The Illustrated Man (1969)

Director:

Jack Smight

Writers:

Ray Bradbury (book)
Howard B. Kreitsek (writer)

Release Date:

26 March 1969 (USA)

Genre:

Sci-Fi

Tagline:

Don't dare stare at the illustrated man.

Plot:

A man, whose body is almost completely covered in tattoos, is looking for the woman who drew all the intricate designs on him...

Plot Keywords:

Tattoo | Male Nudity | Attempted Murder | Lemonade | Anthology

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Rod Steiger	...	Carl
Claire Bloom	...	Felicia
Robert Drivas	...	Willie
Don Dubbins	...	Pickard
Jason Evers	...	Simmons
Tim Weldon	...	John
Christine Matchett	...	Anna

Runtime:

103 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:M (original rating) | USA:PG | West Germany:16

Company:

SKM

Trivia:

Make-up director Gordon Bau and a team of eight assistants spent ten hours applying the temporary tattoos to Rod Steiger's torso, plus another full day tattooing his hands, legs and lower body.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: During the opening credits (at 5 minutes into the film..at the "Screenplay by" credits), as the camera circles above the characters swimming, the helicopter shadow can be seen in the lower right corner as it circles.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Felicia: Each person who tries to see beyond his own time must face questions to which there cannot yet be proven answers.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Fantastic Fantasy Fright-o-Rama Show Vol. 1 (1996) (V)

" There're Not Tattoos, . . There're Skin Illustrations "

Rad Bradbury is perhaps one of the most notable names in Science Fiction. Throughout his long and illustrious career, his books have not only made him an icon in many circles, but have also made him a household word. One such book which is required reading in college and sets the stage for many a live play, is " The Illustrated Man." Interesting as it is to read, it rises quickly from the pages of the novel onto the silver screen with the great talents of Rod Steiger, Claire Bloom and Robert Drivas. These three and their fellow Thespians combine to illuminate each of the fascinating tales literally embedded into the skin of a traveling roustabout. While his only purpose is to seek out and kill the woman who decorated his entire body with incredible and fascinating skin illustrations, we are warned not to stare at them. Each illustration 'comes alive' when we look too long and thus we are sent into the future by them. The movie is laden heavy with tragedy, conflict, mystery and intrigue and we cannot help but sympathize with Carl as he travels in search of his victim. I believe Bradbury would agree this is an excellent film. ****