First Blood (a.k.a. Rambo: First Blood) is an action/adventure film that was released in 1982. It was the first film to feature the character of troubled Vietnam War veteran John Rambo. The film starred Sylvester Stallone as Rambo, with Brian Dennehy as his nemesis, Sheriff Will Teasle, and Richard Crenna as Rambo's ally Col. Samuel Trautman. It was based on David Morrell's 1972 novel First Blood, although it differed from the book in many key areas. The film was directed by Ted Kotcheff, produced by Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna, and released on Friday, October 22, 1982.