The Final Programme [Blu-ray]

Overview

Wealthy physicist Jerry Cornelius attempts to stop his evil brother Frank from taking over the world with a group of self-replicating clones. This often humorous science-fiction film, based on a series of stories by author Michael Moorcock, is also known as The Last Days of Man on Earth.

Product Details

Release Date:	01/07/2020
UPC:	0826663205312
Original Release:	1973
Rating:	NR
Source:	Shout Factory
Region Code:	A
Language:	English
Time:	1:29:00

Special Features

Audio Commentary with Director Robert Fuest and Actress Jenny Runacre, Moderated by Author/Film Historian Jonathan Sothcott; TV Spot; Theatrical Trailer

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Jon Finch	Jerry Cornelius
Jenny Runacre	Miss Brunner
Sterling Hayden	Maj. Wrongway Lindbergh
Hugh Griffith	Professor Hira
Patrick Magee	Dr. Baxter
Harry Andrews	John
Graham Crowden	Dr. Smiles
George Coulouris	Dr. Powys
Basil Henson	Dr. Lucas
Derrick O'Connor	Frank
Gilles Milinaire	Dimitri
Ronald Lacey	Shades
Julie Ege	Miss Dazzle
Sandy Ratcliff	Jenny
Delores Delmar	Fortune Teller
Sarah Douglas	Catherine
Dolores Del Mar	Fortune Teller
Sandra Dickinson	Waitress
Mary McLeod	Nurse
Gilles Millinaire	Dimitri

Technical Credits

Roy Baird	Executive Producer
Robert Fuest	Director
John Goldstone	Producer
Sandy Lieberson	Producer
David Puttnam	Executive Producer

Editorial Reviews

Fans of science fiction scribe Michael Moorcock will likely find the screen version of The Finale Programme to be a bit of a desecration, but even those who are totally unfamiliar with the source are likely to have some problems with this arch adaptation. This is unfortunate, because the basic set-up, while it shares similarities with other sci-fi tales, has a lot of promise. Equally unfortunate, director (and designer) Robert Fuest has provided a wonderfully intriguing visual look for the film. True, that look is heavily and undeniably influenced by the time period (mid-1970s) in which the film was made, and as a result feels dated rather that futuristic. But even so, the production design is wild and inventive and makes much of Programme a visual joyride. It's a shame that Fuest's direction isn't as imaginative as his design; instead, it's frightfully earthbound when one wants something that soars. Worse, it's laced with a certain deadpan irony (also typical of the period) that works against the film's need to explore the fantastic. Even with better direction, Programme would be a bit of a chore, as the screenplay is chaotic and messy. The cast tries hard, but they're hampered by the material and by Fuest's supervision; however, Sterling Hayden manages to enliven things considerably with his bizarre but highly effective turn.