Logan's Run (1976)

Director:

Michael Anderson

Writers:

William F. Nolan (novel) &
George Clayton Johnson (novel) ...

Release Date:

23 June 1976 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | Romance | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

Welcome to the 23rd Century

Plot:

An idyllic sci-fi future has one major drawback: life must end at 30.

Plot Keywords:

Runner | Sanctuary | Domed City | Sandman | Escape

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Michael York	...	Logan
Richard Jordan	...	Francis
Jenny Agutter	...	Jessica 6
Roscoe Lee Browne	...	Box
Farrah Fawcett	...	Holly (as Farrah Fawcett-Majors)
Michael Anderson Jr.	...	Doc
Peter Ustinov	...	Old Man
Randolph Roberts	...	2nd Sanctuary Man
Lara Lindsay	...	The Woman Runner
Gary Morgan	...	Billy
Michelle Stacy	...	Mary 2
Laura Hippe	...	Woman Customer
David Westberg	...	Sandman
Camilla Carr	...	Sanctuary Woman
Greg Lewis	...	Cub (as Gregg Lewis)

Runtime:

120 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Stereo (with Dolby noise reduction) (35 mm prints)

Certification:

Iceland:L | West Germany:12 | Italy:T | Canada:PG (TV rating) | Australia:G (alternate rating) | Australia:PG (original rating) | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Canada:PG (Manitoba) | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 | Singapore:PG | UK:PG | USA:PG | Canada:G (Quebec) | UK:A (original rating) | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Netherlands:12

Filming Locations:

Dallas, Texas, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

The shots of the pistons that controlled the elevator leading to the scene in the ice cave were taken directly from director Michael Anderson's previous film, The Wreck of the Mary Deare (1959)

Goofs:

Continuity: During the scenes in the city, Logan 5's hair is longer compared to his hair after he escapes and plans to re-enter the city.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Logan: [tapping on a glass window of maternity room] Wake up.
Francis 7: Logan, you are here. I couldn't believe it when they told me. What are you doing?
Logan: [indicates baby] Logan 6. Well it's not everyday that they authorize a new sandman. I tell you Francis,
[indicating baby]
Logan: that's him.
Francis 7: Well maybe, maybe not. What does it matter? Anyway, he isn't yours anymore.
Logan: [continues tapping lightly on the glass]
Francis 7: All right, you want me to wake him?
[bangs loudly on the glass with his baton]
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Life Serial (#6.5)" (2001)

One of the Best Sci-Fi Ever and Absolutely Ahead of Time

In 2274, the survivors of a war live in a great domed city sealed from the outside world and their society provides all possible comfort to them. However there is a catch: when the dwellers reach the age of thirty years old, their life clocks become red, accusing that it is time of renewal and they must participate in a ceremony called Carrousel. The misfits are called runners and they are chased by the police force called Sandmen and terminated. The efficient sandmen Logan 5 (Michael York) and Francis (Richard Jordan) work together and they are best friends. When Logan meets Jessica 6 (Jenny Agutter) in a sexual encounter, she sees that he is a sandman and refuses to have sex with him, claiming that it was a mistake of the circuit. Then Logan terminates a runner and when the computer analyzes the belongings of the victim, it assigns Logan to an undercover mission. His life clock is advanced in four years and he is ordered to take the key and seek the Ankh Sanctuary. He uses Jessica to help him, but he falls in love for her while chased by Francis. Logan questions the system and leaves the domed city with Jessica; in the outer world, they find and old man, changing their perspective of life beyond 30.

"Logan's Run" is one of the best sci-fi ever and absolutely ahead of time. Even in 2009 and after watching this feature at least six times, I still love it. The original and engaging story is supported by magnificent cinematography, scenarios, set decoration, special effects, costumes, make-up and music score. Jenny Agutter is amazing and shows a wonderful chemistry with Michael York. One of the best moments is when they do not know the meaning of "beloved husband" and "beloved wife" since these concepts do not exist in their society. Last but not the least, the name of my daughter was inspired in the character performed by Jenny Agutter. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Fuga no Século XXIII" ("Escape in the 23rd Century")