SCIENCE FANTASY IN TELEVISION, CINEMA AND COMICS

JAMES BOND
SPECIAL EFFECTS
EXCLUSIVE
WHO?
page 25
THE HUMANOID
BEHIND THE SCENES

STAR TREK
THE MOTION PICTURE

THINGS TO COME
THE 1936 Sr CLASSIC

Bakshis LORD
OF THE RINGS

MOVIE REVIEW
 VTT
13.

2
 Volume 1 , Number 1

Edited and designed by Dez Skinn

Associate Editor: Alan McKtiuie Writers this issue:

Art Editor: Stewart Orr Benny Aldrich
Art Assistance: Cbas Farnsbarna John Brosnan
Berni Jaszuyk Tony Crawley
Advertising. Top Team Ltd leone Edwards
Mail Order: Verena Satherby Phil Edwards
Distribution: Camag Alan Murdoch

SCIENCE FANTASY IN TELEVISION, CINEMA AND COMICS

Publisher: Stan Lee

Starburst SF Classics

Y imagining things!
es. you're not
This is a new issue, only three
weeks since Starburst 10 hit
the newsagents. And you’re right in
thinking it was only three weeks be-
Not to be confused with the Starburst news column, the
the subject of this month's science fiction retrospective.

Lord of the Rings

1936 movie Things to Come

10
4
is

The animated film version of Tolkien’s classic fantasy tale has finally reached the screen
fore that when you first saw Starburst
courtesy of director Ralph Bakshi. Starburst was at one of the early screenings and presents a
9. Yet our cover corner emblem
critical appraisal of the movie.
proudly pronounces us to be a Marvel
Monthly. Perhaps explanations are in The Starburst Interview : Derek Meddings 14
order . . .
The award-winning special effects technician, Derek Meddings. who has worked on all
Regular readers may recall our manner of movies and tv shows from Thunderbirds to Superman talks to Starburst about
his early career.
stimewhat erratic early 1979 issues,
one even appearing over a full month The Humanoid 21
late. In fact, that mishap so worried As a special treat to Starburst readers we present an in-depth examination of a current sf
readers that we were innundated with movie. The Humanoid, including exclusive coverage of the design stages with a wealth of
letters of concern, and even com- unseen production drawings. And in addition we review the film and compare the planned
plaints about late delivery. So here's version of the film to the final movie as it appeared on the screen.
where we set the record straight.
Because of industrial action, we The Star Trek interviews: Part II 30
couldn’t get our Christmas (number Following month's interview with the former director of Star Trek The Motion Picture,
last
Starburst newest addition to the Enterprise crew, the navigator. Ilia, played by
talks to the
5) is,sue out until February 1979!
Indian actress, Persis Khambatta.
Other than the obvious problems that
created, with news, reviews and in-
Things to Come 34
terviews appearing late, it also meant
Starburst looks ahead to the many sf tv shows and movies scheduled for the months to come.
we’d be unable to give you twelve
is.sucs this year.
Starburst Letters 40
Though, with all the great material Our readers write. The good points and bad points of past Starbursts as seen by you, the real
scheduled to appear, there was no editors of this magazine.
way we’d be able to cram it into ten, or
even eleven, issues. So, we Uxik the Book World 43
challenge twelve 1979 issues you
. . . Our regular monthly analysis of some of the many science fiction books currently available.
expect and twelve you’ll get!
Which really means you don’t have Nosferatu Review 46
to wait four or five weeks between German film director Werner Herzog has remade one of the earliest fantasy films of all, the
thinly-disguised Dracula of 1 922, Nosferatu.
issues, only three!
Satisfied now? hi' Puhhshfti rntmthly by Martfl CottiUs l.ut., JtMiwm HtMtsf. 205-211 Kentish Town Roatl, Ijtmtton iU photofraphic
materia! is vttpyright ot BBi'
SBC. ABC, CBS. tTC. IB 4. Columbia, Seotia- Amern an. Rank Twentieth Century-Fox
, ,

United Artists, Warner Brothers, Farann*unt,Oppulan, htei Studios, CIC. FMI, MUM. and MC
A-Universa! aru! appears
Dez SkinnIEditor. wuh their kind permission. All remaining itmient is u^yright ol Marvel Comits t.td., 1979. All rights reserved.
.All Advertising to Titp Team Prinlui turns t.td.. 97 Fleet Street, iMOtlon FC4 OI-J5J 4992. Concept by Oez Skinn. Printed in
the United Kingdom.

page 14 page 21
3
 ^fbk

OirtaUd by
MENZIW
y/| LUAM CAMERON
RALPH
RAYMOND MASSEY
•

HARDVVICKE MAR'
• T^.MUaJ»d by
CEDRIC
„ vW2»_siiiS*"'“'
 Slarburst sf Classics

THINGS TO COME Lang's Metropolis

Feature by Leone Edwards

international science fiction market when

ver since Fritz about a floating mid-Atlantic city.

E (1926) astounded filmgoers around

the world with its displays of
large-scale special effects, other countries
Alexander Korda began making films in
Budapest during World War I, and by the
age of twenty-five was considered the star
H. G. Wells published his latest fantasy
novel. The Shape of Things to Come. The
film rights were immediately snapped up
have attempted to duplicate its majesty and producer of Fiungary. He soon moved to by Korda, who saw it as a prestige product

breadth of vision, in both physical Vienna and then in 1926 went to Holly- to show the rest of the world what a
appearance and profundity of message. wood. There his affairs went sadly awry, his British studio could produce. Part of the
The USA forgot the message and brought marriage collapsed and he lost his savings deal stipulated that Wells himself would
out Just Imagine (1930), an absurdist in the Wall Street crash. He returned to write the screenplay which created many
futuristic musical melodrama, which despite Europe where his career took a turn for the problems during production.
some effects rivalling those of .Metropolis, better, and in moved to London
1931 The story opens in Everytown (a thinly-
gave itself overtosub-Vaudevillian humour. where he formed London Films. disguised London), on Christmas Eve 1940.
Germany capture an international
tried to Two years later he was presented with Mingled with the festivities are rumours of
market with FPl Does Not .\nswer (1932) his golden opportunity to move into the war. An unexpected air attack initiates a

Top left The huilding of a new

: world. The miniatures
were designed hy Korda and Menzies and executed hy
Sed Mann. Top right: Director of Things to Com*.
William Cameron Menzies. Opposite below: The
Hritish poster for the film. Left: Vincent Korda and
the fatner of science fiction. H. C. Wells Iright).
discuss Things to Com* production sketches. Above:
The tahle-top miniature of the fahulous space gun.
The tins figures are mounted on separate moiing
walkwavs.
^^ar which lasts for thirty years. ,‘\s a
result the ruined world is reduced to
honour of their land. An envoy. John C abal
(Raymoiul Massey), arrives from out of the
but
tired,
m attack fails and the Space Ciun is
carrying two young volunteers. The
barbarism and banditry and the Wandering fast in an aeroplane. He is the leader of film ends with Cabal exhorting his New
Sickness, which turns its \ictims into near World Communications, "a Brotherhood World to ever greater progress and adven-
zombies, runs rampant. The scene shifts to of Scientists and a reemasonry of I ture. for mankind, he says, itmust Eve
Hverytown 1970 which is ruled by the E rticiency", with its headquarters at Basra. "the Universe or nothing".
Its task is to end brigandage, destroy The film went into production in I9.J4,
independent states and create a New with a budget of £.J.50,(XX), at that time the
World State. Cabal is taken prisoner by the highest budget of any film produced in
Boss but a young mechanic he meets Britain. Along with Metropolis and .lust
escapes f\erytown and flies to Basra. He Imagine, it is one of the tiest examples of
alerts the World Airmen who make an filmic an deco. It is, in effect, a movie to be
aerial attack on E verytown. Ivombing it enjoyed for its look rather than for its
with the Cias of Peace, which puts people heavy-handed message of what may biefall
to sleep, apparently harmlessly, and mankind should we forget about the
renders those who breathe it completely individual and concentrate on scientific
docile when they wake up. achievement.
The scene then shifts Wv years into The director of Things to Come. William
fverytown’s future, a silent white under- Cameron Mcn/ies, began his tiim.career in
ground future of glass, steel and elc\;tricity, New Jersey in 1917 at the age of nineteen,
air-conditioned and artificially sunlit, where through a chance meeting with director,
helicopters and television are common- Cieorge filsmaurice. After designing for a
place. This new E verytown is ruled by Mary Pickford film he met Douglas Fair-
Oswald Cabal (John's grandson, again banks, and f>eiwt*cn 1921 and 1924 worked
played by Massey). All the economic, closely with fairbanks on flic Three
scKial and political problems of old seem Musketeers, Kohin HimmE and Thief of
to have Eieen resolved and work, as the old Bagdad at United Artists. His career
world knew it, has disappeared. All interest blossomed and in 1928 he won the newly-
is centred on technology and the Space formed Academy of Motion Pictures’ first
Ciun. which is designed to lire passenger- award for art direction for fhe Dove and
carrying projectiles at the moon. A The Tempest. A visually-attuned man,
refiellious attack led by a sculptor, Men/ies was disturbed by the practice in
Theotocopulos {(.'lutrie HardwUke).
attempts to thwart the lunar expedition.
 ,*,**«bS«,*
^

earlysound films of using very few sets would later script the Korda production of fine but “dignified” materials, and un-
and concentrating on the spoken word. Thief of Bagdad. obtrusive accessories (radio telephones,
He thereforeelaborated the early pro- Despite his problems with the script. gauntlets, identification discs, torches,
duction of Bulldog Drummond (1929), Wells found no difficulty in making etc).A man of contradictions, however, he
producing sixty sets and over three hundred suggestions for the final production and then urged the designers to “let themselves
drawings. His first film as director, the Menzies, a quiet and diplomatic man, was go”.
semi-supernatural The Spider (1931), was forced to contend with continual inter- Menzies carried on regardless, aware
criticised as having too much emphasis on ruptions and insistences from Wells that that the film's faults lay in cardboard
physical production rather than plot the film was not what he had envisaged. characterisations,and of the necessity to
development. Most of the other fantastic He frequently sent notes to Menzies giving compensate with design and special effects.
films he would go on to direct received the his views on how the picture should be Vincent Korda (Alexander's brother) was
same criticism. In 1932 he directed Chandu designed and directed. A typical note from given the job of Art Director and John
the Magician but it was difficult for him to Wells to Menzies ran: Armstrong, Rene Hubert and the
find time to direct other films, so besieged “All these Cecil B. de Mille effects of Marchioness of Queensberry were respon-
was he with design assignments, such as crowds milling about and so on that you are sible for costumes. However the overall
Joseph Mankiewicz' Alice in Wonderland spending so much thought and time and design belongs to Menzies, with breath-
(1933). He worked as Associate
later money upon do not matter a rip in com- taking shots of the ruined Everytown,
Producer on Thief of Bagdad (1940) and parison with the effective handling of this unending columns of aeroplanes, under-
directed and designed Invaders from Mars mental drama. They are very effective in ground skyscrapers and huge sterile
and The Maze (both 1953). their way but they are not this film. / pray machines.
In 1934 he was assigned to direct Things you take heed of these points, Menzies. . . . Filming took place at the Old London
to Come for which H. G. Wells was to The great danger of the film is to make Studios and the Everytown of 1940 was
adapt his own novel. Wells was a perceptive Massey a preachy prig. He must not intone represented by a London composite,
man — a romanticist with a vital interest in and shout. Yours in affectionate admiration complete with St Paul's dome and Oxford
science, but a humanitarian and moralist (but the author of the film, mind you), Circus. Leading effects technician, Ned
firstof all. All these aspects of his character H. G. (Veils." Mann, brought together a team of two
can be seen in Things to Come, and indeed, Wells also sent him drawings and notes hundred people to work on special effects
any of his other stories. Wells was nearing on how he could “improve” the design of alone. A one-time professional roller-
seventy when he scripted the film and the the film, commenting in this instance on skater, Mann entered films in 1920. He
pressures of continual writing and re- production drawings Menzies had sub- worked on other fantasy movies in
writing his first realised screen adaptation mitted of the great building machines: association with Alexander Korda, such as
proved tiring and confusing for the old “This is all wrong. Get it in better The Man \3 ho Could Work Miracles (1935),
man. His first script proved unfilmable and perspective. This is an H. G. Wells film and The Ghost Goes \3est (1936), Thief of
had to be rewritten twice (under the titles your highest best is needed for the complete Bagdad (1940) and Mike Todd's Around
iVhither Mankind and One Hundred Years realisation of my treatment. Bless you." the World in Eighty Days (1956). A master
to Come) before it was accepted. The final Wells also felt compelled to comment in at his craft, he trained most of the top
script was written with the aid of a great detail on the costumes, suggesting special effects men working in England
Hungarian writer, Lajos Biro, who had broad shoulders for the men, long skirts for today.
worked in Hollywood in the twenties and the women and cloaks for everyone, all in Dozens of beautifully conceived minia-
8
 Far left SprciaU’ffea\ \iiper\isor Srd Mann of the \eiol Things to Cimic. Centre A ew«/ example
:
:

of Wells' concept for simple hiil tasteful costumes, a hlemi of Grecian and Art Deco. The
hackaroiind is another Ned Mann miniature. Ab<ne: Tveryunsn 20.V). The foreground is a
han^iilK miniature aligned in perspective with actors in the background to complete the image.

turc sets were used to recreate the building as bringing film music to the attention of all emphatic as it is, may well pass unnoticed

of the New World. These were combined “serious" music lovers. The suite is at the time, before so imposing, one might
with live action sequences on tiny back- currently available on Decca Phase 4 almost say, so beautiful, a spectacle.”

projection screens inserted into the models, Concert Series(PFS4363) featuring the The Times.
a process similar to that used by Douglas London Symphony Orchestra conducted The American press were not so kind,
by Bernard Herrmann. however, and Variety expressed the opinion
Trumbull and Stanley Kubrick for the
landing of the lunar pod in the Moon Base In 1935 Wells wrote a novelisation of the "Dialogue intolerably bad characters
. . .

in 2001, A Space Odyssey. film based on his own screenplay, pub- make long, meaningless speeches. At the
lished by the Cresset Press. The b<»k also final fade out, one of the characters, who
Ross Jacklin, another of the team's
major effects contributors, created hanging contains some information on the making has already said far too much, is still
miniatures, to be suspended in perspective of the film. It has become a collector’s item speech-making about humanity and the
among both Wells fans and film and art future of invention.”
to match the full-sized sets. This is similar
to the process of glass shots, much used in collectors. Its beautiful jacket was designed But whichever way we decide to look at
by E. McKnight Kauffer, artist and Things to Come it is a milestone in the
the silent era, which consisted of hanging
posterist of the period. history of British cinema.
a painted sheet of glass between the camera
and the scene, matching the two together in Eighteen months after production began.
Things to Come premiered at the Leicester
Things to Come (1934)
perfect alignment in the finished shot.
Raynumd Massey (as John Cabal), Ralph
In other scenes, miniature figures, Square Theatre on Friday, 21st February,
Richardson (The Boss), Maurice Biaddell
attached to separate moving walkways 1936 at 8.45 pm. The British critics were
(Doctor Harding), Edward Chapman (Pippa
gave an illusion of great crowds surging and superlatives reigned.
enthralled,
Passworthy), Sophie Stewart (Mrs Cabal),
towards the Space Gun. "Never has a film been produced with Derrick de Marney (Richard Gordon).
The camera work was shared by Georges greater technical efficiency. .The personal
. .
Margarette Scott (Roxanna Black). .Alan
Perinal, a French cinematographer who scenes are finely and sincerely depicted free Jeayes (Grandfather Cabal), Pickles Living-
began his career in 1913 worked
and later from the sentimentality and affectation stone (Horrie Passworthy), Anthony Holies

on the Korda Thief of Bagdad, and Eddie which is the curse of the screen ... not (Simon Burton), Pearl Argyll (Catherine
merely entertainment but a religious Cabal), Patricia Hilliard (Janet Gordon),
Cohen, an effects photographer.
ceremony, it purges the mind with terror Cedric Hardwick (Theotocopulos).
As major achievement in
well as being a
Directed by William Cameron .Menzies,
special Things to Come was an
effects. and wonder." The Enquirer.
Sets designed by Vincent Korda, Photo-
important event in the history of film "For sheer immensity and daring Things
graphed by (ieorges Perinal. Special effects
music. Written by Arthur Bliss (a classical to Come dwarfs all the pictures of the
directed by Ned Mann, Music composed by
composer who became President of the week.” Daily Telegraph. Arthur Bliss, .Musical director Muir Mathie-
London Symphony Orchestra Music Club “After today, no one will be able to son. Edited by Charles Chrichton and
in 1954), and recorded by the London point a slightly sufjercilious finger at the Francis Lyon. Special effects directed by

Symphony Orchestra conducted by Muir screen and say that a film has never been Ldward Cohen. Costumes designed by .lohn
symphonic score produced that would make people think.” Armstrong. Rene Hubert and The Mar-
Mathicson, it was the first
The Star. chioness of Queensbury , Prothtetion manager
written specifically for a movie. Closely director
most mature and forward- Datid Cunyngham. Assistant
interwoven with the visuals the score “The film’s
Geoffrey Boothby, Prtniiiced by .Alexander
reflects and complements the various looking manifestation.” The Observer. Time: V2 mins
Korda.
moods of the film perfectly. It was hailed "The message of Mr Wells’s film.
9
T he

we
problem with adapting an
established classic to the screen is. as
all know, trying to match the
portrayal of each character to images in the
some key scenes and certain sequences from
the book did not make it into the film.
I.ord of the Rings opens with a voice-over
narrative explaining what had gone before
Frodo and his faithful companion. Sam.
take to the road accompanied by Frodo’s
cousins. Merry and Pippin. Presently they
hear a rider approaching behind them.
minds of the audience. With I.ord of the in The Hobbit. Of how the One Ring to Though the others think it may be Gandalf.
Rings, it is difficult to judge whether Rule Them All was forged: of how the Frodo is uncertain and urges that they hide.
director Ralph Bakshi has succeeded creature called Gollum came to possess the The rider draws close but it is not Gandalf.
admirably under the circumstances or failed
to realise the potential of such an epic tale.
Ring; of how Bilbo Baggins. the Hobbit, It is —
one of Sauron’s Black Riders a Ring
came “win" the Ring from Gollum: and
to Wraith. The rider searches the area, literally
Certainly, in some areas Bak'shi has done of how Gandalf the Grey came to learn of trying to sniff out the ring before it gives up
a good job. The voices for all the characters the Power of the Ring. It is after Bilbo’s and departs.
are very well cast with such notable actors as “eleventy-first" birthday party that Gandalf Soon the hobbits arrive at the Prancing
Anthony Daniels (from Star Wars) as finallypersuades the hobbit to surrender the Pony Inn at Bree. There they meet a
Legolas the John Hurt (from Alien) as
elf. Ring to his nephew Frodo and depart the stranger who calls himself Aragorn. The
Aragorn and Andre Morell (from numerous Shire. Seventeen years pass. Then, one day. newcomer offers to guide the hobbits to
Hammer movies) as Elrond. Where the film Gandalf returns to tell Frodo that the Rivendell telling them that he was sent by
fails is in its budget. Ix>rd of the Rings could originalowner of the One Ring. The Dark Gandalf. After much doubt Frodo agrees
have been the best movie of 1979 had the Lord Sauron. knows the whereabouts of his and the party retires for the night.
producers opened their wallets and lavished property and is moving to effect its Elsewhere, dark creatures are abroad in
a little more cash on the movie. They didn’t. recovery. Frodo must leave the Shire seek Bree. Three Ring Wraiths enter the village
And as a result the animation is weak in the aid of the elves of Rivendell. and head towards the Prancing Pony Inn.

10
They are joined by two others. The party makes haste for Rivendell. their Elrond. king of the elves of Rivendell. has
creatures materialise in the hobbits’ bed- tracks dogged by the Ring Wraiths. healed the wound inflicted by the Black
r(x>m and stand, swords drawn, over the They are srxm disctivered by l.egolas an Riders. But Fr(xlo is dismayed to hear from
beds. As if by some silent signal all five elf.who is a member of a search party sent Gandalf that the wizard Suruman
swords descend as one. But the beds do not out from Rivendell. Frodo is placed upon (mis-pronounced "Amman" several times
contain sleeping hobbits, merely sacks of the elfs horse and they all make haste for throughout the film), who is leader of
ptitatoes. Realising they have been tricked the elves’ stronghold. But the Ring Wraiths Gandair s order, covets the Ring for him-
the creatures emit unearthly screams and are close behind joined now by their four self.
vanish. companions. Legolas calls to his steed to see Presently, at the Council of Elrond it is

Meanwhile Aragom. who had Frodo safely into Rivendell. The horse decided that the One Ring must be unmade
anticipated such an attack, keeps watch carries the Ringbearcr across the Ford into in the fires of Mordor whence it came.
over four sleeping hobbits in a nearby barn. the land of the elves but so sure of their Frodo reluctantly volunteers to carry the
The party travels all through the next day power are they that the nine Black Riders Ring once more and several are chosen to
until they reach the hill of Weathertop dare to cross the Ford after FrtxJo. However accompany him: Sam. Merry. Pippin.
where they are to meet Gandalf. Sitting as the servants of Sauron venture into the Aragorn. Boromir. Legolas. Gimli and
dow n in the circle of firelight to wait they are water there is a loud roar and the river rises Gandalf. Nine members of the Fellowship
set up<in by the five Ring Wraiths. In the up in majestic fury to sweep the Ring of the Ring to match the Nine Ring Wraiths.
ensuing battle Frodo is stabbed. But the Wraiths far dow nstream. Know ing he is safe As the newly-formed Fellowship makes
blade that pierced Frodo was forged in Frodo passes out.
at last its way towards the Mountains of Mordor

Mordor and has magical properties that w ill Frodo is unconscious for three days. they meet their first obstacle. They have the
kill Frodo if hedt>esn't receive aid s<H>n. The When he finallv awakens he learns that choice of two paths. One is through the Gap

11
of Rohan, not favoured because it takes the defeated by the timely arrival of Gandalf mainly of dressing up silhouettes of cloaked
Ring too close to the domain of Saruman, and the Riders of Rohan. actors. At the same time Frodo and the
and the other is through the Mines of Moria. As the film ends, Frodo and Sam have others are portrayed in bona-fida animation
After some difficulty the Fellowship gains secured Gollum’s allegiance and are headed and the contrast is effective in stressing the
access to the Mines and the companions are into the Land of Mordor to Destroy the One other-worldliness of the dark servants of
making their way through the darkness Ring. The conclusion of this epic tale is Sauron.
when they are attacked by a band of evil promised in Ix)rd of the Rings II due for However, when Bakshi
goblins or "ores”. Pursued by the ores the
tries the same
release in early 1980. trick in the grand finale of the movie, the
party manages to escape towards the
The so long and so complicated
story is Battle of Helm’s Deep, where the fortress is
westernmost exit. However the ores are not (as can be seen from this short synopsis) that defended by Aragorn. Legolas and Gimli
alone. The demon Balrog fights at their side Bakshi had a great deal of trouble fitting the and the small army of Theixlen, the effect is
and Gandalf knows he must face the tale onto the screen. As it is. Ix>rd of the very disappointing. Perhaps because there
creature in single combat if the others are to Rings covers only l '/2 books of the original is no genuine animation to contrast
with the
escape. Ordering the others to flee Gandalf
three-volume epic. And in the transition live-action footage the handling of the
turns to face the Balrog on a narrow stone sizeable chunks of Tolkien’s story were ex- sequence appears to be an easy methtxl to
bridge over a bottomless abyss. As they cised in order to bring the film down to a remain within budget. It is unfortunate that
fight, both the creature and Gandalf plunge
managable IV* hours. it is cheap tricks like this that prevent the
into the void to certain death. Leaderless
The effects are noticeable, if not painfully film being the classic it deserves to be. and
and dismayed the Fellowship emerges into obvious. Gone from the screen version is make the sequel seem further away than
the daylight. They decide that they must
the endearing, if eccentric, character of Bakshi would have us believe.
continue on their way. though without Tom Bombadil. Gone, too, is Tolkien’s Certainly the movie deserves at least one
Gandalf they are dispirited. attention to detail which somehow added to viewing. If it achieves nother more than
Presently the travellers reach Lothlorien the overall credibility of the original story . causing those unfamiliar with the worlds of
where they meet the Lady Galadriel. and In Bakshi’s version what is not omitted Tolkien to actually read the original books
elven queen. She makes them gifts of entirely is glossed over ux> quickly. The im- then it has not been a pointless exercise.
supplies and boats and sends them on their portance of the Council of Elrond, the sig- And those already converted can spend
way by river. But the companions are nificance and background of the Riders of many happy hours debating how the film
attacked by a roving band of ores in the pay Rohan, the time spent in Lothlorien by the should have been made and where the
of Saruman and Boromir is killed. The ores Fellowship of the Ring. All these are left existing version went wrong.
kidnap Merry and Pippin believing them to unstressed in an effort to cram as much as
be Frodo and Sam. Meanwhile Frodo and possible into the allotted 135 minutes.
Sam escape the fray in a boat and are As a result of this cramming the film has Lord of the Rings (1979)
making their way downstream, unaware the unedited kx>k of a rough-cut. The Slurring the voices of: Christopher Guard (as
they are now being followed by the scenes are disjointed with the transitions Frodo Baaifins). William Squire (Gandalf).
loathsome Gollum, the creature from whom between them sudden and jerky. Michael Wholes (Samwisr Gamgre), John
Bilbo “won” the ring in the first place. A more fundamental would be
criticism
Hurt (Aragorn). Simon Chandler (Meriadoc
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli are Brandyhuck). Dominic Guard (Peregrin
frantic of the animation. Bakshi’s much-vaunted
that all four hobbits are missing. Uncertain T<H)k). Norman Bird (Bilho Baggins),
"breakthrough” of first filming his charac-
what Michael Graham-Cox (Boromir). Anthony
to do they decide that they should ters in live-action then converting to Daniels (Legolas). David Buck (Gimli).
follow Merry and Pippin as they are in the animation has both its successes and its Peter Wrxxlthorpc (Gollum). Fraser Kerr
most immediate danger. As they travel they failures. The process docs succeed in (Saruman). Philip Stone (Theoden). Michael
are overjoyed to meet up with Gandalf achieving very life-like animation where the Deacon (Wormiongue). Andre Morell
whom they had presumed dead at the hands main characters are concerned. Where the (Elrond). Alan Tilvem (Innkeeper). Annette
of the Balrog. Refusing to explain how he animators fall down is with the character of Crosbie (Galadriel). John Westbrook (Tree-
survived Gandalf insists that they head Legolas the elf. In trying to make him heard).
towards Rohan to warn Theoden the King appear elfin in his movements and btxly Directed by Ralph Bakshi. Screenplay by
of Saruman's plans to attack the palace. pxjsture they have succeeded in creating a Chris Conkiing and Peter S. Beagle based on
Once there they convince Theoden that the very effeminate elf. the novels of J. R R. Tolkien. Director of
Fortress of Helm’s Deep would be easier to Even where the rotoscope process has Photography Timothy (ialfas. Edited by
defend than the palace. TTie small army of been used in place of animation the effect Donald W. Ernst. Music Composed and
Rohan journeys to Helm's Deep with can be quite dramatic. For example, when Conducted by Leonard Rosenman, Produced
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli while Gandalf by Saul /aentz. Colour by Delu.se. Released
the Ring Wraiths attack Aragorn and the
departs to seek the aid of the Riders of by United Artists.
hobbits at Weathertop they are rendered in
Rohan. In the battle that ensues the ores are Time: 135 mins. Cert: A
a strange kind of live-action which consists
Far left: Frodo holds up the
One Ring. Centre: Bnromir
fallsbefore the barrage of
ore arrows as he tries to
defend the nvo hobbits. Pip
and Merry. Left: Sauron's
evil minions, the Ring-
Wraiths. prow! through the
deserted night streets of
Bree. Above: Candalf tells
Frodo that he must flee
Hobbiton. with the One
Ring, if he is to escape the
wrath of Sauron.

1.1
 The Starburst Interview

DEREK MEDDINGS
Superman and Bond effects technician speaks

pecial effects studios are deceptively glass the upper surface of the drum looked
S quiet places,
whenever I’m
or at least they are
in was standing in
one. I
incredibly like the curved horizon of Earth
as seen from space . .
that covered every available piece of wall
space. Many of the drawings showed space
ships taking off, hurtling through space,
one of the smaller stages at Pinewood At this point the person I'd come to attacking a huge space station, exploding,
Studios where some of the special effects interview managed to drag himself away etc. Other sketches were of cable cars
for Moonraker were being filmed and from his work and came to greet me. It was blowing up, cars crashing, boats disinte-
nothing much seemed to be happening at Derek Meddings, a man who has recently grating, men falling out of 'planes and
all. The only sign of activity was in one made two appearances on your tv screens other typically Bondian scenes of mayhem.
corner of the studio where a large, drum- when, in the company of Denys Coop, Roy The problem was that at the time (the
like object was slowly revolving. It was Field and Colin Chilvers, he went to interview tiHik place near the etui of last
bluish in colour and shaped like a giant collect a special award for the effects in year) Meddings and his team had yet to
splindle— about four or five feet thick at Superman at both the British and American produce on film much of what was on those
the centre and tapering off to about the Academy Awards ceremonies. I'd met him drawings and as the deadline drew ever
width of a foot each end. It was brightly
at before and found him to be very likeable- nearer the thought of all the work ahead
lit and mounted on a platform in front of it cheerful, self-effacing and completely un- was somewhat depressing him.
was a camera which was pointing through pretentious —
but on this occasion he seemed Iasked Meddings about his early days
a vertical sheet of glass. Behind the drum slightly less cheerful and rather more in the filmindustry and' how he came to be
was another sheet of glass painted to preoccupied. a special effects man: "Both my mother
represent the star-studded blackness of I found out the reason for this when we and father were involved with the film
space. By walking in front of this set-up went up to his office to conduct the inter- industry in the early days at Denham
and viewing it from a certain angle could I view. It was a large room dominated by a Studios. They were always talking about it
suddenly see that through the first sheet of vast story-board . . . a collection of sketches and I used to be taken around the studio

14
Opposite: The explosive finale to the latest
Bond epic Moonraker, on which Derek
Meddings sen ed as Special Effects
Supervisor. Below: The huge model
pterodactyl constructed by Meddings and
histeam for the Amicus film. The I ^nd
That Time Forgot ( 1975).

so I grew up with the industry in my blood. the British film industry were not using wanted. The main advantage for me was
And having always been interested in matte paintings as they should. Film that could really specialise in doing model
I

drawing, f saw that there was an outlet companies were reluctant to use them and shots and that seems to be the thing I've
in films for the talent I had ... if f could it was hard to convince people that they become involved in more and more over
get into the industry. I succeeded in getting could be done realistically. Today it's the years. It gave me the opportunity to
a job in the art department at Denham different, of course. try all the sorts of things I wouldn't have
Studios but at that time I had no idea what "I worked on a lot of the early Hammer had the time to do on a single picture.
an art department was. I thought there films with Les, doing the models and the “The Thunderbirds scripts were very
would be a lot more drawing involved, but matte paintings. remember I worked on a
I complicated and they varied in locale a lot
after the Production Designer has designed Quatermass film with him. Les and Hammer — sometimes the setting was space, some-
everything it becomes more of a draughts- worked a lot together because they didn't times underwater and even a New York
man's job. have much money to spend and he has a street in one episode, and we had to do it
While was in the art department \ got
I way of doing things very cheaply. He has allwith models. We had a very tight budget
to meet certain people involved in other the sort of mind where he can come up and a very tight schedule, but we did
areas of production and when someone with a way of doing anything cheaply but achieve methods of doing things very
asked me one day if wanted to make some
I very well, and without always having the quickly, one of which was simply dressing
models for them. I found it quite easy to best equipment to work with. But that's up the same models with pieces from lots
progress from drawing to making models because he's an artist. He's very good at of plastic model kits. Of course, everyone
. .you need a certain amount of artistic
. his job." in the business is doing that now but I
talent for both things and if you can draw (Sadly, since this interview took place think I started the idea.
it helps in all types of special effects. Les Bowie, the man responsible for so many “The way we worked was as follows —
“So I got involved with modelling, matte of the effects in British science fiction and would design the basic shape of the vehicle
painting, film titles ... I even had a go at fantasy films over the years, and who and then we would dress them up with lots
painting backgrounds but didn't like that trained many of the top effects men working of little bits and pieces from the kits to
because you're working on too large a in the industry today, has died.) give them detail and make them look
scale. When you're confronted with a huge "While I was working for Les was I convincing, and then we dirtied them down
canvas about fifty feet long by thirty feet approached by Gerry Anderson who had to age them. So at that particularly time
high and asked to paint realistic scenery on a company called Century 21 which hundreds of plastic kits were bought and
it . .well, it isn't easy. I stuck it out as long eventually made such things as Thunder- we used to rummage through them finding
as possible and then f met Les Bowie who birdsand various other puppet series for all the interesting pieces. We didn't just
was doing matte paintings and general At this time they were doing a
television. stick them onto the model but joined the
effects. joined him at the right time
I series called Twizzleand was asked if
I I pieces together and made a complete unit
because he was moving onto a new studio would go and help them out on weekends. that would fit onto the back of the basic
and I went with him. We went to a company Les agreed so I started working weekends model.
called Anglo-Scottish Pictures at Shepper- and evenings for Anderson. It meant “I had three special effects stages and
ton and we had a workshop studio there. designing all the special effects vehicles that about forty people working for me ^just on—
That was over twenty years ago. started I were used. Eventually I was working for the special effects, we had nothing to do
off doing matte paintings because art was them full time. I had my own department with the actual puppets, which were
my first love, but at this particular time and a free hand to do exactly what I manipulated by a different unit. We had on

15
I
average about 50 to 60 effects shot per SO “No, it was much easier to work with live join him on it. It was to be filmed in Den-
minute episode, which is a lot. Each actors. Many of the difficulties in Thunder- mark, at a place called Asa Studios in
episode took about 10 days to make but birds were caused by the puppets not being Copenhagen. So I went to Denmark and
sometimes when they'd finished all the able todo simple things like walk. When while I was there Anderson's company
puppet shots we'd still be working on the you had to show one walking you had to started up again and made a series that was
model shots for an extra two or three days cut off their legs with the camera. But when all live-action called The Protectors.
because the things we were trying to do we came to UFO the live actors, of course, Then later, of course, he did Space 1999.
were so complex. But by the end of a series didn't give us those problems. “On Zero Population I did all the floor
we'd only be about three weeks behind “As far as the effects were concerned effects, which included creating an awful
overall. we had more money in UFO the budgets — lot of smoke, mist and fog. All the exteriors
“All our models ran on wires suspended were much bigger than they were for were constantly covered in what was
from little trolleys above the set because Thunderbirds and the other puppet series supposed to be polluted fog and all the
it took too long to animate them any other and our work expanded into other areas. artists had to walk around wearing masks
way. And we found that we could get them We got involved in the practical side of the to enable them to breathe. The big problem
running smoothly with this method. We series, handling 'floor effects' as they're was caused by the walking talking dolls
worked with 35 mm high speed cameras called, explosionsand putting bullet hits that were supposed to be alternatives to
and we always showed the rushes on a on the actors and so on. And we also had real children in this future society. They
full-sized cinema screen so it had to all
look good. The big problem, of course,
to design full-size vehicles as well as models. were awful —
didn't make them, they were
I

For instance f designed, in conjunction made by a company in England. They were

was getting rid of the wires. We had a way with Ford, three futuristic cars that were made very quickly without too much
of lighting them that worked as a rule but used throughout the They were
series. thought given to them. I didn't see them
if we ever saw any wires on the rushes then actually built like real cars and made of until they arrived in Denmark where I was
we had to do the shot again. They never metal, but f also designed three mini-mokes working . . . and it took an awful lot of
tried to disguise the wires on the puppet by myself which were made by a fibre-glass effort to make them convincing. The worst
stuff but we were always being congratu- company. things were the eyes and the mouths, but
lated on the fact that nobody ever saw a “After UFO Anderson's company folded having been involved with puppets it was
wire on any of the special effects shots.'' up and f started work on a science fiction quite easy to change the eyes and make the
After Thunderbirds Meddings worked on picture starring Oliver Reed called Zero mouths work convincingly. At least / hope
another Gerry Anderson series called UFO. Population Growth. got involved through .”
I
they were convincing . .
The big difference with this show was that the production designer. Tony Masters. Another sf/fantasy film that Meddings
live actors were used instead of puppets and Tony had been down to our studio and worked on was The Land That Time
I asked him if this caused any difficulties: seen a lot of our work and had asked me to Forgot in 1975. “With that film”, said
w
 Then for the long shots showing it flying
off with the man struggling in its mouth we

cut to a smaller model. The man was a

model in that shot too which contained a
mechanism that moved his arm and legs.”
The best effects in the film involve the
German submarine, which was a model
over twenty feet long. “There were four of
us working on that,” said Meddings, “We
built the sub ourselves and filmed it in the
largest tank at the studio. It moved on an
underwater track and we were underwater
ourselves a lot of the time while we were
shooting it. We lived like fish for about

six weeks filming that thing.”

In the early 1970s Meddings became

involved with the James Bond films,
taking over the effects from his friend John
Stears who worked on the first six Bonds.
When is a supertanker not a supertanker? The large budgets and other resources of
Opposite the huge, 60 foot model built by
: the Bond series have since enabled Medd-
Derek Meddings for the Bond ings to produce some of his most spectacu-
movie The Spy Who L4>ved Me. lar work of which Moonraker contains
Above: The model cruises down
the latest example. “The first Bond I worked
a canal in the Bahamas. Below:
on was Live and Let Die,” said Meddings,
The tanker model is destroyed
at the end of the movie.
“I did all the effects and model work on
that. And I did all the model work on
The Man With the Golden Gun, except for
the car that turned into a 'plane. That was
a radio-controlleddisaster ... it looks
the finished film though. There
all right in

were a of model shots in that film that

lot
people don't realize were models. For
instance, the long shots of the Queen
Elizabeth lying on its side in Hong Kong
harbour that was all a model, including
. . .

the police boat arriving alongsideand even

the whole of the Hong Kong harbour in
the background.
“The island where the villain, Christo-
Meddings, “we couldn't get involved with mechanism was built at Shepperton
pher Lee, has his headquarters containing
animating tlie models with stop-motion Studios," said Meddings, “and they did a
the solar complex was also a model. It was
photography because it just takes so long fantastic Job on it, but the funny thing
based on a real island. The art department
it means spending a year of your life Just was that it got full of water every time we
took photographs of it and we had to
animating models. And apart from Hairy- ducked it under, despite having been made
match them perfectly with our model, and
hausen there's not really anyone in England of water-proofed, non-absorbent material.
as shots of the real island were used in the
set up to do model animation. If you start As you know, it had to snatch a German
film as well we had to make sure everything
on a medium budget picture, as The Land sailor off the deck of the submarine and
looked exactly the same otherwise audiences
That Time Forgot was, the Vompany —
plunge him underwater well, we used an
would be able to tell the difference. We
concerned Just can't afford to set you up in actor up to a certain point in the action
used all kinds of tricks to get things right.
such a specialist operation either, so for that and then we had to use a stuntman for
Reproducing the foliage in miniature was
picture we used model dinosaurs that were when he actually went into the water.
difficult ... we would uproot an entire
about three foot high on average and were Inside the head was an aqua-lung so that
garden or a whole area Just to find the right
manipulated either mechanically or like the stuntman could breathe when the head
little plants. And all these things have to be
glove puppets with someone's hand inside was under the surface. We did the shot
put on the model in the right scale and
them. They weren't made by either my several times and each time it got harder to
perspective. You Just can't grab hold of a
team or myself but by Roger Dicken. We raise the thing because of all the water it
handful of foliage, stick glue on them and
were involved in the filming of them and we had absorbed. We had a mechaninism
whack them onto the model, it's got to be
also helped him operate them because like a hydraulic arm inside it but as the
done with a great deal of care. And colour
obviously he couldn't work them all at material got more and more water-logged,
is always a problem, matching it exactly
once. It was complicated because we had the model got so heavy we had to put a
with the real thing. And then, of course,
to make them move and attack people but block and tackle on it and pull it up very
we had the problem of blowing the place
as they were basically puppets it was gently. But we got the shot we wanted
up. couldn't be a solid island, it was
It
difficult to show them actually walking so eventually,”
hollow, and we were virtually building the
we had to use a lot of tricks. We used front Less impressive was the pterodactyl
explosives into it as we were building the
projection to combine them with the live used in the sequence where a caveman is
island. It was a big model, about twelve
action scenes.” snatched up and carried away. “That we
An air of desperate cheapness hangs over foot high. And we also blew up the interior
weren't very pleased with,” said Meddings,
The l.and That Time Forgot but one of the of the solar complex . . that was all a .
“though it worked all right in the him. Wci
sequences involves an aquatic model too.”
better built a full-sized model which was sus-
dinosaur consisting of a long neck and a After The Man With the Golden Gun
pended from a crane for the shots where the
big, toothy head. “That head and its creature swoops and picks the man up.
came The Spy Who Loved Me which fea-

17
tures some of Meddings most impressive
model work, “f think pictures like Star
Wars, with their good special effects, renew
in producers an interest in the use of
miniatures. For a long time miniatures have
had this stigma attached to them —
producer or a director may have seen a very
bad model shot in a him once and that's
the image he keeps in his mind of all
model shots and you can't get him to
change his mind. It's like a bad matte
—
shot everyone remembers the bad ones
they've seen because no one notices the
good ones and so they presume that all
matte shots are bad. Now when we were
doing The Spy Who Loved Me I knew from
the beginning that we were going to have Top: This behind the scenes still demonstrates the use of the rear projection process in The I^nd That
Time Fontot. Above: One of the five Lotus cars contracted for the film Live and one
to do the tanker as a miniature but ( knew Die. This is a
that Lewis Gilbert, the director, was a full-size mock up.

little worried that it wouldn't look right.

63 feet would only create a bow wave
long it ahead of it and just as was coming out of
it
But when he saw our first test shots of it he and wash that was in scale with a 63 foot the canal [ noticed that it was getting
knew it would look good and that we long launch. This, of course, is nothing lower and lower in the water. There were
wouldn't have to use a full-size tanker as what a super tanker, with its vast
like three men inside, one of whom was Peter
was originally planned.'* displacement of water, would create. So Biggs, my right-hand man, but they weren't
I asked, in all innocence, how they'd as with the subs we had to have water aware of what was happening because they
planned to have a real super tanker open
up its bows and swallow submarines, which
disturbers and so on all along the hull —
had very little vision their only field of
under the waterline. vision was looking straight down about 60
is what happens in the movie. “Well we “All that tanker footage was shot in the feet of tanker deck. We were in radio
always knew we would have to cheat with real sea out at the Bahamas. We built the contact so I yelled over the radio: 'Peter!
the front part, of course,” said Meddings. tanker at Pinewood Studios in three sec- You're sinking!' And he replied very
“Actually our model tanker wasn't much of tionsand flew it out in a cargo 'plane, then calmly: ‘Yes, f thought we were.'
a miniature, it was sixty three feet long. we put it back together in Nassau. The big “Then he flung the engine in reverse and
The reason we built it so large was because problem we had with the tanker was that we managed to get the tanker back into its
we had to deal with submarines in the same it wasn't very seaworthy, being mostly berth just as the front of it went under-
shots and subs are basically just featureless hollow in order to swallow the submarines. water. We had to dive down to it, sling
tubes with conning towers stuck on top Even so it weighed 12 tons. Only the aft straps under it and pull it up with a crane.
they don't displace water realistically as section was built like an actual boat, the What had happened was that one of the
models unless you build them to a reason- rest was like a catamaran built on two pontoons had started to leak and two of the
able size, and even then you have to have floats. We had a huge 175 hp marine engine six pumps had packed up at the same time.
all kinds of gadgets attached to them below in it which gave us a terrific wake though, But after that we never had any trouble at
the water line to disturb the water around of course, nothing near a real tanker's. all.”
them as they move in order to create a “Something went seriously wrong on the Apart from the tanker itself I was partic-
realistic bow wave and wake. Water is
always a problem when you're dealing
first day we took it out to sea. We'd ularly impressed with Atlantis —
the villian's
launched it in a canal and it looked beauti- headquarters that resembled a giant
with miniatures because you Just can't ful, then we started to drive it up the canal tarantula rising out of the sea. One assumed
scale water. Even though our tanker was and out into the open sea. I was on a barge that in the long shots it was all a model

18
but in the close shots, in which you could with all the details of the full-size set ... it which was fired out over the cliff from a
see men moving around, suggested a vast even had lots of little dead men lying a- special ramp with an air ram a long, —
full-scale structure.asked Meddings how
[ round. We blew it up with a series of telescopic arm that shot out with a terrible
this was achieved: “Well of course the explosions and finally had the catwalk that noise at the push of a button. The dummy

long shots were of a model, but it was spans the interior come crashing down just had to separate from the bike as soon as
—
quite a model almost twelve feet across, as the submarine leaves the berth. We had possible —
the director didn't want it
and the close shots were a combination of to do all that with a model because we sittingcalmly on the bike for the whole
full-scale sections that we filmed in couldn't bring down the cat-walk in the —
drop so we had to make a quick-release
Sardinia, models and matte paintings. There full-size set, it would have been too danger- mechanism for it. Our dummy looked very
were some very good matte shots in that ous. convincing because he was built so he
picture — they
were done by Peter Mayley, “I didn't do any of the floor effects, the wouldn't bend in any unnatural way.
a very good matte artist. In my opinion explosions etc, in the full-scale tanker Some effects men are content to make a
interior, I left that to one of my assistants, dummy very haphazardly and don't worry
the best matte artists are British though
most of them work in Hollywood. Albert John Evans. He's very good and can be what it looks like, with the result that the
Whitlock, Peter Ellenshaw, Mayley left totally alone. Having discussed it with arms or legs bend the wrong way as they
they're all British. Anyway he managed
. .

him he then goes off and does it he's — fall. But these days I think everyone in the
to have people walking about in his matte worked with me for many years so I don't industry is trying tomake things look as
shots which added to the realism, and when have to worry about him. He worked on real as possible. We
did a dummy for a
we shot our model sections we also had the full-scale set while I worked in Nassau film called Aces High that actually fell
miniature people that actually gave the with the models. 6,000 feet while on fire, and we had a
impression they were walking we moved — “Some I did handle on
full-scale effects mechanism inside him that moved his
them around mechanically. And to really The Spy W'ho Loved Me
were involved in arms so that as he fell he seemed to be
.“
confuse everybody we had a radio-con- the sequence where a rocket-powered motor trying to beat the flames out . .

bike side-car full of explosives is fired at asked what was like working with the
trolled helicopter which flew about in the I it

background. This is an example of where Bond's Lotus but hits a truck instead. It director Lewis Gilbert. “He's a very nice
people in the audience see the helicopter was all done for real on a mountain road in man and a very competent director —
Sardinia. Our side-car, which we built good, all-round and a good
director
flying and say to themselves, perhaps
faked especially, was motorised and had just action director with a good imagination.
unconsciously: 'Oh, it can't be
because I saw a helicopter fly through it.'
enough room for a small stunt man inside He also believes that if you hire technicians
“We also did all the underwater stuff it. It was packed with engine, steering you should have faith in them and listen
involving the Lotus car that turns into a mechanism and rockets. The rockets to what they have to say. A lot of directors
submarine. We had quite a big underwater had enough power to move the
actually don't want to listen. And we also have as
—
operation at Nassau we built a special side car —
they weren't powerful enough to our production designer Ken Adam who is
down the jetty when it was
rig to fire the car
maintain the necessary speed but they another man of the same calibre. He will
being pursued by the helicopter. It was certainly launched the car out of the listen to you and if you suggest something

travelling at SO miles per hour when it left

cradle that we'd built on the side of the and he likes it then you're allowed to go and
the rig. When the film cuts to show the car
motor bike. do it. I work very closely with him the —
sinking through the water we used a very “The truck that blows up is supposed to director, the production designer and the

convincing model with dummies represent- be of feather mattresses so we had to

full special effects people have to work very

ing Bond and the girl inside. The change produce a cloud of feathers with the ex- closely on pictures like the Bonds because
plosion, and that wasn't easy. We had tons it's critical that what the director has shot
from car into submarine involved five
of them and it was all a terrible drama trying in full-scale matches up exactly with what
underwater model cars with each one being
used to represent a different part of the
to control them. I should think a major we shoot in model form perhapw up to two
transformation process, such as the wheels
part of Sardinia is still covered with months later. You don't want to end up
retracting, the finspopping up, the motors feathers. shooting two different films, as has some-
coming out of the back etc. Apart from the
“We used a dummy on the motorbike times happened in the past.”
models there was also a full-size car that
was completely drivable underwater it —
was full of engines and buoyancy compen-
sators and took a two-man crew. It was
quite fantastic. We also did the sequence
where the rocket is fired out of the back of
the car, hurtles out of the water and
destroys the helicopter hovering above.
The helicopter in those scenes was actually
a radio-controlled model."
After all the care that goes into the
construction of Meddings' various models
it seems a waste when they have to be
blown up at the end of a picture but he'
doesn't seem to mind— in fact I suspect
he rather enjoys it.“We spent days blowing
up the model tanker, and then we had a
controlled sinking showing it going under.
It's still there —
at the bottom of the sea in
the Bahamas. The interior battle sequences
within the tanker were filmed on the huge
007 Stage at Pinewood but we also built a
model of the inside of the tanker for the
final sequences when the submarine blasts Next issue: Derek Meddings talks about work for the
his special effeas latest Bond movie, the science
its way out. The model was 30 feet long fiction epic Moonraker.

19
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Th« folkxwing toma of tha fantaiv
a of
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i ]
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3: The Trouble With Tribbles pages £5.70
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4: A Taste Of Armagedon Dark and Gruesome
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20
 Rather than present a straightforward review of Columbia’s current science
fantasy offering The Humanoid, Starburst has come up with a batch of rare
production drawings from the early planning stages of the film and together with
a review from Starburst regular Tony Crawley, presents an exclusive look at how
the planned version differs from the final movie.
 Feature by Benny Aldrich

T
he other evening I was sitting having a fungus. (I think the intent was a Mimewhat movie.
quiet drink with some contributors to humourous end prtxluct). Following the success of the syndicated
Starburst. He sent the script to the head of an Thief of Baghdad strip produced for Col-
One of them, a gent prone to such American international picture company umbia Pictures (see .Starburst 7). moves
misfortunates as facing a pizza after seeing who had been interested in his previous were made towards a similar project for
The Incredibk Melting Man. eating spag- work The Humanoid. Countless storyboards,
hetti afterSquirm and developing a neck Much to his surprise (being an un- sketches, stills and synopses were handed to
swelling after The Manitou. had a new tale assuming Australian s<irt). he was delighted Starburst for our perusal, along with a
of woe. to receive a positive reaction, and an in- screening of the finished film.
Apparently he'd had another crack at a vitation to discuss the storyline further with And so with the fantastic material re-
fantasy film script (his previous attempt is a a visiting executive at Pinew<HKl studios. leased to us. it seemed an ideal chance to
story for another day). The plot concerned Upon arrival, he was asked if he could l(K)k at an area of movie making other than
an organic UFO landing in the Lake turn it into a rip-off of Animal House. the favourite of special effects.
District, with the media descending on the Which brings us very nieely to The If would appear thatCosmos King (the
incident, and being turned into edible Humanoid, the new Italian science fiction Italian title for the movie) has an origin

Visual first step in movie-makinn: The story-

boards. Roufih sketches done to break down the
screenplay into individual scenes. The
surrounding / 4 (read downwards! comprise of the
opening sequence from the movie.

Facintt pane: Top. the finished scene as Dr

Barbara ICorinne Clery! faces a somewhat /trim-
lookinn torture machine. While the sketch below
shows the artist's orittinal depiction of the same
—
machine but this time in action!

22
similar to our unfortunate Starburst con- re-make, in the same way another Italian movies made more than ten years earlier
tributor's story. For. among the papers, company had intended with Queen Kong, been almost direct swipes of Kirosawa's ex-
sketches and prints we received was what hot on the tail of the King Kong remake? cellent samurai films starring Toshiro
must have been the original synopsis. Whether that was the case or not. plans Mifune?
It tellsus that a sailor is shipwrecked and were (fortunately) interrupted by the timely Re-makes, folkfw-ups and stolen or bor-
cast ashore on a supposedly deserted island. release of Star Wars. You can almost hear rowed themes have worked many times
But he soon discovers it inhabited by a the voice of Merope shout out "Setta it in over the world. Hammer's (official)
scientist bent on revenge against his old space!". Universal-inspired fvmm saved a whole
associates. The scientist intends to change So the shipwrecked sailor becomes a star genre of cinema, for instance.
the sailor into a being different to normal ship-wrecked pilot, the sea becomes space, And. with their four million dollar
men. with increased strength and an animal the island a planet, the manimal a huma- budget. Merope could hardly be accused of
rage, and set the being on his enemies. noid. and there you have it . The .Star
. . a cheap rip-off. But does it work? No.
A familiar plot? Could it be that Merope War of Dr Moreau. Richard Kiel, who stars as the science fiction
Films of Rome intended to cash in on the But. still no real criticism. After all. had Frankenstein creature, can hardly be
expected success of the Island of Dr Moreau not the Italian-produced Dollars/EastwcMHl blamed for seeing a great potential in the
film (seeour interv iew next month), after all than a home (Italian) market movie. pages we’d like to display some of the more
he can hardly speak a word of Italian, and Even Sensurround would be hard pressed interesting facets of the film, so that should
we’ll never know what ended up on the it. for despite the talent and money,
to save you see the movie you might not dismiss it as
cutting rtxim flo<vr. But. even if you haven't the key thing it lacks is imagination. just a cheap rip-off of Star Wars and
seen .Star Wars, you’ll find little to enjoy We seem to be living in an age where a criticise everyone connected with the film.
beyond the special effects. solid script and go<Kl direction takes second Instead, pity the man who took such an
The biggest disappointment is that it isn’t place to the big dollar special effects. amount of potentially great material, but
a cheap exploitation. It’s an expensive one. Superman the Movie was a perfect didn’t have a fraction of the imagination
wasting talented actors (Richard Kiel. example. The most expensive star, the most needed to realise it.

Barbara Bach. Arthur Kennedy). Ennio expensive film, yet the most disapptvinting Maybe it’s ab<vut time movie producers
(Dollars) Morricone music and a great deal plot holes — especially noticeable in its time were reminded that their audiences are
of abrvve average effects and pre-production travel "solution" and short-sighted intelligent thinking human beings,who can
work. Kryptonian scientists. only be sold publicity hype a few times
Worse yet. it was made with the So—but moreso suffered —
The before they dismiss the whole of cinema and
American/English audience in mind, rather Humanoid. However, over the next few settle for the free movies on television.#

Six scenes from the finished film

I reviewed on page 27 1 featuring

the laser-arrow shooting archers.

Barbara Bach and Arthur
Kennedy below (the bad guys).
Bichard Kiel and Corinne Clery
centre (the goodguyst. an action
scene and two more shots of the
lovely Ms Bach.

25
An inleresting array of space vehicles, sketched by the Merope Films
studios.But they could easily be part of a spot the spaceships
competition, because to the best ofour knowledge none of them actuallv
made it beyond the drawing board (except the inevitable robot dog!)
HUMANOID
Review by Tony Crawley

ince Star Wars changed the face of the the evil forces are both male and female. annihalation by her prtxliguously

S
has
motion picture industry almcKt two
years ago. every one and his father
leaped upton the briskly-moving
For Peter Cushing read Arthur Kennedy’s
mad scientist. Kraspin. rescued from his
sentence in The House of Lethargy by
metaphysically-talented young friend.
Tom-Tom. The devastation of the Nurek
attack alerts Metropolis to the awful fact
bandwag»>n to produce science fantasy Barbara Bach’s Lady Agatha of the planet that war has returned to outer-space. The
fodder. The result is a deluge of grHxl. bad Noxon. And for Darth Vadar. read Ivan Elder makes plans accordingly. Nik. head of
and indifferent movies pouring into our Rassimov as Graal. alias The Brother of the Security, is ordered to capture Kraspin and
cinemas from around the world. Even with Night, alias the leader of the fiendish Nurek thwart all further attacks from The Brother
Italy’s latest «>ffering. The Humanoid,
starring Richard Kiel. George Lucas has
rebels. And for the plot, don’t read on it’s — of the Night. Not easy. But Nik proves to be
more muddling on paper than it is (almost) the Mann for the job. so to speak.
little to worry about. on screen. But we’ll give it a trv. —
But where I hear you all asking ^where is
The mixture is the same as before.As After yet another of those futuristic Richard Kiel?
with most science fantasy prixJuct made nuclear set-tos. w hich all good sf insists we He’s due any minute now in the guise of
outside the upper Hollywood echeleons will suffer. Earth is now known as bearded, mild-mannered Stellar Colony
(with the obvious exception of the Metropctlis; so is its capital city. Our old Inspector Golob of Metrolptilis.
shameless Ratllestar (iaiaclica). The planet has been the solar system’s peaceful accompanied by his ever-faithful canine
Humanoid appears to be another .Star ars W fulcrum for centuries under the rule of The robot. Kip. Unfortunately there is a
clone. George l.ucas rejigged a bit. Not Elder. malfunction in their spaceship and they
much. Lady Agatha has a touch of Countess have to make a forced landing on the oily
Though not as shaggy. Richard Kiel is Dracula about her. remaining forever surface of one of Noxon ’s stagnant seas.
very much the Chewbacca of this particular young, if not from the bhiod of virgin lasses, And that’s how Richard Kiel’s happy-go-
space-opera. And his friends and foes are then from a similar youth scrum discovered lucky giant of a space man becomes the first
very familiar, indeed. by Kraspin. No wonder she rescued victim of Kraspin’s plans for creating
For Prince Leia read Corinne Clery's him . He. though, is far more into
. . humanoids endowed with superhuman
Barbara heroine, clearly more shapely than experimentation aNiut the mutation of strength and capable of resisting all energy
Carrie Fisher. For Han Solo read Leonard human beings. He needs earth’s supply of weaprins. The scientist lets fly with a nuclear
Mann's security chief. Nik. basically half-
Han and half-Luke. For C.TPO and R2-D2
— —
K-element or Kappa to continue his f«>ul projectile. Big bang! And once the dust and
deeds. Graal and his Nureks are sent to get
read Marco Yeh’s Tom-Tom. a Tibetan
youngster with what might be called De
it —and kill the lab assistant who turned in
demented Kraspin to the law and order
Palmian powers, and Kiel’s robtxlog. Kim. Ktys.
a metallic canine figure that mes.ses the fltxir Enter: Corinne CIcry as Barbara Gibst>n.
when it’s unduly alarmed. A nervous Our heroine Barbara is saved from
malfunction, perhaps.
The only real switch, if switch it be. is that

27
debris have settled. Golob is . .

humanoid. Beardless and hefty with it.

This transformation
particular is

something of a non-starter, of course. It

would have come off better if Richard Kiel

was not 7fi 2ins high to begin with. He looks
as if he could knock over planets even
before he’s Kraspinised.
His limitless strength and agressiveness
(well, how would you feel about such
treatment?) is subdued by narcotic gas and
he's captured by Kraspin's men. In his
Noxon lab. the noxious villain opens up one
of Golob’s wrists and implants a remote-
control sensor. Golob’s is now in his power.
The humanoid's first test will be to return to
Metropolis and eliminate The Elder and —
anyone else rash enough to get in his way
and destroy the central government.
In places, the film is rather better than it
may sound here. Basically though it’s
Frankenstein Meets Countess Dracula and
Star Wars.
The credits read like an Italian menu. Tbe
script, covering so many possible genres at
once, stems from Adriana Boizoni. Garry
Above: Two angles ofa HumanoM landspeeder sketch, and below: an artist’s impression of the futuristic
Rusoff and Aldo Lado. George B. Lewis, of Metropolis.
city
who directs, is really Aldo Lado. himself.
He shot the film &t the Dear studios in
the ease of a rampaging King Kong, but last week. If doesn’t grow back soon.
Rome, with locations in Israel, the Canary it I'l

Isles and. so we’re informed. Moon Valley fortunately soon comes under the start mailing in my manuscripts!
in South Africa. Supervising the varied extraordinary powers of young Tom-Tom.
effects (process work, opticals and bags of
Together they thwart the evil plans of
occasionally-obvious models) is Antony M. Kraspin by destroying the rocket full of
Dawson, who we all know to be really Kappa which will turn all the citizens of Cbrimic Ck^l (AsHktm
Antonio Margheriti. the Roman director of Metropolis into humanoids. Golob simply Ketmedy
tears the nuclear warhead off it with a flick (Mikh
some of the better-class Gothic horror.
Italian-style (including the best of Barbara
or two of his enormous mitts.
Steele, who would be better suited to a
Lady Agatha runs out of her serum and
withers away into a Counless-cum-She forniH;
movie like this than Miss Bach). And just Atti
finale. Kraspin dies in the heat-blast of his
to remind you it’s all Italian, no matter how
the dialogue sounds now. the music comes
own deadly rocket. Graal simply disappears Directed B. Iie«i* pW» :La*0.
from Rome’s own John Williams Ennio — —
when he dies all that remains of him is his VaaMwicixaiptBy

Morricone. armour. And well, for Italy, it’s not at all

bad. if you haven’t seen Star Wars first. edited Mww»
There’s action aplenty with starships,
starfighters, all kinds of galactic
For all the mayhem, effects, rip-offs and sup^rvisrrf M, Oawapib (AMMila
—
mechanicalia as shown in our exclusive
inevitable, unintended laughter, there are
quite a few memorable moments. None
Margheiife ilpeciai effects
Vakaudoi^; W.
production artwork. Battles include Tom- ’ "
better than the robot dog messing the floor
'
State 4, Sfeiijfe VaindfeU:
Tom’s strange, guardian-like figures using Ermanao:: modefe
glass bows with laser arrows —
something with his malfunctions. Beat that. R2-D2.
Footnote: As Golob is a humanoid only
OKtumes ,:by Uea
new, at least. Mer»»pe 1^) ptadttctktal^TitmMi.
Naturally, everyone gets their just de-
when clean-shaven. I’m beginning to have
UK rcleaiii^
serts — or rewards. Poor Corrine Clery faces my doubts about Dez Skinn, whose nine-
Coiottr.' k
year old beard mysteriously disappeared
a fate worse than Pearl White inside a spikey
machine, in which Kraspin now makes his
youth serum. Golob smashes buildings with
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29
 The Stai Tiek Inlei views » Part 2

PERSIS
The new
KHAMBATTA
Star Trek star interviewed
lack-haired Persis Khambatts shaved her Dollar Man’’ idea. Between Aims, she modelled grace, style, natural talent, professionalism, and

B head for the Star Trek movie —when

revised tv series notion fell apart at the
the in London, winning covers galore and the
Newsweek apellation of “the Sophia Loren of
a stunningly photogenic olive-skinned beauty of
universal versatility: plain, exotic, girl-next-
seam and the project became a movie again. India”. door, Spanish, Italian, French, gypsy, vampire.
A Bombay fashion model from thirteen. Miss She hails from the Pars! community, descend- “Simply anyone.”
India at 16, and award-winning Indian movie star ants of the original Persians settling in India Now she’s the new Enterprise navigator.
(Bombay in the Arms of the Night , etc), “just 80,000 of us, we’re a dying race because Ilia, from the planet Delta, in Robert Wise’s
Persis made her international debut opposite we married cousins”. She aims to make a tv multi-million dollar Star Trek Aim. Here she
Michael Caine in Ralph Nelson’s The Wilby documentary on her religion, Zoroastrian. which talks about how she won the role, shaved her
Conspiracy, followed by Britain’s Conduct worships Are, “the most pure thing”. Their rites head, enjoyed the Aiming (Ave o’clock shadow
Unbecoming plus US tele-movie success in of birth, marriage and death are consecrated and all) —
but says as little as she dare tell about
Man with the Power, a kind of “Five-Million in the Fire Temple. The essence of Persis is the Aim itself.
StarbursI: How were you selected for the without hair.” All the other girls were as possible. I think I got the part because
movie — indeed, how did you hear about the really dressed up with their best hair-dos everybody else was coming on too strong.
part of the new navigator? and looking beautiful, while f looked . . . I was just playing myself.
Persis: While I was living in London seven well, as if had a swimming-cap on. I sat
f Not easy.
years ago, I watched Star Trek and became there, reading and said f’d really appreciate It isto me. I’m an instinctive actress.
a big fan. f asked my agent once if f could being tested. ’T’m not such a fantastic AH this was for the new tv series idea?
get on the show because there were so reader,” f said, “but [ can prove I’m good Yes. Originally, I signed for a six-year
many exoitic women in it. He explained in a test.” They tested two girls and i got — television series. When it was turned into
they’d stopped making the series. Then, the job. a movie I was really happy. I don’t think

f was in New York and going on to L.A. What did the test comprise? any of the actors would have come back
and my agent said, “Hey, Star Trek is A —
very funny thing this girl playing up to in a scries again. It stops you from working,

—
doing a series again and they’d like to see a new character, Zon. This was before once you’re known as a certain character.
you.” I said. Fabulous! Then he said, “But Spock came back into it. Zon was to be But if the film's a hit, won't they make a new
the girl is supposed to be bald”. So when the new Spock, [ suppose. So they were tv series?

I went for my interview, what I did was testing Zon and Ilia [she pronounces it: They might make a sequel to the film, but
I went to one of those Columbia Studio eye-lia]. Bob Collins directed the test. not a series, f doubt it, but one doesn’t
chemist shops, paid a dollar for a bald cap First, I went to an acting teacher, showed know. The actors probably wouldn’t want
—the cheapest ( could find! him my lines and did it for him. Overdid it, that, they’ve been on the series for so long.

IVho buys bald caps in chemists ? in fact. He told me to play it absolutely I don’t think Spock and Capt Kirk would

The place was connected with the make-up straight. go back to television.
department. A bald cap is part of the make- r was so nervous in the test that my lip Isn't he Admiral Kirk now?
up kit. So I walked in to see Gene Rodden- was shaking, but I tried to play it as natural
berry with it on: “f want you to see me
Oh yes, sorry. The other new character in minds of people. Because the mind is such
the crew is the new captain of the Enter- a powerful thing. We’re all occupied with
prise — Stephen Collins as Willard Decker. making money, work, all those things. But
Why did you agree to be shaven for the role, really concentrateyour mind and, if that
couldn't you have worn your cap again? is what you want to do, you can read
They don’t really work on film. You can people’s —
minds understand them far
see the wrinkles at the back of the neck. better.
To look bald there is only one thing to do My touch — Ilia’s —can help people to
—become bald. heal. We have tremendous mind control
That means you need to know about the and concentration, which we have as an
shape of your head, which few of us know inherent part of us. I’m already there!
much about. I felt very close to that part. I have very
What happened was about six or seven powerful dreams for instance. And, when
years ago, when
had very long hair
f I saw Close Encounters ... I actually felt
—
below my waist an art director put my first spiritual experience at that movie.
brilliantine on it and took a profile shot I wanted so much to go with that person

with my hair absolutely tight on my scalp. into that mothership. I felt a part of him.
He told me [ had a beautifully shaped head. I wanted to go away with him . . .

So, I remembered that. Also, I thought Meantime your ship, the Enterprise, is taken
that this was six weeks’ work then it — out of mothballs, I gather, called upon to
turned out to be six months! f felt that in serve mankind again because there's . . .

six weeks my hair was going to grow back. something nasty up there.
And it is now, of course, look (she . . .
And I’m involved with that . something. .

retnoves her arab-style head-dress and shows I become part of . that thing. My mind
. .

off a tufty head, about an inch all round). gets attracted to it. All the other people,
I think in six months I should have good it passes by. With me, it has something
hair again. and . . . now I can’t really tell you the
Unless they ask you to shave again for the story.
various international premieres . . . But you want to .. .?
r don’t mind, it’s done me good. Bald is No! Every time I say something, you won’t
beautiful! f’m much more confident with- understand unless I say something further.
out my hair. I was a very insecure person I would like the audience to wait and see it.

with hair. All of a sudden, I’m full of It’s too early to talk about it now. We’re

confidence in myself. Fred Phillips, Spock’s not supposed to . . .

Yes, security was tight during shooting,

^‘Originally signed for a six
I —
wasn't it tighter than usual?

year television series of Star It was easier to get into the White House
Trek. When it was turned into
than our set. Very strict. The Press came m
very much at the end, and a couple of
a movie I was really happy.” guests were allowed, but one wasn’t inter-
ested in inviting anybody to the set because
make-up man, did the shaving. I didn’t you had to go through the whole security
realise until f saw the picture of the event
system so much. When they shaved my
that he was crying as he did it everyone head, they had two security guards on the
around me was crying. I didn’t want to see door. Of course as I was the one getting
the mirror until it was actually completely shaved, nobody checked my bag. had a I
shaven off. My first reaction was “Wow!” Polaroid camera with me! I wanted
I really felt good about it.
“before and after” pictures to send to my Top: Sewiomers Willard Decker (played by
No problems then? mother. I took them and asked the pro- Stephen Collins) and Ilia ( Persis Khambatta) at a
Well, I bang my head more when I’m bald, joint birthday partythrown by the cast and crew.
ducer and director, “Do you mind ...?’’
it seems. When I was shaved the first time, Above: The man that Persis replaces, Sulu former
“Yes, we do,” they said. “But it’s only for
the head was very soft— sensitive, just like helmsmani navigator. But don't worry, Sulu is still
my mother.” “Please don’t send them,”
your first shave. Having a shower became among the crew of the Enterprise.
they said, “What if she gives them to some-
the greatest feeling ever. I stay longer in
body?” But I sent them all the same. with me. We meet up again on the Enter-
the shower now, so I’m probably cleaner,
Did any of the fans manage to break in ? prise and there’s still something between
too. The main problem was, because of the A couple of them managed to sneak in, us. I’m angry with him at first. Why did he
thick make-up, I got pimples. The moment tricking people with all kinds of stories. leave Delta without telling me? And he
there was a pimple on my skull, everybody
They’d come to my dressing-room and say said, “If I’d stayed, you know what would
was hysterical on the set. No more close- quickly, “Excuse me. I’m going to have have happened”. And I understand.
ups! could not have a pimple!
Ilia
a convention and can you ... I can’t wait I don't.
So who is Ilia, what is she ?
tell us,
here’s my card
.. . will you call me?”
. . . All, well,once you love a Deltan, you
She’s from the planet Delta and Deltans
I haven’t gone to a convention yet. But become their slave. When I come on the
are very intelligent.
Her father was on the nobody broke into a set. What happened ship, everybody, especially the women, are
Enterprise a long time ago and being so
we Deltans make excellent
intelligent,
was. somebody stole something the plans — —
stunned. “But she’s a Deltan. What’s
or some of the designs of sets. going to happen to the crew?” So I have
mathematicians and, therefore, the best How did you get on with the crew? to say I've taken an oath of celibacy.
navigators.The story takes place in the Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner were Ilia is a contrast to Spock's character
25th Century when Gene Roddenberry very nice to us. myself and the other new he’s so very logical. There’s a beautiful
hopes the world will be this Deltan way: actor, Stephen Collins Ilia has a . . . scene with Spock in the film. I think the
beyond materialism and into more spiritual romantic thing about Steve, you know. He fans are going to love it. It’s when well,
. . .

aspects of feeling, touching reading the. . .

was on my planet and got very involved it’s a very nice scene. I’m not going to

32
 keeping out of the sun.
How many people were struck down like
this?
I was the only person affected. I tried to
be the brave one, trying to keep my eyes
open in profile. The other person with me
was unhurt.
Is India awaiting the movie as much as we
are?
Oh no. We don’t have American or English
programmes on tv. If we’re very, very good
people, on a Sunday we’ll have a Hindy
film. Besides that, there is onlv a one-hour

—
programme a day on agriculture. Tele-
vision in India is basically for the village
people to learn things. Education.
As a fan of Star Trek yourself, how do you
think other fans will take to the movie?
I wish I could say ... I wish I could predict

that.I just hope they’ll love it. .

What was your own favourite episode in the

tv series?
To be very honest, I started to watch the
series rather too late ... But once I liked
—
very much I don’t know the name, but
I’m sure you or the fans will is when —
Capt Kirk meets a woman who transfers
her soul into him —and
he becomes the
woman. Seeing Capt Kirk having a tantrum
say any more! Well . . you’re going to lee
. Fletcher. like a woman was wonderful!
an unusual side to Spock’s character. What's the position with the film today? You did come into it late I Most fans
/ don't know which you enjoy most: the
filming or not talking about it.
We've heard it's rather in limbo.
No! We finished shooting at the end of
remember that show rather fondly too it —
was the 78th and last show of the three-year
My first day I was absolutely nervous. January, now they’re doing special effects.
I didn’t know how to say the lines, all That should take about six months and the
these words were very unusual to me. I was film is being released in December. I went
“Fred Phillips, Spock’s make-
scared stiff. Everybody else —
Spock, Kirk, to see the rushes every day and they’re up man, shaved my head. I
McCoy, Scotty, Sulu, Uhura, Chekov and great —
also I learnt more. And having didn’t realise he was crying as

Intruder.*
Nurse, now Doctor Chapel went straight
into their characters and

and yes, I enjoyed it all.

You had a
didn’t know
what to do. Then, Gene Roddenberry gave
me an an analysis of the character and
—
I

I was able to get into it. I soon settled in

better deal than most, / suppose.

Being bald meant an extra hour in bed, no
Robert Wise as the director was marvellous.
He was a brilliant person the patience,
the understanding this man had, working
with all those people, having sets that
were in a sense very, very difficult and
dangerous. And being an editor, he knows
where
—

he’s cutting all the time.

What do you mean, dangerous sets ?
he did

series:
I
it —everyone around me
was crying!”
Turnabout
liked that story very
Anything like it
much!
happen in the movie?
*

I think I’ve said enough. It would be nice

to say more. But we’re all keeping quiet.
rushing in for make-up and hairdressing. I hope you will look at some of the sets on
On the contrary, [ had to be in much that screen and sympathise with us. I tell We don’t want to spoil it for you. Wait and
earlier. Spock and I were the first ones in. you something: it could have been instant see in December.

Our make-up took the longest. I even death on those sets for nne. Wearing high- Well, put it another way: what has the

decided to live close to the studios, just heeled shoes and walking on those sets. movie got that the tv series never had?
two minutes away ... I had to be made A couple of people had accidents. The More special effects. More sound.. More
up early because the after-five shadow audiences will probably think it was easy.. music —we’ve a special sound system. All
came up after lunch. They couldn’t do Is this rocky terrain, or gimmicky sets that the actors that have come back. Robert
close-ups of nfK, then. My make-up was fall away, break open? Wise. A better story. And . . .
—
very thick though my head, you see is Oh . .I’m not going to tell you anything
.
A bald Persis Khambatta?
part of my skin, part of my face in that more. You must watch the film! Yes!
respect. It took me 45 minutes to clean Iff will; but you're our guide for now. By the way, what did you do with all your
my head after the shooting every day. 1 went blind for two days at the end of hair?
I kept it, of course. Funny thing, I keep
And I suffered from colds very much. shooting. The day we finished, we had to
getting fan letters with cheques: Please
Every time I sneezed, everybody was use these neon lights. We
were shooting
around me with hankies. They didn’t want until pm. I went home and about
10.30 send me a lock of your hair. I send the
me to get sick. They were so protective 2 am woke up with my eyes burning.
[
money back. My hair isn’t for sale unless —
I sell it for a million dollars to one of those
a day lost could cost S30,000. But I couldn’t I rubbed them, opened them and couldn't

wear much on my head to keep warm, you see a thing. It was a kind of snow blindness, rich Arabs who wants to buy it as a treasure.
see, because of the make-up. they told me next day. I didn’t understand Interview by Tony Crawtey
No head warmers, but some brand new snow blindness. “Don’t worry about it,’’
*Ai if yw hffd remimtiny. Turnabout Intruder, wriitem
uniforms for the crew, we hear. they said. They bandaged my eyes, because
by Arthur M. Siugrr, tUrtfted by Herb Wallersieiu. closed
Oh But they are very simple.
yes, very nice. they didn’t want me to move my eyes —and the Star Trek rr series in 1969. Sandro Smith played
Or Janice Lester, who look over the Enterprise ^ter a
Some of the other costumes are out of this two days later, I was okay. Except for
minddrody transfer shot Kirk's mind into tier body and
world. Really beautiful designs by Bob another week of splitting headaches and vice versa.

33
. . THincs Compiled by Tony Crawley
rarriE . . .
Supermess Chris
starring
Reeve will make his
movie— Somewhere
first

in
Hollywood
Time based Schneer magic
Warner Brothers worft release Superman 2 on Richard Matheson's novel. Bid Time The reason producer Charles Schneer is making
Maybe they read my recent suggestion that Return. Max Von Sydow co-stars with Galac- his new film with Ray Harryhausen, Clash of
the sequel film looks like being only a collec- tica's Jane Seymour and the Jaws 2 man. the Titans, for MGM instead of Columbia,
tion of bits and pieces, odds and ends, and not Jeannot Szwarc directs. is a matter of finance. Titans is an expensive
theway Richard Conner intended. A kind of project and Columbia just couldn't make up its
Superman 1|, in fact. Whatever the reason. mind so Schneer took the idea to MGM and
Warners have decided that enough enough. is Disney in Space got an immediate go-ahead. (He'll return to
The Salkinds can go their own way and find Columbia to make the tour films left under his
Then again, Cisney does save some money.
a new distributor. twelve-picture deal signed in 1958).
Just before the credits titles were being shot
for the British-made silly space fantasy. The Clearly, Titans, based on classic Greek
This is the latest shock in a series of rever-
Spaceman and King Arthur Things to Come mythology, is a big departure for Schneer and
berations emanating from the Pinewood Studios (

Starburst 5)— they changed the title. It's now Harryhausen. The budget is $15 million,
headquarters of the sequel film. First, came
to be known world-wide as— (wait for it)— including $5 million in planning costs alone.
the dismissal of director Richard Conner. Next,
Unidentified Flying Oddball. Locations will be in Spain. Italy and Malta,
the big fight by Christopher Reeve to improve
and they have a big name cast for once. Well,
his money, and he hoped, the style of the
they don't come much bigger than Sir Laurence
sequel— to match the overall concept of Conner.
Next, if more quietly, came an apparent refusal
Olivier who is playing Zeus. Scriptwriter
Beverly Cross' wife, Maggie Smith— an Oscar-
by Richard Lester to complete the sequel, an
winner this year for California Suite— is
impossible task for anyone apart from Conner.
named as the Thetis. Claire Boom will be Hera, Sian Phillips
Guy Hamilton, originally director
is Cassiopeia, Susan Fleetwood Athena, and
of the first film, has agreed to finish filming
you obviously can’t miss out Burgess Meredith
Superman 2.
—so he's in as Ammon.
Shooting starts again on July 30. and should Schneer's new hero, far removed from the
be over by Christmas. But rather doubt it. Wayne of yore, is Harry Hamlin,
I
wooden Patrick
Although Conner and others have always been seen recently to good effect as the boxer in
quoted as saying that as much as 70% of
Movie Movie, plus the Studs Lonigan tv
Superman 2 had been shot during the produc- series. He's Perseus with the lovely, swan-
tion of the first film. I now understand that, in
necked Judi Bowker as Andromeda. Shooting
fact, only about 50% is in the can. should be completed by the end of the year,
Which ever way you look at it. Superman is
then Ray Harryhausen takes his usual time on
now a Supermess. Unless Hamilton can rescue Re-entBr:3-D his effects work and the film is due for release
the fat from the fire.
the summer of '81 by which time
Tokyo's Video Films are making an sf series for in . . . it'll

home consumption -on tv - in 3-B. They've be a bargain at that budget. Columbia should
already had one fairly successful try. and it
have known better. Schneer's last film, Sinbad
SuperCtiris works. I'm told. and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) cost $3 million
In the States. Avco-Embassy have a different and has earned $20 million so far . .

Meanwhile, Chris Reeve has solved his differ- form of 3-0 - Visurama. It's utilised for one
ences with the Salkinds. Slowly, the details scene of Con Coscarelli's horror film. Phatasm
of this battle are emerging ... The producers - when silver spheres suddenly fly around the
were suing him for allegedly walking out of cinema as they appear on the screen. When a
the sequel. Chris says he was merely trying to film needs a gimmick like that, you know, deep
clarify odd portions of his contract, and trying in your heart of hearts, that ... it stinks
to ensure Conner's concept for the sequel film.
His original contract was for $25,000 plus
$5,000 a week after 52 weeks' shooting. This Special Finance
fee was, apparently, to cover both Superman 1 George Lucas and Co are continually thanktui
and 2, to be filmed concurrently— much in the to Alan Ladd Jr for okaying the
making of Star
manner the Salkinds had made their Three Wars, which every other Hollywood firm turned
Musketeers films. down. Ladd is not exactly sorry with his deci-
Fine, but things didn't gell out that way. sion, either. His contract as production chief of
Shooting on 2 did not continue alongside 1— it 20th Century-Fox calls for 1.5% of the net Fox
had to be aborted late last year in order to once they make a certain figure. That's
complete the on time. By doing so.
first film
profits
why he's the highest-paid studio executive in
Re-mal^e
Chris Reeve felt the Salkinds had broken their Hollywood. Last year he had a seven fold in- Michael Powell's terrific 1960 horror cult film.

original deal, and he decided to negotiate a crease in pay - a total of $1,944,384. Of course, Peeping Tom. is about to be re made. Set in

new one. And after a lot of argy-bargy, he got if he insists on backing everything Robert New York this time, not London. Company
it— $500,000 for No 2 and a seven-figure sum Altman and Werner Herzog want to make, he behind the project is a new French group called
when, and if, they make Superman 3. sup- could find himselfout of pocket this year. Whodunnit. As it's also re making Dr Jekyll
posedly in 1981. Never mind. The Empire Strikes Back opens and Mr Hyde for the umpteenth occasion, it

Before returning to cape and boots duty. in 1980. should be called Redoit.

34
.THincs cnmE

martian Chranicles
Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles have
finally reached the small screen. Produced by
uatermass day life to a standstill. Armed gangs roam the Charles (Spiderman) Fries as a 6 hour mini-
Sir John Mills is bringing the legendary streets, engaged in running battles with rivals series along the lines of Washington Behind
Professor Quatermass back to our tv screens in and the police. While all this goes on. the Closed Doors for American tv. Chronicles
a £1 million version of an original script by government continue to waste valuable re- will be edited down for theatrical release in

Quatermass creator Nigel Kneale. sources sending rockets into space. The Europe.
The production company. Euston Films, are adventure really gets underway when the The Martian Chronicles relates the first
playing things close to their collective chest rocket is mysteriously destroyed and Quater- manned space fight to Mars and the colonisa-
at the time of going to press, but Starburst has mass begins an investigation of his own. tion of the planet and the reaction of the
determined that the story is set some time in The new series is produced by Ted Childs and native Martians to the settlers. Starring Rock
the future when civilisation is going out of directed by Piers Haggard and is due to debut Hudson the tv show/movie is set for a spring
fashion in Britain. Violence has brought every- around autumn this year. 1980 release.

35
 ipflie original space
ck Rogers swings back to earth and
^laysitonthe 25thCantiir^^° ^

,>«3%

IN
BUCK ROGERS
THE 25th CENTURY^^
IN THE 25 th CENTURY" iGLEN A LARSON hooucioi Sidftng GIL GERARD. PAMELA HENSLEY
ERIN GRAY. TIM O'CONNOR^ HENRY SILVAasitn.' A LARSON 4 LESLIE SIEVENS

iw-uiivfcHtoduLeiGLEN A LARSON ftoduced by RICHARD CAELEYand LESLIE SIEVENS Mus*. by SIU PHILLIPS
nSIReunOBVfMMAINURNAIKmM ajRPWAIlQN
Dnetfed b, DANIEL HALLER
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«.
Li
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FROM
JULY 26 MTZ
LBCESTStSOlMfiE
ABC BAYSWATER
ED6WARE ROAD
FULHAM ROAD
CLASSIC
OXFORD STREET
«MOM|IOnHMMCOMriO«U«l
AND AT ABC AND OTHER
LEADINGCINEMAS ACROSS
THE COUNTRY
 THinCS .! . .
switched
CDfTIE
to new-found radio serials
their
.

Superl^id Deal (starting with The Lone Ranger) as The Green

Hornet in 1940. He later became the star of
Being in Superman cast clearly helps
the Hollywood producer Walter Seltzer's row with
Dumont Network's Captian Video show
careers. new films for Chris Reeve,
After MGM and CBS tv companies about the low-
(succeeding Richard Coogan) in 1949. until it
Margot Kidder, now it's the turn of Jeff East. price selling of his 1973 film. Soylent Green,
proved too expensive for a local New York
In fact, he seems to be making a new career to tv in a package deal, has finally been settled.
station to mount. This programme was "tv's
out of playing the early life of heroes. After Out of court. And no one is saying one word
first blast-off to the stars" according to Gary
being the younger Superman, Jeff becomes about who got what and why or how much.
Gerani and Paul H. Schulman'^ Fantastic
writer Jack London in Klondike Fever, which
Television book. Video was officially des-
covers the 21 -year-old London's foray from
cribed as an "electronic wizard, master of
San Francisco to the Klondike goldfields, which
time and space and guardian of the safety of
inspired such London books as White Fang
the world." He invented such weapons as the
and Call of the Wild. Rod Steiger plays the
Option Scillometer. which gave him x-ray
heavy. Soapy Smith; Lome Greene, from
vision - and the Cosmic Vibrator, which could
Battlestar Galactica, is the legendary
jangle a man to death (and a woman too. no
mountie, Sam Steele, and the Canadian film
doubt). Tragically type-cast as an actor, Al
also features Space 1999er Barry Morse and
Hodge finished up working in real estate, as a
the adorable Angie Dickinson. Shooting takes
clerk and even as a bank guard.
place in a restored gold rush town called
Barkerville. in British Columbia.

rieui Encounter Norman Tokar, 59, long-time Disney director,

died in April from a heart attack in Los Angeles.
Cary Guffey - the kid from CE3K - is making He first signed with the Disney studio in 1961
another space trip. Italian style, this time. He and his last film was The Cat From Outer
joins big, bearded Bud Spencerand his new Space.
screen partner. ex-British heavyweight boxing
champ Joe Bugner, in The Sheriff and the
Satellite Kid. It's an Italian movie, but the
location is Atlanta. Georgia. John Robinson. 70, BBC-tv's original Prof
Quatermass. died March 6, of cancer. Liver-
pool-born, his acting career began on stage in
1929. His early films included The Lion has
Wings, The Constant Husband, Fortune is
Hypersonics a Woman and Hammer the ToH. He made his
name as Quatermass in Nigel Kneale's The
Mork's mate, Fonzie, is going into film and tv Quatermass Experiment in 1950. and in two
productionin a big way. Like $24,500,000. . .
other sf serials-only to see the film role going

Among the tv movies Henry Winkler's Fair to an old Hollywood hack like Brian Donlevy.

Dinkum company is setting up with, of course.

Paramount, is Star Flight One, an original
tale by Robert Young and Peter Brooke. Sub- Steve Sekely (Istavan Szekely), the Hun-
ject: Hypersonic transportation. The next step garian-born director of the film version of John
beyond supersonic. "At first," says Winkler's Wyndham's The Day of the TriHids, died
partner, Alan Manning, "it seemed to be a from stomach cancer in Palm Springs in March.
story of a big rescue in outer space. In working An ex-journalist, he entered movies in Germany
it out. we tried to add elements to take it out
in the late 1920s, making his directing debut
of Grand Hotel in the Air. With the help of in 1929 and working in Germany and Hungary
some damn good input from ABC-tv, we came until emigrating to America in 1938. He made
up with a story that has a strong moral base." his US debut with A Miracle on Main Street
The project also has full co-operation from in 1940. His Hollywood work, though, were
NASA, including locations in Houston. Other- usually B-pictures for PRC. Monogram and
wise, most of the movie will be shot
in Los
Republic -titles such as Behind Prison Walls,
Angeles inside the mock-up of McDonald's Revenge of the Zombies, Women in Bond-
Douglas' HSY plane. "In addsreality," age. In 1945. he set up his own firm. Star
Winkler, "we're just a few years away from it.
and continued churning out supports
Pictures,
It's happening now!" And he didn't even say
and other smallfry. Indeed,
for Republic, Lippert
Heyyyi The Day of the TriHids, made in Britain with
Locations the unlikely cast of
Howard Keel and Janette
Ken Russell's American movie debut - which Obituary Scott in 1963, proved his best work, an sf
classic according to several critics. In 1969. he
is Paddy Chayeksy's script Altered States, all

about the world of science - is. I'm told, being Al Hodge. 66. who used to be The Green returned to Hungary to re-make his 1934
made on location "in New York, Boston. Hornet on radio and Captain Video in the Akac, as The Girl Who Liked
classic, Lila

Mexico and in the uncharted landscapes of the early days of US tv, died on March 19. A one- Purple Flowers. Hungary will remember him
mind". Not Russell's weird mind. trust. I time radio announcer at WXYZ-Detroit. he best.

37
THincs cnmE
B as in Bdukt
George Romero is trying to get a new censor
rating in the States. A for adult. He refuses to
have his Dawn of the Dead classified X,
because X over there usually signifies porno.
his Night of the Living Dead in
Ironically,
1968 was rated PG (parental guidance re-
quired), rather like our A certificate. Night
cost a meagre $114,000 and has so far earned
beyond $12 million. Dawn cost $1,700,000 and
is well into profit from its business in Italy and
Japan alone. "It's really meant to be a schlock
film," says amiable George."And that's what
it is." Which is probably why at the Press
reception of Dawn of the Dead in New York,
the menu included bloody maries. of course,
plus "ghoulash" and "screamcheese cake".
Very Adult!
Romero's Martin is finally due for a British
release, by the way thanks to John Car-
. . .

penter's favourite British distributor, Michael

Myers of Miracle Films.

A scene itom the forthcoming movie. Buck Rogurs

f^Hed (first called simply Buck Rogers, until Uni-

Battlestar
versal found a lot of people didn't know who the
Universal-MCA have killed off the
heck he was), has its world premiere in Little
Galactica which so far has only
tv series,
Rock, Arkansas, the home town of the screen's
shown up here in the form of a cinema film.
latest Buck— Gil Gerard. He's the best thing

ujn Under The reason; poor ratings and big budgets.

At $750,000 a show. Galactica was the most
expensive series ever mounted by American
in the film, which has its tongue well
throughout 89 minutes, fondly mocking Star
in cheek

Normally, the news that an Australian company Wars and Galactica as it goes. It's not quite
An impossible figure! For the same
television.
is making an sf film wouldn't excite me. Don't as impressive as it should be. though— the
amount, two average hour-long tv series could
get me wrong, most of the new Aussie movies must be admitted
effects are tacky, and well, it looks like what
be made . . . although it
are great. But their sf and horror quickies are it is: an overblown made-for-tv movie. Pamela
that stars like Walter Matthau earn as much
as bad as any other country's. Sparks should be Hensley is Princess Ardala, and the villian of
as that for a single film. Plus profit percentages.
different. It's being produced by David Elphick. the piece, Draco is none other than Dr No
whose Newsfront was the best film out of himself Joseph Wiseman. But there is, of

Australia since their vibrant new wave began. Buclt's Buclts course, a tiny robot thingie. called Twiki. Felix
Scripted by film editor Ian Barry. Sparks is the
Also from Universal and producer Glenn A. Silla is inside the metal casing, and probably
tale of a blinded movie maker, ffis brain is Larson, and also first made for television. does a very clever job. But the success of
wired up to an image pattern machine to help Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, is doing Twiki is due to his voice. And Glen Larson
him come up with new script ideas. (Another American cinemas. Over five days hired the funniest voice in town— none other
very well in
Australian project, Starstruck. is not about in 880 theatres, it pulled in $5,241,000 which
than Mel Blanc, the man who speaks for Bugs
space, but showbusiness. by the way !) assuredly puts it well into profit. The movie Bunny. Sylvester and Tweetie Pie!

38
THinCS . . CDfriE . . . . .TH
EHorcist Encore French Fitiing Sapphire and Steel
This is a health warning: The Exorcist is
French tv has a new animated space show -
coming back with a devastating new sound- unlike anything the Japanese make. It's called
track. You ain't heard nothin' yet. Or so it
Galactically Yours. It comprises 230 epi-
seems. William Friedkin has been working on
sodes - lasting between 15 and 30 seconds
the track for a 70mm re-issue. He went
new each. Yes, seconds now' got it in one - it's
wild for70mm's clarity after seeing Terrence an intermission filler, the latest in the French
Malik's Days of Heaven. "The Exorcist has
cartoon ideas to bridge the short gaps between
gained clarity and sharpness along with a depth programmes. This one covers 230 attempts
and vivid quality it never had before," says (and failures) of one stranded male astronaut
Friedkin. And you still can't see the wires on
gap - the one between
trying to bridge another
Linda Blair's floating bed I As for the Dolby
himself and the good-looking astronette just a
assisted sound. Friedkin says he can now put
mere galactic leap away on another planet. It
the audience in the middle of the film— "it has
will take French viewers close on four hours to
much more of an emotional impact." He hasn't find out if. at long last, he makes it!
recorded anything new but has made use of
various effects and indeed, dialogue, taped
but never used in the 1973 original (which,
Gothic T17
incidently. won an Oscar for his sound men),
Independent New
York producer Dick Perin is
taping a series of plays based on best-selling
Robert Newman and Chris Knudsen. "The Scheduled for release in July 1979 Sapphire
Gothic horror novels for television. He's using
material was there." explains Friedkin, "but and Steel will co-star Joanna Lumley and
justone camera, tape and $45,000 a story. His
the opportunity to utilise it in its best form David McCallum in a 13-part early evening
debut offering is Susan Howard's Dark Shore.
wasn't available in December, 1973. It is now." The premise revolves around a psychic
series.
If that sells, he's ready to set the rest in motion.
The cost of this re-working is a mere $1 50,000 research theme. "Every now and then, ap-
(not counting the cost of the new 70mm prints
Are you listening. BBC?
parently inexplicable things occur— events that
delighted that Warner
Down Under
of the film). Friedkin is seem beyond the limits of probability. We can-
Brothers let him improve the film. "They not explain these phenomena simply because
didn't have to do this. They could have simply Flashes our minds are limited and unable to cope with
«)>nt out the old prints and still made money." may be other dimensions
RAI-tv of Italy is producing a series of horror the thought that there
tales from the works of Edgar Allen Poe . .
—dimensions we cannot envisage or under-
Michael Caine goes straight from Beyond The stand." So states the publicity handout!
Trelting Poseidon Adventure to The Island, from the Yes. but what's it about?

Leonard Nimoy is still treking

book of Jaws writer Peter Benchley .
latest .
around 14
American cities with his one-man show, Vin-
A rather smelly horror flick is afoot, or under-
Los Angeles - Below The
cent. He's considering taking the performance
foot, in
is set beneath the 1940 Los Angeles sewers
Devil Lies
.
51 arburst F^uiards
to Broadway, if he can find an intimate enough
Jeffrey KonviU's sequel to The Sentinel is out If you still haven't voted in the Starburst
theatre. He's packed out 1800-seaters. but
in paperback: The Apocalypse . . . Body Fantasy Film Awards, be warned— time is run-
prefers small joints. Leonard wrote the show
Snatcher Kevin McCarthy joins John Ritter in ning short. So short, in fact, that we have
himself - the Van Gogh as seen through
life of
MGM's Captain Avenger flick . Marlon . .
decided to omit the nomination stage.
his brother's eyes, based on 600 letters from
Brando joins the modern horror genre in The So, if you wish to take part we urge that
Vincent to Theo. Nimoy wanted it to be strictly
First Deadly Sin. as a cop investigating a you scribble down on a piece of paper your
a one-man deal ... but as he projects Van
grisly axe murder: Brian Hutton directs instead votes in the following categories:
Gogh paintings on to huge screens, and uses
of Roman Polanski who can't set foot in Amer- Movies: Best Actor, Best
Best Film,
the Don McLean disc of "Vincent", he soon
ica .. . MGM have a great fantasy about ready Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Special Effects,
collected 200 lbs of scenery and projection
from Charles Oaklor's The Second Son, about Best Music, Best Screenplay, Best Director,
equipment and needs a roadie and full stage
a construction worker falling from the 24th Best Film of AH Time, and Outstanding
crew.
floor of aNew York skyscraper and provoking Achieuement by an Individual.
"the most extraordinary chain of events to Television: Best tv Show, Best Actor, Best
occurin over 2,000 years" . . . John O'Hara's Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Special Effects,
Appointment in Samara to be turned into a Best Music. Best Teleplay, Best Director, Best
tv mini-series . . . Ivan Tors, man behind all tv Show of AH Time, Outstanding Achievement

those salt-water tv series of yore, going back by an Individual.

to work in Miami, making the underwater The only condition is that except for the last
sequences for Sea Dragon of Loch Ness, two categories in each section each vote must
no less . . . John Gielgud and Susan George will be cast for a film/tv show that went on general
star again in Anglia tv's second series of release or had its first airing in 1978 (that
Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected . . .
means StarWars to Superman and all those
The Incredible Hulk starts on French tv. as in between).
soon as they decide what to call him . . And .
The final results will be announced at the
finally, Esther: You can forget those Irish jokes. Second Annual Fantasy Film Convention,
One Irish firm invested $100,000 into Super- Bloomsbury Centre Hotel. London 15/16
man. They're crying all the way to the bank September, 1979 and will be published in a
now. later issue of Starburst.

39
I'd glad to tea that at least one tf magazine is taking Starburst is a well-balanced magazine with a good wait to read further articles about it.
notice of Doctor Who (Starbaret •). I've been an collection of material. Relevant material. The inter- Australia so often gets forgotten as the birth place of
avid follower of the Doctor lor many years and joined view with Terry Nation in Starburst 6 was interesting the movies. I've done a bit of research myself on the
the Doctor Who Appreciation Society two years ago. and contained (gasps in amazement and delight) stills history of Aussie sf movies and discovered what must
Admittedly the special effects of the show could be from the early series of Doctor Who. which are rarely. be the first sf movie ever made anywhere. It was called
better, but at least the BBC does try to compensate
the Haunted Billabong and appears to have been
with the plots which are a lot more interesting than
about the strange mutilation of sheep on a station in
some seen on other tv sf shows. Another important
Coonabatabran. It was made in 1911 and was actually
point is that the show is British and the Doctor him-
shot in the old Padstow Studios in Sydney, which have
self must be the longest running tv hero ever.
long since been demolished.
The main advantage of Starbutt it that it doesn't From what I can gather from the research I have done,
drag up Star Trek every issue. I get very frustrated
the sheep were mutilated by visitors from outer space,
when some magazines insist on producing reams and
and this is only revealed at the end of the movie. Before
reams of drooling copy on what a wonderful show Star
that it was assumed that it was the work of rahid
Trek was.
dingoes (which if you don't know, are Aussie wild
Your readers might like to know that there it another dogs), but at the end you find out that a flying saucer
Doctor Who Appreciation Society Convention this year,
had landed in the billahong and was using it as a base.
the third in three years.
Needless to say. all surviving prints of the film have
John Pennell. Chelmsford. Eases. vanished but got this info from an old paper which re-
I

viewed the movie. dug around a bit and found in the

I

Archive a shot of the director Tom Jackson. I am send-

I am writing to congratulate you on your very interest- ing you this picture. I think its all that survives of the
ing article on Dark Star, reviewed by John Fleming, movie.
and the interview with John Carpenter by Tony Crawley
in Starburst 5. What was missing from the piece was
if ever. seen.
an exterior shot of the ship. Dark Star, itself. Perhaps
Things to Como and Book World are very informative.
you could fit a picture of the space ship in a future
I love the idea of the movie poster in the centrespread.
issue of Starburst.
The film reviews are of the same high standard. Judging
Dark Star is the best science fiction film I have ever
from the material you have been running. Starburst
seen. For me the movie outclasses Star Wars. 2001
will be around for years to come.
and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the main
Michael Welch. Basildon. Essex.
reason for this being the superb script and direction,
not forgetting the excellent acting by Kuniholm. Nar-
relle and O'Bannon. The special effects are not quite
Starburst is the best of all science fiction magazines.
of the standard ofStar Wars, but they are impressive
It has a more serious approach to the field, whereas
considering the lack of funds. Thank you. Starburst.
for a great magazine. the American magazines tend to treat sf like bubble

David Bailey. Lichfield. Staffs. gum joke cards as though sf was something to snigger
at.

Issues 1. 2 and 3 were exceptional, aside from the

If you'd cm to ttke t look ot tko SF Poster Gallery Wizards and Prisoner articles which were boring.
in Starburst 10. Dovid. you'll soe thot we did monoge Issues 4. S and 6 were, in my opinion, better than the
to Hod OH olterootiue votsion of tko Dork Stor postor first three. Starburst seems to be improving every
which footurod tho spoco ship Dork Stor. It's oot quito month and I hope it continues to do so. The only let-
who! you oskod for hut wo hopo it will koop you hoppy down in issue 4 were the articles on Tolkien and Silli-

^
for tho tiruo hoiog. phant. But then you can't please everybody.

Starburst it to say the least a fascinating magazine

The book and record reviews are a great help to
lectors. keep them in by all means. always look
ward to the letters page and Things to Como. Please
I
col-
for-
\
keep the movie posters in the centre pages.
and I liked all the articles in the magazine and especially
it it showing signs of developing into Britain's
There has been much criticism of many tv sf series
best film publication of any sort. pleased to see that compatriot John Baxter is hack
I was particularly
recently in Starburst. However I think you should
pleased with the interview with Terry Nation writing about sf movies.
in issue 6. include articles on them. They may be put together on
What's happened to your telefantasy series? You I would have liked to known more about Alien, but
very tight budgets but they are still very entertaining.
gave us Star Trek and promised us Tho Prisonar. but the pictures were pretty good.
would like to see articles on Blakes 7. Space 1 S99.
I

the latter has yet to appear. Keep up the good work and keep the "blue" flag
Doctor Who. Planet of the Apes. Invaders. Six
flying.
Matthew Waterhouse. Haywards Heath. Sussex. Million Dollar Man/Bionic Woman and film reviews
Bruce G. Kennedy. Yagoona. Australia.
of Logan's Run and Day of the Triffids.

As you '// douhtloss ho oworo. Motthow, wo did mooogo I wish your magazine the very best lor the future.
Thonks for tho informotion, Bruco. Wo'll try to koop
Long may it reign.
to fit on ostonsivo pioco on Lost in Space into Star- ohoodoftho Infinity situotion ondposs tho nows olong
burst 1 0 AirZ your finol romork punlod us. Tho Prisoner John Beardmore, Burton-on-Trent. to our roodors os it brooks.
orticio did, in foct, oppoor woy bock in Starburst 2.
Guoss you must hovo missod thot issuo, so ollow us to
drow your ottontion to tho roply toA.G. Morris ' lottor! was deeply shocked by the comments in Starburst 7
Due to your great airmail subscription service I re- I

ceived my copy of number 8 the other day and was real (Storburst Lottors) concerning Space 1999, which is
pleased to see you had finally got around to covering in my opinion the best tv sf show to date.
Well, you said you would be around after the others the Aussie sci-fi scene with your great feature on So what if 1999 isn't 100S scientifically accurate;
faded and. by the Force, you were right. Infinity. Alan Murdoch must have been very lucky to neither was Star Trek. Close Encounters and cer-
Starburst is what the loyal British sf fan wants. crack the secrecy surrounding this movie, and can't tainly not Star Wars. Remember: Space 1999 is pri-

40
mirily entertainment not a tv adaptation of a univereity competition is concerned me decided to go nheed end awakening to find his trip an illusion, witnesses (in a

physio book! judge the entries me hod and emerd the priies. A fist of moment of great atmosphere) the arrival of the rocket

Stephen Bell's remark [Surburst Lttttrs, Starburtt minners mitt appear at a later date. For those mho ha»e he had just dreamed about. The most stunning effect
7) that Doctor Who “sidestepped the problem of missed any issues of Starburst just drop a line to the at this point must be the young pilot's flashing neon

scientific plausibility" is just another way of saying editorial offices stating mhich issues you need and in- boomerang that warns him of impending danger.
"this cheap kids' show ignores all scientific concepts cluding SOp pet magatine (the price includes postage The only mistake in your excellent coverage was the
but I'm not going to admit it." and handling). Cheques or postal orders only please, incorrect captioning of the Goldblum photo. It it in

The reason Doctor Who lasted so long is that don't send cash. fact Henry E. Goldblum who is standing— not Stanley B.
because the show is on such a low budget it is just as Goldblum.
cheap to make new episodes as it is to repeat old Now that I'm sure I'm on the right track for a per-
ones. Anyway Doctor Who makes me laugh more than sonal copy of this movie (my local Dixons have informed
You can imagine my excitement when, on visiting my me that they're on to something), will arrange a
Mork and Mindy so I don't know how these readers I

local newsagent. saw a copy of Starburst 9. and on

I
screening to which membars of your research team,
can have the audacity to criticise Space 1S99. all
opening it up was treated to an excellent discussion especially Alan Murdoch, are most welcome, so once
I have the greatest respect for all Gerry Anderson's
on the forthcoming Infinity. I remember researching again we can bring a classic sf film like 60 Million
shows from supermarionation to the live action series
the background to Infinity some time ago in Australia, Milos to Woomora to the public's attention.
like UFD and Space 1999. Looking (optimistically)
though I have since come to live in England. In those Colin Joyson, Eltbam, London.
forward to Starburat'a coverage of this show.
early days the project was known as Into Infinity and
Paul Wakeman, Quarry Bank, W. Midlands.
I was certainly pleasad to see it will at last be made
by the brilliant Goldblums as a movie, not just remain
We ate eery pleased to receive your letter, Colin. We
an idea.
didn't realise that prints of 60 Million Miles to
As you probably know the recent lorry drivers dispute
The reason came to England was to seek out the
Woomora mere that difficult to come by. Author Alan
meant that the distribution of most publications has I

60 Million Milas to Woomora Murdoch has in his collection an edited-domn $mm

been sporadic, and much-delayed only remaining print of
limited in some
with the dream ending intact. have already tried the print of the fifm. mhich must have somehom reached
cases. I don't know about the distribution of in the UK I

Britain from Austrelie, but needless to say this short

generally, but Starburst S (Dec 78) didn't go on sale British Film Institute and the National Film Archive. I

when version does not contain the dream ending. There is a

here until 5th February. I would like to know what the was recently led on a false trail, I thought I'd

found a rare 16mm print, but it turned out to be an

distinct possibility of an interviem mith directot James
'position is with the competition in issue 5 which had a
Blacksmith mhen he visits Britain latet this year, so
closing date of 31st January. Will the expiry date be obscure Ray Harryhausen picture with a similar title. I

however, manage to find two stills, one which keep matching Starburst. Remember, you read it here
extended. did.
firsti
But for the disputes, Starburst 7 would have been details the fantastic complexity of the spacecraft used

on sale as I write this |9th February). Is it possible to in the film. Where did you get your stills from?
purchase issues 6 and 7 of Starburst from you by post Obviously your photo archive must be very impressive. Send all comments and queries to us at

rather than hunt high and low around the newsagents? In case you didn't know, as I mentioned earlier, the STARBURST LEHERS.
rarest prints of 60 Million Milos to Woomora are Jadwin House
A. G. Morris. Lancaster, Lancs.
the ones containing the dream ending, a sequence 205-211 Kentish Town Road
We ere ell too aware of the ptobfems surrooediog the missing from the prints shown in the West, and in the London NW5.
eow eotorious htulege strike of Jeeuery. As for es the East. Briefly, it relates how the young aborigine pilot.

m:purnATDowN!
m comics Ane fon
et/STomeRS!

0^ m!OiiUkJ79

LONDON’S NEWEST COMIC & SCIENCE FICTION BOOK SHOP!!!

23 DENMARK ST.. LONDON WC 2-JUST OFF CHARING X ROAD.
41
 BlUlllllilllllllllllllllllllllllillllllllllHIIIINIIIIMMMi
Aftnounclng t th« •fcvvnth •achmI Irltith
ComIc Art Convention
C 0 n I
HimiiiiiiHiiniiiiiiNiiii
C 0 N *79
**•«**•**•***••**

r*i.Au9.91, Sot.Sopt.l S Sun.Sopt.2»f979

f
•t the

I w>
COMICON 79 •IKMINCHAM HCTAOfOlC
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IIKMIN6*MH,
England.

Oeeat ef oa—r FILMS, VIDEOp POSTER k ART DISPLAYS,

Innovator, pubi ither, and artiftt
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AUCTIONS, COMICS, SF, PROFESSIONALS,
FANTASY, DEALERS, SURPRISES, PANELS,
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Steranko MORE.
ALL AT COMICON *79,
Dealers froa both the piua: Nany other guests froei the
UK and USA The fantasy event of the year
USA and UK
iss It.
In Fantasy, SF, Comics, Including :

Stills, Transparencies,
C 0 H C 0 N *
79 IIRHINGMAH
posters and prints ^aul Levlts, Editorial Co-ordir.ator I

******************
:

hETROROLC :
PC COMicS
have booked display
Joe Staton, National Exhibition Centre:
Artist (E Han. Justice
and sales space at Society A Legion) •IRHINGNAH, England.
COMICON '79. ten Vein, Friday Aug. Jl, Saturday Sept. 1,
Writer (SwMp Thing,
/T:. iatnon)
Sunday Sept. 2, 1979*
Other u.S. Guests tentatively schedul*
ed include HAASHALL ROGERS. TERRY
AUSTIN, and HOWARO CHAVKIN. Ciinfina-
ation of U.S. visitors and a full list
of U.K. guests will be given in For full details of COMICON '79 send
subsequent bulletins. a steeped self-addressed envelope to

Coeicon '79*

i cott period return rail fare

available to everyone (in the UR,
Biytoo Books
Overseas: JMt send your naee and GT.
PLAINS
TOTHAM, MALDON
ROAD
'

'
except N. Ireland) booking in
advance.
address and details will be forwarded
by ainaai I.
ESSEX. ENGLAND

Bittintir Galactic.. Star WartSpacial. An Star Wars Traasury 1 Star Wars Traasury 2. Close Encountars. Starburst 1 . Making
Marvel Comics lull- eiclusive look at the The first of tho full- The second of the lull- Full-length colour re- of Star Wars. Star Trek
colour comic-strip most successful movie colour, two-part comic colour. two-part comic telling of the smash hit tv show, plus Joff
adaptation of this now of all lima. Packed adaptation ol the Star adaptation ol the Star movie in comic strip Hewke. comic strips
spaco fantasy feature with biographies and Wars movie. Large Wars movie. Large form. Plus full cast and and a new story from sf
film. A bargain at only behind-the-scenes 10x13 inch tabloid 10x13 inch format. credit listing tor only master Harry Harrison.
60p. stories. It .00. format. OOp. SOp. 70p. SOp.

ENTER MARVEL'S
WORLD OF
SCIENCE FICTION
The above magazines are available at the prices
indicated which include postage, packing and
handling. Cheques and postal orders should be
Starburst 2 Star Wars'
. Starburst 3 Star Wars'
. Starburst 4. The Hulk Starburst S. The mak-
made payable to Marvel Comics Ltd. Please
C-3P0 intarviewed. The Han Solo Interviewed. on tv. Tolkien on film, ing of Superman the
allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. Address all
Prisoner, Witards. Ray Star Trek movie. Close screonwriter Stirling Movie. Dark Star review
orders to Marvel's Worlds ol Seionca
Bradbury on Close En- Encounters effects. Silliphant interviewed. and interview. CE3K
Fiction, Marvel Comics. Jadwin House.
counters. Space Cruiser Superman the Movie. War of the Worlds. Star effects genius inter-
Logan's Run. History of
205-211 Kentish Town Road. London. NWS.
cartoon, plus comic Trok movie ne^ws. bonus viewed. Battlestar
Offer applies only within the United Kingdom
strips. Up. cinema sf. SOp. comic strip. Up Galactica feature. SOp

42
 ItOOK llfORLP
STARDANCE by Spider & Jeanne Robinson the originals are much sought after and highly page contains only two or three frames per
Although we are only half way through the valued by the discerning comic collector. page, runnning to a length of 160 pages, but as
year think that Stardance is going to be my
I What makes his work on The Spirit so special the original Marvel Super Special is freely
book of 1979. It is the kind of story that would I is the atmospheric and cinematic way in available in most newsagents perhaps the
like to write myself but it has been so very magazine version is a better buy.
well told that would be wary of even making
I

—
an attempt one cannot compete with this
sort of writing.
Stardance is the story of the creation of
zero-gravity dancing, of the destiny of those
who dance it and of humanity in general: I can
only describe it as a beautiful book.
Spider & Jeanne Robinson are very ob-
viously science fiction fans themselves and
they have enhanced the story by judicious use
of names familiar to other fans. A lot of sf

readers will find it hugely entertaining and

neophytes will enjoy it just as much. could go I

on much longer praising this book but will

finish with this —
have always admired
I !

Robert Heinlein's work and to say that

Stardance reminds me of his later books is a
very high compliment indeed.

which the stories were told.

Now Eisner has brought his talents to bear

on a much less heroic subject. Within this
book he relates incidents in the lives of four Published by Ace Books.
residents of a New York tenement during the 160 pages. Import. $1.95.

1930's. not a very appealing subject but

It is
THE lUUSTRATED HARLAN ELUSON edited
Eisner has forgotten none of his old touches by Byron Preiss
and read the book in one sitting. Credit
I
Byron Preiss' name is becoming synonomous
should be given to the publishers— they have with visual experimentaion amongst Ameri-
printed the stories in sepia tones on a very
can publishers and fans and this latest
light cream paper and this not only enhances
publication serves to enhance that reputation.
the artwork but gives the whole production an As with the earlier Illustrated Roger
additional old-fashioned look.
Zelazney, this book is an anthology of the
As with most of these new ventures in
author's work but this time each story is
comic publishing, it is a little expensive but is
illustrated by a different artist. Included here
well worth the price
are Deeper Than
Darkness (Wayne
Published by Baronet Publishing.
McLoughlin), Croatoan (Thomas Sutton,
S"x9”. 192 pages. t4.95 Import
Alfredo Alcala and Stephen Oliff), The Dis-
carded (Thomas Sutton) Shattered Like A
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Glass Goblin (William Stout) Riding the Dark
Published by Future Publications.
This book is a re-working of the Marvel Super Train Dut (Ralph Reese) and Looking For
288 pages. £1.10.
Special magazine currently available. But in a Kodak (Overton Loyd).

A CONTRACT WITH GOD AND OTHER paperback format it is going to reach a totally Each artist has brought his own inter-

different audience, more likely to attract a pretation to the story he has rendered and,
TENEMENT STORIES by Will Eisner
Will Eisner is a comic strip illustrator. That is a casual buyer than a regular comic buyer. In whilst some are more successful than others,

very simple statement understood by 99%, if full-colour throughout Batttestar Galactica is each succeeds in its own right. There is one

were add poor on capturing likenesses of the actors further story in the book and this is Repent
not 100%, of the population: if I to
involved due to a contractual difficulty be- Harlequin! Said the Ticktock Man. For this
that The Spirit was numbered among his.
tween Universal and Marvel comics. story Preiss has called on Steranko, an artist
creations, the term "comic strip illustrator"
The book adapts, fairly closely, the feature with a reputation for experimentation and
becomes misleading
Mr Eisner created The Spirit 38 years ago film that we see in our cinemas, and more —
innovation of his own thus the graphics
accurately the tv pilot that American audi- accompanying this story are in 3-D (3-0
and the stories he wrote and drew of that
ences saw. glasses are supplied), and full marks must be
character are classics in their field. Today the
As with the Conan comic/paperbacks each given to the artist and editor for having the
strips are being reprinted in magazine form as

43
 HOOK WORLD
courage to revive this medium; especially so carefully. The book's central character is
successfully. Matthew Dilke and he is a pioneer in an
A major fault with the Zelazney book was experiment to help solve the problems
that included were paintings done to illustrate created by the population explosion; he has
stories not included in the anthology. The volunteered to be reduced in size until he is
editor has chosen to include a similar section only 6mm tall.

called An Ellison Tapestry in this latest book; The first half of the book deals with the
unfortunately it fails completely. problem that he (and later the group that joins
The Illustrated Harlan Ellison is another him) meets whilst adjusting to his new height
step forward for Byron Preiss and I can only and trying to survive in his own backgarden. It

hope that each new step he takes will be as is quite likely that the story could have ended
much of an improvement as this book has up reading like an unused Land Of The Giants
been. Apart from the paperback version episode but Gutteridge has obviously done
distributed in the UK this book was made his research and relates the struggle for
survival in an entertaining and informative
fashion.
The latter third of the book finds Dilke and
his companions sent behind the Iron Curtain
by the needs of the British Secret Service;
even here the more obvious pitfalls and
cliches have been avoided.
This book is the first part of a trilogy and
parts 2 and 3 (Killer Pine and Fratricide Is A
Gas) have been published simultaneously
with this volume.
Published by Futura Publications.
160 pages. 85p.

novels. Masterton's previous works include

The Manitou and Chamell House— they have
WHEN THE KISSING HAD TO STOP
by Constantine Fitzgibbon
both sold well and he obviously has a
Originally published in 1960 When the Kissing
following, but there are others who can scare
Had to Stop is a chillingly realistic story of the
so much better.
Published by Sphere Books.
192 pages. 85p.

COLD WAR IN A COUNTRY GARDEN

available in a limited edition of 3.000 hardback by Lindsay Gutteridge
copies, each with a colour plate signed and It would be easy to dismiss Cold War as just

fmmbered by Harlan Ellison. This will only be another gimmicky spy story if the author had UIHEN THE KISSinG
available from specialist shops. not taken the trouble to build his premise
Published by Baronet Publishing HAD
F/2 "x 11”. 96pages.£4J5
TO STOP
THE DEVILS OF D-DAY
by Graham Mastarton
There are many people who believe that
during the Second World War the Third Reich
used Black Magic to aid their cause.
Masterton's book is based on the very simple
assumption that if they could, the Allies could
too.
The story is set in the present time and
recounts the horrors that beset a young
American when he releases one of the Allies'
demons from a tank in which it has been
imprisoned since 1944.
I was alone and it was late at night when I

began reading this book; initially the at-

mosphere created by it did nothing to put me fallof the .(Socialist) government and Russia's
in a relaxed frame of mind but, regrettably, consequent takeover of Britain.
my uneasiness was dispelled once reached I The current state of the nation and the cold,
the Tinal chapters. There was so much factual way in which Constantine Fitzgibbon
happening during the final stages of the story relates his story leaves you wondering if it
that it very quickly became unbelievable, and could happen here.
this is a fault that I have found in his earlier Published by Panther. 256 pages. 95p.

44
 WE BRING TO YOU
GALAXY OF GIFTS!
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS. Covington, David Essex, Justin Hayward
by H.G. Wells — A Pan Paperback: 60p plus and Phil Lynott.
25p p&p (offer 16) Also available on cassette for the same
price and including the 16 page colour
When an adaptation of this famous story
booklet (offer 20)
o
. .
of a Martian invasion was broadcast
forty years after was written, it was
it

and produced a
STAR WARS BLUEPRINTS.
believed to be true
Wars buffs and
Fantastic offer from Star
panic-stricken stampede out of New
model makers. Set of the official Star
York. ^
o
A BLUEPRINT PACKAGE.
Wars Blueprints. Reproduced from the
from which the sets
actual original plans
were constructed. Includes plans of the
CONCORDANCE AND TECHNICAL Cantina at Mos Eisley, the cockpit of the
MANUAL ALL IN ONE. % Millennium Falcon, details of the Interior
Here is the definitive guide to information —
of the Death Star a total of 15
from Space 1999. The OFFICIAL
blueprints in all, packed in a plastic wallet
MOONBASE ALPHA TECHNICAL (offer 10) £3.60 plus 50p p&p.
NOTEBOOK, a handsome, red vinyl,
loose-leaf binder. The removable pages
FIGHT THE STAR^ARS AT HOME.
are organised in strict military fashion,
Now you can buy your own exciting clips
and include complete data on the
of the battle scenes from Star Wars.
Commlock, Stun Gun, Laser Cannon, and
Watch your favourite excerpts again
Communications Post, Uniforms, and
again by purchasing one of these
several fold-out blueprints of the various
fabulous Super 8mm
movies.
levels and areas of Moonbase Alpha. — £13.00 plus 50p
200ft colour silent
In addition there is a personnel section,
with photos and bios of Commander
p&p (offer 3)
200ft colour /magnetic sound — £20 (X) .

Koenig, Lena Russell, Victor Bergman,

plus 50p p&p (offer 4)
Alan Carter, Tony, Maya, etc. There is — £33.00
400ft colour /magnetic sound
also a complete Timeline and Episode
credits, and
plus 50p p&p (offer 5)
Guide section with photos,
plot synopsis for all 48 TV adventures.

The limited edition publication (each one il Order 252 Belsize Road, London NW6 4BT
will be registered to the owner) is the one

and only authorized version approved by

neM kupply:- cQuantity Price
k OF THE WORLDS
Gerry Anderson Productions. |>«rb*ck 60p ptu» 2Sp p&p
Copyright 1977 A7V Licencing ond
IaSE alpha TECHNICAL NOTEBOOK
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Though Starburst is basically devoted
to Science Fiction, there are times
when we feel we ought to bring to the
attention of readers other, more
mainstream fantasy films, as we did
with “FAe Manitou'' in issue 8.

N osferatu the

fantastic, for
superb fantasy
Nampyre
should be seen by
it is
is

all
a film that
fans of the
precisely that, a
treatment based not so
much on the original Draciila novel, but
on the classic 1922 German film Nosferatu,
A Symphony of Terror directed by
F. W. Murnau.
The new version directed by Werner
Herzog, one of the German New Wave
film-makers, is perhaps the most perfectly
realised film yet based on the Vampire
legend. Forget the histrionics of Lugosi, the
gentlemanly sophistication of John Carra-
dine, (he blood - drenched fangs of use of florid acting styles. He is presenting Vampire who will remain in the memory
Christopher Lee, and all other actors who us with a past age and period detail is forever. His is also the most sympathetic

have played the dreaded Count of the wonderfully preserved, though never thrust portrayal of the oft-played part. His speech
Carpathians. at the viewer. in which he tells Harker that there are
Herzog has captured the look of Performances are uniformly excellent. things worse than death, the futility and
Murnau's original and refashioned it with The beautiful French actress. Isabelle despair of living forever, is very moving.
such sumptuous style and clarity of vision Adjani, as Lucy Harker, is particularly Physically, his makeup is based on that of
that once seen, the film will never be effective. Once she discovers the cause of Max Shreck in the 1922 version, but is
forgotten. However, don't be mislead -the the apparent plague in Weimar, she more believable. Repellent, yet with a
film is not a blood feast and the basic story becomes a woman of action, trying in vain strange fascination of its own, it is not
of Dracula is so well known that it is to discover the lair of Dracula. and possible to detect faults in it at all.
impossible to imbue it with any real ultimately gives her life to help destroy the The film is a feast for the eye and the ear.
suspense. vampire. Van Helsing [Walter Ladengast) German group. Popol Vuh. have supplied
Every shot in Nosferalu the Vampyre is is little more than a bumbling fool of a a wonderful score, using acoustic guitars,
superbly designed and lit, from the optening man. refusing to believe in the legend of the sitars and assorted percussion to create
tracking shot along a line of mummified undead. Roland Topor makes a fine aural moods to match Herzog's hypnotic
bodies to the last shot of Jonathan Harker Renfield, gibbering away in the asylum, images, photographed by Jorg Schmidt-
riding along a windswept beach to spread collecting flies to eat and fawning to his Reitwein.
the plague of the vampire. master like a dog. Bruno Ganz as Jonathan Nosferatu the X'ampyre is a rare treat, a
Though Herzog duplicates several shots Harker ranges from the loving husband to film that makes a pleasant change of pace
from Murnau's version, the film is in no the "new" Nosferatu with great skill. from the sf films, both good and bad. that
way a homage. He makes no excuses for the However, it is Klaus Kinski as The have followed in the wake of Star Wars.

Opp*>sitc: Recreating the role that made Max Shreck famousis Klaus Kinskias
the title star from Nosferatu. Below: The vampire's eyes snap open as the sun
fallsbelow the horizon. Above: Jonathan Harker (Bruno Gan/) and his wife
Lucy (Isabelle Adjani) relax on a deserted beach, little suspecting the terror
that lies before them.
 COLUMBIA PICTURES
PrBS0nts
RICHARD KIEL in THE HUMANOID
with CORINNE CLERY LEONARD MANN
•

.IVAN RASSIMOV ARTHUR KENNEDY

•

and with BARBARA BACH inthe role of Lady Agatha

Music by ENNIO MORRICONE
Produced by GIORGIO VENTURINI
For MEROPE FILM
Directed by GEORGE B. LEWIS

The Humanoid. Full review > see page 21.