Remember when science fiction consisted of rocket ships, alien planets, laser guns, incredible threats and life or death cliffhangers? Well, George Lucas certainly did. In 1977 Star Wars created a sci-fi resurgence and everyone wanted to ride the wave, including Dino De Laurentiis when he thought it was time for Flash Gordon to make his return to movie screens.

Created by Alex Raymond, Flash Gordon gained popularity in comic strips and serial adventures, Flash was a good old-fashioned hero. With pals Dr. Zarkov and Dale Arden, Flash would do battle with the evil Ming The Merciless in a desperate attempt to save the Earth from ultimate destruction.

Flash would encounter strange enemies and meet helpful allies along his way and would quickly capture the imagination of kids with his outer space adventures. Flash would be considered one of the fathers of the modern-day superhero.

In 1980, Flash made his return. Ming, Dale, Dr. Zarkov, Princess Aura, Prince Barin, Prince Vultan and Raymond’s sci-fi universe is brought to life by writer Lorenzo Semple Jr. and production designer Danilo Donati.

Directed by Mike Hodges, Flash Gordon would present a new interpretation of the character for audiences with surreal special effects, over the top performances, a campy tone and a rocking soundtrack by Queen, Co-starring all combined would make Flash Gordon one of the most unique and unforgettable films in the genre. But is that a good thing?

Starring Melody Anderson, Max Von Sydow, Topol, Timothy Dalton, Ornella Muti, Brian Blessed, a scattering of Penthouse Pets, a few dwarves, some guys in rubber lizard costumes and Sam J. Jones as Flash.

AHHHHHHHH…….let’s check it out!

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/107344540]

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This article originally appeared on John’s site Haphazard Stuff. For more original content, also check out his blog here.

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