Flash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure of All
Encyclopedia
Flash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure of All is a 1982 animated television film produced by Filmation
and written by Samuel A. Peeples
, whose credits included the original Star Trek series.
, Flash Gordon is on a mission in Warsaw which is suffering heavy bombing. He arrives too late and his contact is near death. He has a message for Doctor Zarkov, one word "Mongo" before he dies.
Flash travels to find Zarkov and meets 'girl reporter' Dale Arden also on her way to interview him. They are bombarded by meteorites, damaging their plane, forcing them to bail out. They make a hurried escape, chased by lava flows they find a secret cave and a rocket ship. Doctor Zarkov having no time for introductions, ushers them on board and they blast off. When safely in flight he explains he is on a mission to the wandering planet Mongo
to convince their rulers to call off their attack on Earth (by force if necessary, using a gravity weapon of his own invention).
Before they can make contact, they are shot down by hostile ships and make a crash landing. After barely surviving a large predator's attack, they are captured by animalistic savages and dragged to a giant idol to be sacrifice, from which they barely escape to the outside. There they meet King Thunn of the Lion Men.
Flash and company are forced into battle against Mongo's ruler, Ming the Merciless
, his daughter Princess Aura
, and his robot army of Metal Men
. To help their cause, the heroes lead the formation of an alliance beginning with King Thun, leader of the Lion People; Prince Barin, leader of Arboria; and King Vultan, ruler of the Hawkmen.
Thun explains Ming is too clever to dominate Earth by force alone, and that he would use the Mongo strategy of 'separate and attack' which Flash notes is the same as the Earth expression 'divide and conquer
'. Ming reveals he has secretly given military technology to Hitler.
Ming sends his Mole Men to attack the kingdom of Arboria by destroying the roots of the trees of the forested lant. Thanks to Zarkov warning Flash and friend, the attack is repulsed and Flash and his allies use the captured drilling machine to attack Ming's palace. They are overwhelmed by Ming's forces but Prince Barin insists on his right to a trial by strength. With a flaming sword in hand Ming duels against Flash in a climactic battle.
As the planet Mongo approaches Earth they are rocked by quakes threatening to destabilize both planets. To avert the destruction of Earth they destroy the engine that propels Mongo through space, knowing that without it they will drift though space unable to return to Earth again.
in 1977. When NBC saw the finished work, it was decided to turn the work into what became the 1979 Saturday-morning animated TV-series Flash Gordon
.
Although the movie was developed before the 1979 animated series began, it did not premiere until 1982. In fact, some scenes from the movie were used in promotional spots for the coming series the summer before the series began in the fall of 1979. While Filmation's TV-series has become available on DVD, the TV-movie has never become commercially available even to this day, except from occasional off-air bootlegs. Bulgaria is an exception, as the movie got an official VHS release there.
Apart from the subplot involving Ming passing advanced weapons to Hitler, which is not touched upon in the later animated series, there are several other notable differences that seem to indicate that this animated film was intended for prime time, when parents presumably would be watching also. Those differences include:
- The departure of the trio from Earth to Mongo is depicted. In order to make Zarkov sympathetic from the start, the original story element of him forcing Flash and Dale to board his rocket is changed to him inviting them in when they flee into his hidden laboratory/launch site, threatened by flooding molten lava. In this case, Zarkov's rocket is their only chance of survival and they board without hesitation with Zarkov's apologies that he cannot drop them off before continuing to Mongo. For their part, Flash and Dale understand Zarkov's mission and quickly agree to help him.
- The use of 1939 terrestrial firearms by Flash and Zarkov upon arrival while battling a monster.
- A discussion between Flash and Thun indicating that Ming's Lizard Woman overseers eat human prisoners.
- Mongian firearms that look much more like their terrestrial counterparts than those used in the animated series.
- The clear destruction of the Hawk Men's sky city, whereas in the series it is only captured.
- More revealing costumes, as Dale Arden spends the majority of her time in a belly-dancer-like costume in Ming's harem and Flash's terrestrial clothing disintegrates bit by bit during his adventures, with him not receiving his red and blue uniform until the last 20 minutes of the film.
- Clear reference to killing prior to the final fight between Ming and Flash, as Barin, Vultan, and Thun claim their right under the laws of Mongo to trial by combat before they can be put to death.
- The final fight between Ming and Flash involves the use of both pistols and swords by both parties, whereas Flash does not use a pistol and loses his sword rapidly in the animated series.
- Ming's daughter Aura is a much less sympathetic character. The romance between her and Prince Barin is downplayed and at the end she refuses to swear allegiance to him as Regent, resulting in him ordering her imprisonment.
- It is made clear at the end that Flash, Dale, and Zarkov will never be able to return to Earth, whereas in the animated series that door is left open.
comic strip, but also one of Filmation's finest overall efforts to this day.
Filmation
Filmation Associates was an American production company that produced animation and live action programming for television during the latter half of the 20th century. Located in Reseda, California, the animation studio was founded in 1963...
and written by Samuel A. Peeples
Samuel A. Peeples
Samuel Anthony Peeples was an American writer. He published several novels in the Western genre, often under the pen name Brad Ward, before moving into series television after being given a script assignment by Frank Gruber...
, whose credits included the original Star Trek series.
Plot
It is the time of World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Flash Gordon is on a mission in Warsaw which is suffering heavy bombing. He arrives too late and his contact is near death. He has a message for Doctor Zarkov, one word "Mongo" before he dies.
Flash travels to find Zarkov and meets 'girl reporter' Dale Arden also on her way to interview him. They are bombarded by meteorites, damaging their plane, forcing them to bail out. They make a hurried escape, chased by lava flows they find a secret cave and a rocket ship. Doctor Zarkov having no time for introductions, ushers them on board and they blast off. When safely in flight he explains he is on a mission to the wandering planet Mongo
Mongo (planet)
Mongo is a fictional planet where the comic strip of Flash Gordon take place. It is ruled by a usurper named Ming the Merciless, who governs with an iron hand....
to convince their rulers to call off their attack on Earth (by force if necessary, using a gravity weapon of his own invention).
Before they can make contact, they are shot down by hostile ships and make a crash landing. After barely surviving a large predator's attack, they are captured by animalistic savages and dragged to a giant idol to be sacrifice, from which they barely escape to the outside. There they meet King Thunn of the Lion Men.
Flash and company are forced into battle against Mongo's ruler, Ming the Merciless
Ming the Merciless
Ming the Merciless is a fictional character who first appeared in the Flash Gordon comic strip in 1934. He has since been the main villain of the strip and its related movie serials, TV shows and film adaptation.- First appearance :...
, his daughter Princess Aura
Princess Aura
Princess Aura is a fictional character in the Flash Gordon comic strips and serials. She is the daughter of the series' villain, Ming the Merciless, and the lover of Prince Barin, the rightful heir to the throne of Mongo, and is banished with him to the forest world of Arboria.In 1936, Princess...
, and his robot army of Metal Men
Metal Men
The Metal Men are fictional characters that appear in comic books published by DC Comics. The characters first appeared in Showcase #37 and were created by writer Robert Kanigher and penciller Ross Andru...
. To help their cause, the heroes lead the formation of an alliance beginning with King Thun, leader of the Lion People; Prince Barin, leader of Arboria; and King Vultan, ruler of the Hawkmen.
Thun explains Ming is too clever to dominate Earth by force alone, and that he would use the Mongo strategy of 'separate and attack' which Flash notes is the same as the Earth expression 'divide and conquer
Divide and conquer
Divide and conquer may refer to:* Divide and rule, in politics, sociology and economics, a strategy to gain or maintain power...
'. Ming reveals he has secretly given military technology to Hitler.
Ming sends his Mole Men to attack the kingdom of Arboria by destroying the roots of the trees of the forested lant. Thanks to Zarkov warning Flash and friend, the attack is repulsed and Flash and his allies use the captured drilling machine to attack Ming's palace. They are overwhelmed by Ming's forces but Prince Barin insists on his right to a trial by strength. With a flaming sword in hand Ming duels against Flash in a climactic battle.
As the planet Mongo approaches Earth they are rocked by quakes threatening to destabilize both planets. To avert the destruction of Earth they destroy the engine that propels Mongo through space, knowing that without it they will drift though space unable to return to Earth again.
Production
The original project was produced by Filmation as a made-for-television feature film, partly as a reaction to the mammoth success of Star Wars Episode IV: A New HopeStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
in 1977. When NBC saw the finished work, it was decided to turn the work into what became the 1979 Saturday-morning animated TV-series Flash Gordon
The New Adventures of Flash Gordon
The New Adventures of Flash Gordon, also known as The Adventures of Flash Gordon, is an animated television series. The series is actually called Flash Gordon, but the expanded title is used in official records to distinguish it from previous versions.Filmation produced the series in 1979, partly...
.
Although the movie was developed before the 1979 animated series began, it did not premiere until 1982. In fact, some scenes from the movie were used in promotional spots for the coming series the summer before the series began in the fall of 1979. While Filmation's TV-series has become available on DVD, the TV-movie has never become commercially available even to this day, except from occasional off-air bootlegs. Bulgaria is an exception, as the movie got an official VHS release there.
Apart from the subplot involving Ming passing advanced weapons to Hitler, which is not touched upon in the later animated series, there are several other notable differences that seem to indicate that this animated film was intended for prime time, when parents presumably would be watching also. Those differences include:
- The departure of the trio from Earth to Mongo is depicted. In order to make Zarkov sympathetic from the start, the original story element of him forcing Flash and Dale to board his rocket is changed to him inviting them in when they flee into his hidden laboratory/launch site, threatened by flooding molten lava. In this case, Zarkov's rocket is their only chance of survival and they board without hesitation with Zarkov's apologies that he cannot drop them off before continuing to Mongo. For their part, Flash and Dale understand Zarkov's mission and quickly agree to help him.
- The use of 1939 terrestrial firearms by Flash and Zarkov upon arrival while battling a monster.
- A discussion between Flash and Thun indicating that Ming's Lizard Woman overseers eat human prisoners.
- Mongian firearms that look much more like their terrestrial counterparts than those used in the animated series.
- The clear destruction of the Hawk Men's sky city, whereas in the series it is only captured.
- More revealing costumes, as Dale Arden spends the majority of her time in a belly-dancer-like costume in Ming's harem and Flash's terrestrial clothing disintegrates bit by bit during his adventures, with him not receiving his red and blue uniform until the last 20 minutes of the film.
- Clear reference to killing prior to the final fight between Ming and Flash, as Barin, Vultan, and Thun claim their right under the laws of Mongo to trial by combat before they can be put to death.
- The final fight between Ming and Flash involves the use of both pistols and swords by both parties, whereas Flash does not use a pistol and loses his sword rapidly in the animated series.
- Ming's daughter Aura is a much less sympathetic character. The romance between her and Prince Barin is downplayed and at the end she refuses to swear allegiance to him as Regent, resulting in him ordering her imprisonment.
- It is made clear at the end that Flash, Dale, and Zarkov will never be able to return to Earth, whereas in the animated series that door is left open.
Reception
The series is still regarded to be not only one of the most faithful adaptations of the original Flash GordonFlash Gordon
Flash Gordon is the hero of a science fiction adventure comic strip originally drawn by Alex Raymond. First published January 7, 1934, the strip was inspired by and created to compete with the already established Buck Rogers adventure strip. Also inspired by these series were comics such as Dash...
comic strip, but also one of Filmation's finest overall efforts to this day.
Cast
- Robert RidgelyRobert RidgelyRobert Ridgely was an American actor and vocal artist, known for both on-camera roles and extensive voice-over work.-Career:...
as Flash GordonFlash GordonFlash Gordon is the hero of a science fiction adventure comic strip originally drawn by Alex Raymond. First published January 7, 1934, the strip was inspired by and created to compete with the already established Buck Rogers adventure strip. Also inspired by these series were comics such as Dash... - Diane PershingDiane PershingDiane Pershing, born and raised in Queens, New York, is a romance novelist, television writer and voice actor.She wrote episodes for the television series The Love Boat and What's Happening Now!!...
as Dale ArdenDale ArdenDale Arden is a fictional character, the fellow-adventurer and love interest of Flash Gordon and a prototypic heroine for later female characters, including Princess Leia Organa and Padme Amidala in Star Wars. Flash, Dale and Dr... - Bob Holt as Ming The Mercelles
- David OpatoshuDavid OpatoshuDavid Opatoshu was an American film, stage and television actor. He was born as David Opatovsky in New York City, where he was reared and educated. His father was the Yiddish writer, Joseph Opatoshu.-Television:...
as Dr. Hans Zarkoff - Vic PerrinVic PerrinVic Perrin was an American actor and voice artist. He is best remembered as the "Control Voice" in the original version of the TV series The Outer Limits ....
as Prince VultanPrince VultanPrince Vultan is the prince of the bird-like Hawkmen in the Flash Gordon comic strip and its adaptations. Prince Vultan starts his career as a half-villain with a lecherous side , but soon reforms into one of Flash Gordon's greatest allies... - Melendy BrittMelendy BrittMelendy Britt is an American actress active in television and voice acting since the 1970s. Her most notable animated work is for Filmation, voicing characters such as She-Ra, Princess Adora, and the second animated Batgirl...
as Princess AuraPrincess AuraPrincess Aura is a fictional character in the Flash Gordon comic strips and serials. She is the daughter of the series' villain, Ming the Merciless, and the lover of Prince Barin, the rightful heir to the throne of Mongo, and is banished with him to the forest world of Arboria.In 1936, Princess... - Robert DouglasRobert Douglas (actor)Robert Douglas was born as Robert Douglas Finlayson in Fenny Stratford, Buckinghamshire. He was a successful stage and film actor, a television director and producer....
as Prince BarinPrince BarinPrince Barin is a character in the Flash Gordon stories. He is king of a region of Mongo called Arboria. Barin becomes one of Flash's best friends, and is deeply in love with Princess Aura.... - Ted CassidyTed CassidyTheodore Crawford Cassidy , known as Ted Cassidy, was an American actor who performed in television and films. At 6 ft 9 in in height, he tended to play unusual characters in offbeat or science-fiction series such as Star Trek and I Dream of Jeannie...
as ThunThunThun is a municipality in the administrative district of Thun in the canton of Bern in Switzerland with about 42,136 inhabitants , as of 1 January 2006....
External links
- Flash Gordon at Hearst Animation