The Omega Man

The Omega Man is a 1971 sci-fi thriller about a doctor who survives a biological holocaust, but must evade a group of albino mutants who have been infected by the plague. The film is based on the 1954 novel I am Legend, and directed by Boris Sagal. In 1975, most of the world's population is wiped out due to germ warfare between Russia and China. Army doctor Robert Neville (Charlton Heston) injects himself with an experimental serum which ultimately saves his life. During the next year, Neville spends his time roaming the deserted city of Los Angeles and battling a psychotic group of mutants, led by Matthias (Anthony Zerbe), who want him dead. After leaving the safety of his rooftop fortress, Neville is captured by the mutants and nearly burned alive. He is rescued by Lisa (Rosalind Cash) and medical student Dutch (Paul Koslo), both are within a group infected people who, like Neville have not changed into mutants. Neville begins to treat Lisa's brother Ritchie (Eric Laneuville), who is slowly mutating. If the serum works, it is Neville's plan to leave the city and go into the wilderness along with the remaining survivors and create a post apocalyptic life. After the treatment helps Ritchie, he goes to the mutants to convince them to take the serum. Matthias believes Ritchie is trying to trick him and has him killed. Upon returning to his rooftop, Neville realizes he has been betrayed by Lisa, who has changed into a mutant. Matthias and the other mutants set fire to Neville's home as he watches helplessly. As Neville frees himself and escapes outside with Lisa, Matthias impales him with a spear. Dutch finds Neville dying in a fountain. Before he dies, he hands Dutch a vial with the serum, which will cure the virus. The film ends with Dutch, Lisa and the other survivors driving away from the city.