HARRY BATES
Spaceman Klaatu is sent to Earth to tell the world to stop nuclear testing and not to bring its war-like ways into space. If they don't, Earth will be obliterated. One of the best science fiction films ever made. The film is very faithful to Bates' story, but the ending has been slightly altered that changes the roles of Klaatu and his robot, Gort.
Directed by Robert Wise in 1951
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Harry Bates(1900-1981) not only wrote short stories, but poetry, plays and novels. He was editor of ASTOUNDING STORIES+STRANGE TALES. Bates also acted. He also wrote under the names of Hiram Gilmore Bates III, Anthony Gilmore, A.R. Holmes and H.B. Winter
Click here for a message from Klaatu
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ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
Dr. Henry Jekyll defies science and religion in order to seperate the good and evil in men. Filmed in 1911, 1920-twice, 1931, 1941, 1968, and 1973. The 1931 version directed by Rouben Mamoulian and the 1941 version directed by Victor Fleming are the most popular. There are also spin-offs and spoof films based on the book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Louis Stevenson(1850-1894) was a Scottish author. Not only did he write "The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde", but the popular book "Treasure Island" (which has also been made into a film). Stevenson also wrote poetry.
PIERRE BOULLE
After getting caught in a temporal phenomenon, a group of astronauts crash land on a planet ruled by apes. A classic science fiction film. Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner in 1968. The film was followed by four sequels and a television series. A remake is in the works which will star Arnold Schwarzenegger and will be directed by Chris Columbus. No release date is known.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Pierre Boulle(1912- ) is a french writer who has written in a variety of genres. He has written many sf short stories, many collected in "Time Out Of Mind." Boulle is also the author of "The Bridge On The River Kwai," which was made into a very famous film.
Click here for a message from astronaut Taylor(Charlton Heston).
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URSULA K. LeGUIN
In a future world, a man believes his dreams can affect the real world. The first film ever done by Public Television. Directed by David Loxton in 1980. A very hard-to-find video.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ursula K. LeGuin(1929- ) is a very prolific sf writer. Much of her work deals with cultural differences and dualism. She has recieved much praise, especially from the academic community. Her novel, "The Left Hand Of Darkness", won both the Hugo and the Nebula award.
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WILLIAM F. NOLAN+GEORGE C. JOHNSON
In the 23rd century, people live in paradise, but there is a catch. When people turn 30, they must participate in a form of ritual suicide. Logan is part of a group that hunts "Runners", people who flee from this practice. On a recent assignment, Logan questions his job and becomes a "Runner" himself. Directed by Michael Anderson Sr. in 1976. Noted for its miniature sets. Spawned a television series. There has been talk of a remake that would stick closer to the book.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
William F. Nolan(1928- ) and George C. Johnson(1929- ) teamed up to write "Logan's Run" in 1967. There are two other books that feature the character of Logan; "Logan's World"(1977) and "Logan's Search"(1980). Both these books were written by Nolan, but without Johnson. Johnson has written 3 sf stories for Gamma magazine and a script for the "Star Trek" television series.
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