THE UNIDENTIFIED FLYING ODDBALL
US, 1979, 93 minutes, Colour.
Dennis Dugan, Jim Dale, Ron Moody, Kenneth More, John Le Mesurier, Rodney Bewes, Robert Beatty.
Directed by Russ Mayberry.
The Unidentified Flying Oddball, U.F.O., is a Disney contribution to the space exploration trend of the '70s. A previous example was The Cat from Outer Space. However, writer Don Tait has borrowed from Mark Twain's story A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court and has brought it into the space age. The result is a pleasant combination of space gadgetry with Camelot. The hero arrives in Camelot from his space craft to the natural amazement of all and the antipathy of Sir Mordred, a snarling Jim Dale. Kenneth More and John Le Mesurier enjoy themselves as King Arthur and Sir Gawain. The exploits in Camelot include magnetic swords, a flying chair, laser guns and Merlin's jealousy about all these. The result is a very pleasing fantasy for younger audiences which adults accompanying them should enjoy. Humour consists very much in situations, parodies of chivalry and in the presentation of the future and especially American jargon to the English of King Arthur's day. An enjoyable Disney comedy adventure.
1. The appeal of Disney films? Disney in the space exploration age, the space adventure and the humour of it? The use of Mark Twain's story? Updated? For what audience was the film made? Successful for children, adults?
2. The American appeal with the space development,, the British appeal with chivalry and King Arthur? The combination of British and American interests? American star, British locations? Colour photography, the score and its overtones of romantic adventure?
3. The opening American sequences and the presentation of the space craft - and its turning out to be a model? The satire on politicians, scientists, money? Tom and his making of the humanoid and its being like himself? The preparation for the space exploration, the accident of his going off with the humanoid?
4. The presentation of Camelot: introducing Alisande and her story of the goose. her reaction to the monster. her friendship with Tonuny, her friendship also with Hermes? The humorous reactions of the people of Camelot to Tommy - Sir Mordred and his hostility, King Arthur and his Court?
5. Tommy as American hero, the average American boy, naivety and ingenuity? His story about history and putting King Arthur and court to sleep? Prison, his being burnt but saved by the asbestos, his showing how the laser gun worked,, his using the space craft and its magnetism to win the battle, his flying chair and his strategies? The communication with Hermes for winning the battle for King Arthur? His love for Alisande, her love for Hermes especially before the tournament? Her final decision and love for him? His return to Camelot for her?
6. Audience expectations of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? The humorous but conventional portrayal by the British cast? Arthur and his rule, the attack of Mordred and Merlin, King Arthur and his victory? Sir Gawain and his absentmindedness and remarks? The various knights, the Round Table? The comic presentation of Camelot?
7. Mordred and his being the villain in black, his initial attack on Tommy, the accusations of the court, his cruelty to Alisande's father, the burning of Tommy, the tournament and the joust, the revelation of the truth. his attack on Arthur and his inability to win? Merlin and his magical demonstration at court, his evil intent. his luring Alisande in order to get the laser gun? His being thwarted? The humour of the burning and Tommy's survival? Hermes coming to pieces in the joust and being put back together, the humorous attack?
8. The battle sequences and modern technology winning the day?
9. The happy ending with King Arthur and ignition.. the goose surviving the trip back and Tommy and Hermes returning?
10. The atmosphere of Camelot and its old-fashioned ways, Alisande's belief that her father was a goose, Merlin and magic? The contrast with 20th. century technology?
11. A pleasant fantasy. the humour of the future being revealed to characters of the past? The blend of 20th century science fiction with old-fashioned mediaeval adventure?
