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Dark Star (1974)

G  |   |  Comedy, Sci-Fi  |  9 February 1979 (West Germany)
6.5
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Ratings: 6.5/10 from 15,779 users  
Reviews: 151 user | 88 critic

In the far reaches of space, a small crew, 20 years into their solitary mission, find things beginning to go hilariously wrong.

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Writers:

(original story and screenplay), (original story and screenplay)
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Title: Dark Star (1974)

Dark Star (1974) on IMDb 6.5/10

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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Brian Narelle ...
Cal Kuniholm ...
Dre Pahich ...
...
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Storyline

Low-budget story of four astronauts in deep space, whose mission is to destroy unstable planets in star systems which are to be colonised. The late Commander Powell is stored in deep freeze, where he is still able to offer advice. As their mission nears completion, they must cope with a runaway alien which resembles a beach-ball, faulty computer systems, and a "smart bomb" who thinks it is God. Written by Alexander Lum <aj_lum@postoffice.utas.edu.au>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

What would you be like after 20 years aboard DARK STAR the spaced-out spaceship. The ultimate cosmic comedy! See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Sci-Fi

Certificate:

G | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

9 February 1979 (West Germany)  »

Also Known As:

Estrella oscura  »

Box Office

Budget:

$60,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (Original Version) | (Director's Cut) | (original student film)

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Cookie Knapp got the computer voice gig because she answered the phone for cinematographer Douglas Knapp and John Carpenter loved the sound of her voice. See more »

Goofs

Just before bomb #20 explodes, Pinback takes off his earphones, but they are back on a second later. See more »

Quotes

Watkins - Mission Control: Hi guys. Glad we got your message. You'll be happy to know that it aired in prime time. Got good reviews in the trades.
See more »


Soundtracks

Benson Arizona
Music by John Carpenter
Lyrics by Bill Taylor
Vocals by John Yager (uncredited)
[Played over the opening and closing credits]
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Astronauts on a senseless mission through Space, Philosophic Bombs, a lot of subtle humor, and those bearts oh my, oh my..
27 March 2005 | by (Germany) – See all my reviews

A Great Movie, i think it was made in Film School and is the first Movie available by John Carpenter.. The great thing besides the Humor, are those little typical low-budget Mistakes like the actor in the "lift" scene who is pretty clearly just lying on a common Floor.. The "mOnster" is amazing too its funny to see how a Ball with gloves can actually act, and a little music makes it scary..

The Last Scene is clearly inspired by Ray Bradburys (Fahrenheit 451) Short Story "Kaleidoscope"..

Sorry for my poor English, but i just had to write something to this incredible piece of film..


48 of 55 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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Recent Posts
Dark Star is not supposed to be a 'Comedy' at all. Stellartoa
How is this a comedy? tezz27000
Dark Star is utter tripe anthony_suleiman
Remakes - Dark Star - Sam Rockwell pam-bradley1
Comedy Sci-Fi samueldtodd
New Special Edition DVD on the way mike_cable
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