Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138 4EB (1967)

While monitored and pursued, a man races to escape through a futuristic labyrinth.

Director:

George Lucas

Writer:

George Lucas

Stars:

Dan Natchsheim, Joy Carmichael, David Munson

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Dan Natchsheim	...	1138
Joy Carmichael	...	7117
David Munson	...	2222
Marvin Bennett	...	0480
Ralph Stell	...	9021

Storyline

The story is set in a futursitic society somwhat similar to George Orwell's 1984. People are identified by 4 digit numbers rather than names and all their movements are under constant scrutiny via computerized cameras. The story revolves around one man (1138) trying to escape from the system. The number of the leader of this society is 0000.

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Plot Keywords:

escape | futuristic | surveillance | experimental film | dystopia | 

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Genres:

Sci-Fi | Short

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1967 (USA)

Also Known As:

THX 1138 4EB

Filming Locations:

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

University of Southern California (USC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

15 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In one scene, a reel is shown spinning, to segue into another shot. On this reel is a white label that says "University of Southern California".

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Goofs

During the credits where George Lucas is mentioned as the director, a piece of transparent tape is visible on the left side of the screen.

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Connections

Referenced in Let There Be Light: The Odyssey of Dark Star (2010)

User Reviews

Without this, no "STAR WARS"

George Lucas developed this film during his days in film school. It impressed his teachers and eventually gave him the courage to make "THX 1138," a full-length spin-off which was his theatrical debut and featured the talents of Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasence.

This was the basis for that spin-off, which is much shorter and doesn't feature any of the complicated themes of the semi-remake. Personally I feel the remake is far superior because of its advanced storytelling, visuals, acting, and love story, but that's just me (and I have a feeling most people probably like the remake better, too, but...).

The point remains that without this, George Lucas might never have impressed anyone. He might never have made "THX 1138." He might never have made "American Graffiti," and there would be no "Star Wars" because he wouldn't have convinced anyone to lend him the money.

There would be no THX sound on DVDs. There would be no ILM. There would be no Indiana Jones, no Luke Skywalker, nothing.

Hard to imagine, isn't it? All because of one small 15-minute, cheaply-produced short film...