THX 1138 (1971)

Director:

George Lucas

Writers:

George Lucas (story)
George Lucas (earlier screenplay)

Release Date:

11 March 1971 (USA)

Genre:

Sci-Fi | Drama

Tagline:

Visit the future where love is the ultimate crime.

Plot:

Set in the 25th century, the story centers around a man and a woman who rebel against their rigidly controlled society.

Plot Keywords:

Number In Character's Name | Bizarre | Avant Garde | Remake | Computer

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Robert Duvall	...	THX
Donald Pleasence	...	SEN
Don Pedro Colley	...	SRT
Maggie McOmie	...	LUH
Ian Wolfe	...	PTO
Marshall Efron	...	TWA
Sid Haig	...	NCH
John Pearce	...	DWY
Irene Forrest	...	IMM
Gary Alan Marsh	...	CAM
John Seaton	...	OUE
Eugene I. Stillman	...	JOT
Jack Walsh	...	TRG (as Raymond J. Walsh)
Mark Lawhead	...	Shell Dweller
Robert Feero	...	Chrome Robot #1

Also Known As:

THX-1138 (USA) (alternative spelling)

MPAA:

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity. (2004 director's cut)

Runtime:

86 min | USA:88 min (director's cut)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Germany:12 | UK:15 (video rating) (director's cut) (2004) | UK:X (original rating) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | South Korea:15 (director's cut) | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Brazil:14 | UK:15 (video rating) (1988-2003) | Australia:PG | Canada:G (Quebec) | Finland:K-11 (2004 director's cut) | Iceland:Unrated | Italy:VM14 | Singapore:NC-16 | USA:GP (original rating) | USA:R (2004 director's cut)

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Company:

American Zoetrope

Trivia:

A scene in which THX falls into a garbage compactor and fends off a mutated rodent was cut because the monster did not look realistic. This situation was later reused in Star Wars (1977).

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: During the car chase, the number 5 on a radio announcer's hat is backwards, revealing the usage of a mirror image.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Male voice (medicine cabinet): What's wrong?
THX 1138: Nothing. Nothing really. I just feel that I need something stronger.
Male voice (medicine cabinet): If you have a problem, don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
THX 1138: Yes, thank you, I'll be alright.
Male voice (medicine cabinet): Call 3485...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Battlespace (2006) (V)

Soundtrack:

Elevator Music

Improvised student film becomes theatrical release.

One of the neat things about this movie is that even in it's finished version it has a independent/student film look....which I think helps it! Parts of this film were shot in the underground BART transit system that was being constructed near San Franscisco (I believe). George Lucas was a film major at USC when his film was spotted and changed into a theatrical release. (The same thing happend to John Carpenter) This film marks the first collaboration of Francis Coppola and Lucas...the two have remained friends ever since. I liked the robot police men depicted in this film, they have a simple look and are still credible in the menace they portray. This is a science fiction film that is darker than anything Lucas has yet done. I think it's a underestimated classic.