The Black Hole (1979) Mad Scientist, Robots & Heaven & Hell In Space

Revisited a childhood favourite of mine recently, a science fiction film that has embedded itself on me like some cosmic radiation. Whenever I see mention of it I feel a pull not unlike that of a black hole drawing me in for a viewing. This time it was courtesy of fellow film blogger Mr. Bobinsky who posted some beautiful inspired artwork. That was all I needed and off I went again on another journey.

Tagline – You can’t escape the most powerful force in the universe.

The Black Hole is a story of obsession, survival and an ode to heaven and hell. A film about a psychotic murdering maniac with a crazed fixation on forces so incredible, so death defying, that only a mad scientist with a deranged mind for absolute accomplishment in his mission could fathom this kind of madness. To harness the almighty power of a Black Hole whist siting on the edge of pure destruction, floating in a eerie static state, hoovering on the eye of the abyss.

Surely this lunatic doesn’t wish to actually go into the chasm of pure empty darkness with crushing powers of such magnitude!  Where certain obliteration, pain and eradication can only be your future! There really is only one film company that could bring this dark movie to the big screen, yep you guess it, Walt Disney Pictures! (insert stylus being dragged across record sound clip!)

Tagline – A journey that begins where everything ends!

Disney’s The Black Hole really is one of their darkest films. It may of turned a lot of people off but for me it was a wildly exciting adventure and as a young kid seeing it at the cinema it blew my mind. It had incredible sets, that mysterious ghost like giant black city sized ship, the robots, good and evil, more robots and androids. The effects were amazing and still hold up strong coming up to 40 years old.

Obviously at the time I had no idea who any of these characters were but as time went on you start to discover the cast is made up of some fine acting legends.

On the good guys side you got Robert Forster from “Jackie Brown”, “Medium Cool” and recently “Twin Peaks” playing brave leader Captain Dan Holland. “The Dirty Dozen” and “Wild Bunch” legend Ernest Borgnine playing Harry Booth. And you got Norman Bates himself Anthony Perkins as Dr Alex Durant. Then there’s young Weena from “The Time Machine” Yvette Mimieux as Dr Kate McCrae. And young rookie Lieutenant Charles Pizer played by Joseph Bottoms who I don’t know his films but his brother Timothy Bottoms starred in the amazing Johnny Got His Gun

Plus on the goodies side you get two adorable robots, the caring clever and brave V.I.N.CENT (Vital Information Necessary CENTralized) voiced by the wonderful Roddy McDowell. And the lovely B.O.B (BiO-sanitation Battalion) who’s nervous and totally trashed but filled with courageousness, voiced by the legend Slim Pickens.

What a absolutely brilliant promo picture!

Then in the baddie chair you got mad scientist Dr Hans Reinhardt (Maximilian Schell) who has probably gone way too far with his quest involving the Black Hole. With his army of robot troops, android minions and his master robot creation.

The real enemy is Dr Reinhardt’s number one, the ruthless evil giant red robot Maximilian, made the more sinister by his silence and glowing red eye. A mean mute mangler menace.

Then there’s S.T.A.R (Special Troops Arms Regiment) who’s a bit of an arse but a crack shot with his lasers, that is if he doesn’t blow a fuse first. S.T.A.R and his band of robots are in dire need for some elbow and knee joints.

Set in the year 2130 the exploratory ship the USS Palomino gets into trouble when caught in the pulling force of an unexpected Black Hole. Luckily managing to free itself but in desperate need of repair. A strange giant ship, looking derelict at the edge of the black hole seems to be a good place to dock and repair. What could possibly be waiting for them?

Hey it might be dated and goes right off on one at the end but I have nothing but fond memories and so much love for this film. I’ve even got the soundtrack from composer John Barry.

Thanks for having a look. If you wish to comment, feel free to let me know what you thought of the film when you saw it. Keep watching the screens.

All the best from Mikey The Wolfman