ALL SCI-FI

Bud Brewster · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2017 12:05 pm Post subject: The Humanoid (1979)

Isn't it nice the way YouTube suggests videos based on your past preferences? Very Happy

This one just popped up among their suggestions, and I've never even heard of it. The video is from somebody's old VHS tape, so the picture ain't too good. No surprise, eh?

Anybody remember this one? Confused

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___________________ The Humanoid (1979)

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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

Gord Green · Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 1:54 am Post subject:

L'umanoide, internationally released as The Humanoid and Humanoid, is a 1979 Italian science fiction film directed by Aldo Lado (credited as George B. Lewis).

The movie bears many similarities to the original Star Wars, for instance, a similar opening text crawl detailing current events in the film, the main villain wears a costume similar to that of Darth Vader and he commands a triangle-shaped spaceship resembling a Star Destroyer.

Many of the sets, costumes and vehicles also appear similar in design and the director, Aldo Lado, goes by the alias "George B. Lewis" in reference to George Lucas.

All and all.....Not a very good movie.

Bud Brewster · Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 10:49 am Post subject:

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First of all, another great post, Gord. Very Happy

I've never seen this movie, but I'd like to. Knowing that I should have high expectations might allow me to enjoy it to some degree.

I guess this is an example of the idea that even though imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it's rarely an effective way to create quality results.
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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)

Pow · Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 9:17 pm Post subject:

The stunning Corinne Cleary was in 007's Moonraker while the lovely Barbara Bach was in The Spy Who Loved Me.

Bogmeister · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:33 pm Post subject:

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This is one of Richard Kiel's follow-up roles just after he briefly became a big star in The Spy Who Loved Me (77); he plays some kind of alien in this one — though there are two versions — a Han Solo-type hero and his dummy duplicate.

As stated everywhere else, this is probably the most blatant Italian copy of the megahit Star Wars.

Also, for whatever reason, Kiel was paired with his co-star from the James Bond film, Barbara Bach, in a couple of later films, including this one. Old-time character actor Arthur Kennedy also lends his talents to this, as an evil doctor.

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Goldweber, David Elroy (2012-06-14). Claws & Saucers: Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy Film: A Complete Guide 1902-1982 (Kindle Locations 36869-36883). David E. Goldweber. Kindle Edition

You know by now, Dear Reader, that I never begrudge imitations, especially sexy science fiction imitations made in Italy.

L'Umanoide comes to us from familiar names like Aldo Lado, Enzo Castellari, Antonio Margheriti, and Ennio Morricone. Morricone's electronic score is particularly compelling during the extended dreamy title sequence, setting up a wonderful mood for fans of 70s nostalgia.

Inspired casting gives us Richard Kiel as the Viking-like space rogue who gets transformed into (of course) a grunting giant. Our heroine is played by Corinne Cléry who appeared alongside Kiel in Moonraker and who wears no underwear throughout The Humanoid.

Our sycophantic evil scientist is played by Arthur Kennedy (The Antichrist), who steals most of his scenes. Finally, our evil warlord is played by Ivan Rassimov, though his mask obscures his perfect villain face.