Director: John G. Avildsen
Cast: Beatrice Straight, G. D. Spradlin, George C. Scott, John Gielgud, John van Dreelen, Marlon Brando, Marthe Keller, Richard Lynch

Synopsis:

While investigating the death of a friend and fellow cop, Los Angeles police officer Barney Caine stumbles across evidence that Nazis created a synthetic alternative to gasoline during World War II. This revelation has the potential to end the established global oil industry, making the formula a very valuable and dangerous piece of information. Eventually, Caine must contend with oil tycoon Adam Steiffel, who clearly has his own agenda regarding the formula.