Behold the majesty that is Hector the horny robot. Sure, there's no robo-penis visible, but there's probably an optional attachment, right? He runs on fetus brains programmed by a horny and homicidal Harvey Keitel, so what could possibly go wrong? Maybe nothing as long as there aren't any attractive young women around. Oh damn, is that Farrah Fawcett? Well, at least she's not alone in this remote outpost. There's Kirk Douglas, Farrah's lover and only companion on Saturn 3. Douglas looks good for his age, but he's still obviously old enough for retirement. Will Kirk and Farrah fall prey to Harvey and his randy eight foot tall science project? Take another look at Hector, and place your bets.
Saturn 3 (1980) is a peculiar British production meant to capitalize on the then surging popularity of sci-fi at the box office. It's not great, but it's pretty damn entertaining. Saturn 3 was supposed to be the directorial debut of John Barry, the Oscar winning production designer of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977). He had a falling out with star Kirk Douglas during filming, after which he was replaced by veteran director Stanley Donen, who was already on board as a producer.
Donen is most widely known as a director of Hollywood musicals such as Singing In The Rain (1952) and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954) - fine movies, to be sure, but Saturn 3 is notably lacking in production numbers. Shortly thereafter the movie's budget was cut when producer ITC Entertainment went over-schedule and over-budget on Raise The Titanic (1980), which ultimately proved even less financially successful than Saturn 3. All things considered, Saturn 3 turned out pretty good.
While researching this post, I came across Something Is Wrong On Saturn 3, a fantastic site detailing the turbulent production history of Saturn 3 written by Gregory Moss. Mr. Moss also contributed the commentary to the Blu-ray release of Saturn 3, so he knows his stuff. He tells the tale far better than I could. Check it out, if only so you'll know why all of Harvey Keitel's dialog is dubbed - or how British novelist Martin Amis came to write the screenplay - or most importantly, why that snazzy uber-futuristic outfit Farrah is sporting at left didn't make the film's final US theatrical cut. It's interesting reading, and it's sure to pique your interest in Saturn 3 before Movies At Dog Farm III commences.
Really, though, I had you at "horny robot", right?
Never heard of this one and I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about 80s sci fi especially UK stuff. Also that's one hell of an outfit...
ReplyDeleteI still distinctly remember seeing this at the theater. It's unfortunate that outfit didn't make the cut. Farrah did still provide a little cheesecake, though. That link to Something Is Wrong On Saturn 3 actually has a clip of the scene wherein she wears the outfit, and it's pretty obvious from Kirk's leering grin just exactly why he took this role even though he claimed at the time to be semi-retired.
DeleteIf I recall, this is the movie where Farrah gets the microchip in her eye and Harvey Keitel has the robot use its built in tweezers to get it out. Then, I seem to remember Kirk Douglas prancing about naked in bedsheets.
ReplyDeleteWhy the hell do I remember these parts?
I'm guessing you were probably scarred a bit by Kirk's wanton nudity. Even at ten years old I knew there was something kinda creepy about his relationship with Farrah. Can you believe Douglas is still alive? He's ninety-seven!
DeleteYes, you had me at "horny robot", and then again at Farrah Fawcett. I've had my eyes on the Shout Factory release of this one, and now you've sold me on it (yes, "it's not great, but it's pretty damn entertaining" sells me on movies). I also really want to check out the Gregory Moss commentary after taking a look at that making of blog!
ReplyDeleteI just received my Shout Factory copy of Saturn 3 a few days ago. I'm making a point of not watching it until the weekend of Movies At Dog Farm III (so it will be a treat for me, too - I've only ever owned the notably crappy standard DVD release), but I'm very much looking forward to that Gregory Moss commentary myself. Something Is Wrong On Saturn 3 was extremely well researched.
DeleteI was within a gnat's ass of watching Dead On Appraisal a few days ago, and that's all your fault. lol Thanks for dropping by!
Lol well you should! I was really surprised at how much fun I had with that one. Yeah I meant to let you know I've been absent for quite some time now, but I'm getting back into it now so I swear I'll be around far more often now.
DeleteOh man, I haven't watched Saturn 3 since I rented it on VHS way back in the day! If I"m not mistaken, I believe it also had a pretty good run on HBO. I seem to remember seeing it on late night TV as well.....
ReplyDeleteI have to cop to Saturn 3 getting a lukewarm response at Movies At Dog Farm III. Still, if you're a fan, that Shout Factory Blu-Ray looked and sounded fantastic. I still think Hector is a masterpiece of production design, as were the labyrinthine sets on which the movie was shot.
DeleteI've definitely got it on the radar for Blu's to pick up! Saturn 3 is one of those funny kinda films.....you either dig it or ya don't.
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