We have already spoken of my love of "King of the Rocket Men" and "Radar Men from the Moon."
These were formative images from my distant youth. It seems that they were likewise for artist and writer Dave Stevens. He re-imagined those adventures, while adding some wonderful machinations of his own to the kettle. Who would think to have the flying device invented by Howard Hughes? Or make the user of that almost magical machine be a stunt pilot whose girlfriend is Bettie Page? Or to make the villain Nazi spy Errol Flynn (assisted by Rondo Hatton?) Well, Mr. Stevens did and then put them in graphic stories that are beautiful to look at, even if you couldn't read.
Then Danny Bilson (who also brought us "The Flash" for television)
decided to create one of the most "true to the original" adaptations ever brought to the screen. Why (and I know that I've said this so many times on these pages, and it is still true) this wasn't a HUGE box office smash I'll never know.
The cast is well known and give wonderful performances. The picture is full of lush visuals and great timing. This is one of those movies that I have on both VHS and DVD and still stop and watch when I happen across it while flipping through channels on cable. Beautiful girl, stalwart hero, great sidekick, colorful characters, great action sequences and evil villains - - what more could you ask for in any movie?
Here is the cast:
Bill Campbell . . . . Cliff Secord (The Rocketeer)
Jennifer Connelly . . . . Jenny Blake
Alan Arkin . . . . A. 'Peevy' Peabody
Timothy Dalton . . . . Neville Sinclair
Paul Sorvino . . . . Eddie Valentine
Terry O'Quinn . . . . Howard Hughes
Ed Lauter . . . . FBI Agent Fitch
James Handy . . . . FBI Agent 'Wooly' Wolinski
Tiny Ron . . . . Lothar
Robert Miranda . . . . Spanish Johnny
John Lavachielli . . . . Rusty
Jon Polito . . . . Otis Bigelow, Airfield Owner
Eddie Jones . . . . Malcolm the Mechanic
William Sanderson . . . . Skeets
Don Pugsley . . . . Goose
If your heart will allow you to soar above the tedium of everyday life, this movie will take you there,
The Archive of the old pages is here.
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