Dr. Strange (1978 film)

Last updated

Dr. Strange
Doctor Strange film.jpg
1987 VHS cover art
Genre Superhero
Based on
Doctor Strange
by
Written byPhilip DeGuere
Directed byPhilip DeGuere
Starring
Music by Paul Chihara
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Producers
  • Alex Beaton
  • Philip DeGuere
  • Gregory Hoblit
CinematographyEnzo A. Martinelli
EditorChristopher Nelson
Running time93 minutes [1]
Production company Universal Television
Original release
Network CBS
ReleaseSeptember 6, 1978 (1978-09-06)

Dr. Strange is a 1978 American superhero television film based on the Marvel Comics fictional character of the same name, co-created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee. Philip DeGuere directed the film and wrote it specifically for television, and produced the film along with Alex Beaton and Gregory Hoblit. [1] Stan Lee served as a consultant on the film, which was created as a pilot for a proposed television series. [2] Dr. Strange stars Peter Hooten in the title role, along with Jessica Walter, Eddie Benton, Clyde Kusatsu, Philip Sterling, and John Mills. The film aired on September 6, 1978, in a two-hour block from 8pm to 10pm on CBS, [3] the same network that, at that time, aired The Amazing Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk ; CBS did not pick up Dr. Strange as a series.

Contents

Plot

An evil entity tells Morgan le Fay she has been prevented from breaking through to the earthly realm by a great wizard, and that she has three days to defeat the wizard and win over his successor to her master's side.

Le Fay possesses a young woman named Clea Lake and uses her as a weapon against Thomas Lindmer, the "Sorcerer Supreme". She pushes him off a bridge to his death, but he magically heals himself. His friend, Wong, looks after him and locates Lake. Suffering from nightmares of le Fay, Lake is under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Strange at a psychiatric hospital. Strange has the potential to become Lindmer's successor through inherited items from his father, including a signet ring. Strange intuitively senses something wrong, sharing Lake's nightmares.

Lindmer contacts Strange at the hospital and tells him Lake needs more help than can be offered by medical science. Strange takes Lindmer's card, which bears the same symbol as his ring. Meanwhile, le Fay possesses a cat and tries to enter Lindmer's house, but magical barriers repel it.

At the hospital, the head of Strange's department sedates Lake, and she slips into a coma. Strange visits Lindmer, and Le Fay declines an opportunity to kill him.

Lindmer tells Strange that his ignorance is a form of protection, and asks him whether he wants to know the truth. Strange demands the truth, and Lindmer says he knows about Strange's parents dying when he was eighteen. He says there are different realms, and that Lake is trapped in them and only Strange can save her. Strange is dispatched to the astral plane and confronts the demon Balzaroth sent by le Fay. Strange and Lake return to the physical world.

The evil entity asks le Fay why she spared Strange. She confesses to being attracted to him, and the demon threatens to turn her into an elderly woman. Strange checks on Lake, and agrees to dinner with her. He goes to see Lindmer and rejects magic. As he leaves, he tries to remove his father's ring and finds he cannot. He accidentally lets the possessed cat in, which allows le Fay to best Wong. She defeats Lindmer, and summons Asmodeus to take him to the demon realms.

Strange visits Lake, but le Fay interrupts, promising not to harm Lake if he comes with her to the demon realm. Once there, he appears to be under her command. She attempts to seduce him, and asks him to remove his ring, claiming he can do it. He refuses and defeats her, rescues Lindmer, and returns them to the earthly realm, where he also revives Wong. The evil entity transforms le Fay into an old hag.

Lindmer explains that Strange must choose between remaining mortal or becoming the Sorcerer Supreme, forgoing ignorance, offspring, and a painless death. Strange decides to protect humanity, and Lindmer's power is transferred to him. Wong then warns him that, while he now has Lindmer's powers, he does not yet have the knowledge or wisdom to use them correctly, and can harm himself or others.

Strange is then shown at the hospital, where many patients have been discharged. He leaves with Lake, who seems to have no memory of what happened. Le Fay is shown on television, young again, posing as a self-help guru. The film closes with Strange playing a trick on a street magician, turning the flowers the magician was going to produce using sleight-of-hand into a dove.

Cast

Production

Philip DeGuere was given an ample budget for Dr. Strange, which he wrote, directed, and produced. The film was shot on Universal sets in Los Angeles, going over-schedule by several days because of the special effects, which included a lot of the era's green screen. DeGuere's friend, composer Paul Chiraha, was encouraged to produce an electronic score. Chihara, interviewed in 2016, said that DeGuere had high hopes for the film, and that he was crushed when it "tanked" [4] in the Nielsen ratings.

In March 1985, Stan Lee recounted the largely positive experience of working on Dr. Strange, compared with the other live-action Marvel Comics adaptations under the publisher's development deal with CBS and Universal in the late 1970s:

I probably had the most input into that one. I've become good friends with the writer/producer Phil DeGuere. I was pleased with Dr. Strange and The Incredible Hulk . I think that Dr. Strange would have done much better than it did in the ratings, except that it aired opposite Roots . Those are the only experiences I've had with live action television. Dr. Strange and The Incredible Hulk were fine. Captain America was a bit [of a] disappointment, and Spider-Man was a total nightmare. [5]

Reception

Dr. Strange got very low Nielsen ratings and, from critics, generally negative reviews:

Home media

The film was released twice on VHS in the United States, in 1987 and 1995, and also had multiple foreign releases. [3] Dr. Strange was released on DVD for the first time in the United States and Canada on November 1, 2016, and on Blu-ray for a limited time on April 26, 2022, by Shout! Factory. [1] [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Doom</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Doctor Doom is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Fantastic Four #5. In his comic book appearances, Doctor Doom is the monarch of the fictional European country of Latveria whose goal is to bring order to humanity through world conquest. He serves as the archenemy of Mister Fantastic and the Fantastic Four, though he has also come into conflict with other superheroes in the Marvel Universe, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, the Black Panther, the X-Men, and the Avengers. While usually portrayed as a villain, Doom has also been an antihero at times, working with heroes if their goals align and only if it benefits him. Doctor Doom was ranked #4 by Wizard on its list of the 101 Greatest Villains of All Time and #3 on IGN's list of the Top 100 Comic Book Villains of All Time. In a later article, IGN would declare Doom as Marvel's greatest villain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Strange</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in Strange Tales #110. Doctor Strange serves as the Sorcerer Supreme, the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats. Strange was introduced during the Silver Age of Comic Books in an attempt to bring a different kind of character and themes of mysticism to Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dormammu</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Dormammu is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in Strange Tales #126. He is the extra and inter-dimensional demonic entity and deity brother of Umar and the uncle of superheroine Clea who rules over the Dark Dimension. The character has endured as a recurring antagonist of the superhero Doctor Strange.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mephisto (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Mephisto is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Silver Surfer #3, and was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema and based on Mephistopheles: a demon character from the Faust legend, who has sometimes been referred to as Mephisto. Introduced as a recurring adversary of the Silver Surfer and Ghost Rider, Mephisto has also endured as one of Spider-Man's most prominent adversaries, being responsible for Norman and Harry Osborn's respective transformations into the Green Goblin and Kindred; and for the superhero's loss of his marriage to Mary Jane Watson, considering their future daughter Spider-Girl his archenemy. Mephisto has often come into conflict with Doctor Strange, Doctor Doom, Scarlet Witch and other heroes of the Marvel Universe, being responsible both for the creation of the Cosmic Ghost Rider and the descents of Phil Coulson and Otto Octavius into villainy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baron Mordo</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Baron Karl Amadeus Mordo is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly as an adversary of Doctor Strange. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #111. Baron Mordo is a gifted magician, especially adept in the black arts of magic, including summoning demons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Druid</span> Marvel Comics superhero

Doctor Anthony Druid, also known as Doctor Droom and Druid, is a fictional mystic and a supernatural monster-hunter appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller Jack Kirby, he debuted as Dr. Anthony Droom in Amazing Adventures #1, published in March 1961. Kirby's art was inked by artist Steve Ditko. Dr. Droom appeared in four more issues of Amazing Adventures before his stories discontinued. Over a year later, artist Steve Ditko approached Stan Lee with a new magic character called Mr. Strange. Liking the idea, Stan Lee renamed the character Dr. Strange and wrote an origin story similar to Dr. Droom's. Dr. Anthony Droom was finally reintroduced to comics in 1976 in Weird Wonder Tales #19 in a retelling of his origin story which renamed him Dr. Anthony Druid. This retelling included new writing by Larry Lieber.

Clea Strange is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Clea first appeared in the Doctor Strange feature in Strange Tales #126. She is a sorceress, the disciple, lover, and eventual wife of Doctor Stephen Strange, and his third successor as Sorcerer Supreme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ancient One</span> Fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics

The Ancient One is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was the mentor of Doctor Strange and was his predecessor as Sorcerer Supreme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nightmare (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional supervillain

Nightmare is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Strange Tales #110 and was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The character is depicted most commonly as a major enemy of Doctor Strange and Ghost Rider. Nightmare is the ruler of a Dream Dimension and he is one of the Fear Lords. He is also part of the group called The Six Fingered Hand. He can drain the psychic energies from the subconscious minds of dreaming beings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Umar (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Universe character

Umar is a fictional character appearing in publications by the American publisher Marvel Comics. The character usually appears in stories featuring Doctor Strange, for whom she serves as an adversary. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Bill Everett, the character first appeared in Strange Tales #150.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jennifer Kale</span> Fictional character appearing in Marvel Comics

Jennifer Kale is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Rich Buckler, the character first appeared in Adventure into Fear #11. Jennifer Kale is Johnny Blaze's cousin and a sorceress who is part of the Cult of Zhered-Na. She has also been a member of the Legion of Night and the Midnight Sons at various points in her history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eye of Agamotto</span> Marvel Comics magical object

The Eye of Agamotto is a fictional, mystical item appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The item appears in publications that feature Doctor Strange. The Eye of Agamotto and Agamotto in his caterpillar form also appeared in the Gold Key Dark Shadows comic book, Collinwood Possessed!. The Eye of Agamotto is the name commonly given to the amulet Strange wears on his chest, though the Eye actually resides within the amulet and is released from time to time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wong (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics

Wong is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in Strange Tales #110. Wong was unnamed until Strange Tales #119. He is a supporting character of the superhero Doctor Strange. He stems from a family of monks living in Kamar-Taj.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morgan le Fay (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Morgan le Fay is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character, created by Stan Lee and Joe Maneely, is based on the Morgan le Fay of Arthurian legend. In this version of the character, Morgan le Fay belongs to the species of humanoid magical beings called fairies, who are born with supernatural powers, and is the half-faerie half-sister of the mythic King Arthur. Her elven heritage granted her immortality, and she used this time to master the mystic arts. She occasionally tries to take over the world. She has been an opponent of The Avengers, and in the 1970s, she appeared in the original Spider-Woman comic acting as a foe of Jessica Drew, while opposed by a reincarnation of her "ancient foe" Magnus. She is a former lover of Doctor Doom, and was a member of the Darkholders for a time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)</span> Marvel Comics superhero

Ghost Rider is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the second Marvel character to use the name Ghost Rider, following Carter Slade and preceding Daniel Ketch, Alejandra Jones, and Robbie Reyes. The character's story begins when motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze becomes bound to the Spirit of Vengeance Zarathos after making a deal with Mephisto to spare his surrogate father. With his supernatural powers, Johnny seeks vengeance as the "Ghost Rider".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kamar-Taj</span> Fictional location in the Marvel Comics universe

Kamar-Taj is a fictional location appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in Strange Tales #110 and was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The name "Kamar-Taj" does not appear in early Lee/Ditko Doctor Strange stories, but was created later as the country's backstory was fleshed out.

In Marvel Comics, the Sorcerer Supreme is the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats. The title may refer to one of the following fictional characters in Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Strange (Marvel Cinematic Universe)</span> Character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange is a superhero portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise—based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, commonly referred to by his academic title. Initially depicted as an intelligent and arrogant neurosurgeon, Strange experiences a career-ending car accident. In his search to repair his damaged hands, he discovers magic from Kamar-Taj. He becomes a Master of the Mystic Arts, using his newfound powers to protect the Earth from various threats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wong (Marvel Cinematic Universe)</span> Marvel Cinematic Universe character

Wong is a fictional character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and portrayed by Benedict Wong. In the franchise, Wong is depicted as Dr. Stephen Strange's friend and fellow sorcerer, being a member of the Masters of the Mystic Arts. He is also granted the position of Sorcerer Supreme, succeeding the Ancient One.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Dr. Strange". Shout! Factory. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  2. "MARVEL IN THE 1970'S: DR STRANGE AND CAPTAIN AMERICA". Twitch Film . Archived from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  3. 1 2 "The "Magic" of Video - Part I-A: DR. STRANGE - the 1978 TV Movie Promos, Design Art and Swag". Sanctum Sanctorum Comix. January 25, 2009. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  4. Couch, Aaron (November 1, 2016). "'Dr. Strange': The Untold Story of the 1978 TV Movie Everyone "Had Great Hopes For"". The Hollywood Reporter.
  5. "A Talk With The Man, Stan Lee". Comics Feature (33A): 40. January 1985.
  6. Shiach, Kieran (November 4, 2016). "Strange Visions: ComicsAlliance Reviews The 1978 Made-For-TV 'Doctor Strange' Movie". Comics Alliance. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  7. Ryan, Mike (June 4, 2014). "The Bizarre Case of the 1978 'Doctor Strange' Movie". Screen Crush. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  8. Beggs, Scott. "DR. STRANGE, the 1978 TV Pilot, Was a Camp Treat Ahead of Its Time". The Nerdist. Archived from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  9. Couch, Aaron (November 1, 2016). "'Dr. Strange': The Untold Story of the 1978 TV Movie Everyone 'Had Great Hopes For'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  10. "Shout Factory Is Releasing 1978's Dr. Strange TV Movie on Blu-ray". April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.