| Earthbound | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | James L. Conway |
| Written by | Michael Fisher |
| Produced by | Michael Fisher |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Paul Hipp |
| Edited by | Michael Spence |
| Music by | Bob Summers |
| Distributed by | Taft International Pictures |
| Release date |
|
| Running time | 94 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Earthbound is a 1981 American science fiction comedy film directed by James L. Conway. It received limited theatrical release after being rejected as a television pilot.
Plot summary
When a family of benevolent humanoid aliens is stranded in the Midwestern United States after their spaceship crashes, a kind innkeeper (Burl Ives) and his grandson (Todd Porter) take them in. Once word gets out that aliens have landed, Sheriff De Rita (John Schuck) and Deputy Sweeney (Stuart Pankin) prove unable to handle the crowds. A government agent (Joseph Campanella) arrives, who wants to assure that the aliens cannot intermingle with humankind.
Cast
- Burl Ives as Ned Anderson
- Todd Porter as Tommy Anderson
- Christopher Connelly as Zef
- Meredith MacRae as Lara
- Joseph Campanella as Conrad
- Marc Gilpin as Dalem
- Mindy Dow as Rosie
- Elissa Leeds as Teva
- Peter Isacksen as Willy
- John Schuck as Sheriff De Rita
- Joey Forman as Madden
- Stuart Pankin as Sweeney
- H.M. Wynant as Dave
- Doodles Weaver as Sterling
- Jesse Bennett as Gold Rush man #2
- Anne Lockhart as Mom
- Cindy Bertagnolli as Unknown Extra
- Allen Tatomer as Extra, Local Posse, Townie
- Scottie Anderson as Extra, Local Posse, Townie
Production
Parts of the film were shot in Park City, Utah. The movie was developed as a TV pilot, and released theatrically when the networks showed no interest. John Schuck stated that while the area where the movie was shot was beautiful, the two-week production of the film was rushed and the script was lacking. He also felt the 16-mm filming did not lend itself to a theatrical release.
Reception
In Creature Feature, the movie received 2 out of 5 stars, finding the direction lacking. The show was cited as one that had potential, but was not picked up as a series in Starlog.
References
Citations
- Young 2000, p. 184.
- D'Arc, James V. (2010). When Hollywood came to town: a history of moviemaking in Utah (1st ed.). Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith. ISBN 9781423605874.
- Warren, B (January 1989) Starlog #138 John Schuck: Klingon of a Thousand Faces
- Stanley, J. (2000) Creature Feature:3rd Edition
- Goldberg, L. (December 1991 ) Starlog #173 The Sci Fi TV You Didn't See.
Sources
- Young, R. G., ed. (2000). The Encyclopedia of Fantastic Film: Ali Baba to Zombies (1st ed.). Milwaukee: Applause Theatre & Cinema Books. p. 184. ISBN 978-1557832696.
External links
- Earthbound at IMDb
- Earthbound at AllMovie
- Earthbound at the TCM Movie Database
| Works directed by James L. Conway | |
|---|---|
| Films |
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| Video games |
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- 1981 films
- 1981 comedy films
- 1981 independent films
- 1980s English-language films
- 1980s science fiction comedy films
- American independent films
- American science fiction comedy films
- Films directed by James L. Conway
- Films shot in Utah
- Taft Entertainment Pictures films
- Television pilots not picked up as a series
- 1980s American films
- English-language science fiction comedy films
- 1981 science fiction films
- English-language independent films