First Blood is a 1982 American war action film starring Sylvester Stallone as Vietnam War veteran John Rambo. The film was directed by Ted Kotcheff and cowritten by Michael Kozoll, William Sackheim and Stallone based on the 1972 novel First Blood by David Morrell. It is the first installment in the Rambo series, followed by Rambo: First Blood Part II. The story follows Rambo who, after entering a small town and clashing with the police, attempts to survive a manhunt using his expertise in survival and combat skills. The film costars Richard Crenna as Rambo's mentor Colonel Sam Trautman and Brian Dennehy as Sheriff Will Teasle.