Kowalski (played by Barry Newman) is a protagonist in Vanishing Point.
A Medal of Honor Vietnam veteran and ex-cop working as a car delivery driver. He takes an unsanctioned cross-country run in a white 1970 Dodge Challenger to win a bet, evading police and encountering various allies before ultimately choosing a fatal crash over capture. Super Soul (played by Cleavon Little) is a protagonist in Vanishing Point.
A blind black disc jockey broadcasting from KOW radio in Nevada. He monitors police frequencies to guide Kowalski, publicly supporting him as the last American hero and drawing media attention to the chase. Later, he is assaulted on-air by off-duty officers. Prospector (played by Dean Jagger) appears in Vanishing Point.
An old desert dweller who catches rattlesnakes for a religious commune. He aids Kowalski after the driver loses control in the desert, providing fuel and directions back to the highway. The Hitchhiker (played by Charlotte Rampling) appears in Vanishing Point.
Jake (played by Lee Weaver) appears in Vanishing Point.
Kowalski's drug dealer and friend in Denver. Kowalski bets him that he can deliver the Challenger to San Francisco by 3:00 PM Sunday, far ahead of the Monday deadline. Kowalski later calls him to concede the bet but proposes doubling it for the next attempt.
Vanishing Point (1971) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Kowalski
(played by Barry Newman) — protagonist
A Medal of Honor Vietnam veteran and ex-cop working as a car delivery driver. He takes an unsanctioned cross-country run in a white 1970 Dodge Challenger to win a bet, evading police and encountering...
Super Soul
(played by Cleavon Little) — protagonist
A blind black disc jockey broadcasting from KOW radio in Nevada. He monitors police frequencies to guide Kowalski, publicly supporting him as the last American hero and drawing media attention to the...
Prospector
(played by Dean Jagger) — supporting
An old desert dweller who catches rattlesnakes for a religious commune. He aids Kowalski after the driver loses control in the desert, providing fuel and directions back to the highway.
The Hitchhiker
(played by Charlotte Rampling) — supporting
Jake
(played by Lee Weaver) — supporting
Kowalski's drug dealer and friend in Denver. Kowalski bets him that he can deliver the Challenger to San Francisco by 3:00 PM Sunday, far ahead of the Monday deadline. Kowalski later calls him to conc...
Key Relationships
Kowalski → The Hitchhiker
(Narrative Enigmatic Figure)
Kowalski → Prospector
(Social Helper)
Kowalski → Super Soul
(Alliance Radio Ally)
Kowalski → Jake
(Professional Employer)
Story Analysis
A solitary cross-country chase that transforms into a mythic rebellion against authority and conformity.
Plot Progression
The Denver Assignment
Cross-Country Pursuit
Desert Encounters
The Final Stretch
Directed by Richard C. Sarafian
Vanishing Point (1971) · 7.1/10 · action, crime, drama, thriller
