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The Omega Man (1971)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
1 August 1971 (USA)
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Tagline:
Pray for the last man alive. Because he's not alone. more
Plot:
Robert Neville, a doctor, due to an experimental vaccine, is the only survivor of an apocalyptic war waged with biological weapons...
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| full synopsis
NewsDesk:
(14 articles)
'2012' Is Old News: Hollywood Apocalypses Through The Decades
(From MTV Movies Blog. 13 November 2009, 1:00 PM, PST)
10 Most Fascinating 'End of the World' Movies
(From The Movie Fanatic. 8 November 2009, 4:59 AM, PST)
(From MTV Movies Blog. 13 November 2009, 1:00 PM, PST)
10 Most Fascinating 'End of the World' Movies
(From The Movie Fanatic. 8 November 2009, 4:59 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Flawed Wonderland
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Cast
(Complete credited cast) | Charlton Heston | ... | Robert Neville |
 | Anthony Zerbe | ... | Jonathan Matthias |
| Rosalind Cash | ... | Lisa |
 | Paul Koslo | ... | Dutch |
| Eric Laneuville | ... | Richie |
 | Lincoln Kilpatrick | ... | Zachary |
| Jill Giraldi | ... | Little Girl |
| Anna Aries | ... | Woman in Cemetery Crypt |
 | Brian Tochi | ... | Tommy |
| DeVeren Bookwalter | ... | Family Member |
| John Dierkes | ... | Family Member |
| Monika Henreid | ... | Family Member |
 | Linda Redfearn | ... | Family Member |
| Forrest Wood | ... | Family Member |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
98 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Australia:M |
Australia:PG (TV rating) |
Canada:14A |
USA:PG |
Sweden:15 |
Singapore:NC-16 |
Brazil:14 |
Canada:PG (TV rating) |
Finland:K-16 |
Norway:16 (1971) |
UK:PG |
USA:GP
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The production company wanted a locale that looked like an abandoned metropolitan area, but it was too costly to build. The producer drove through Downtown Los Angeles one weekend and discovered there were no shoppers, so the majority of the film's exteriors were shot there on weekends.
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Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: During the inquisition you can see reflections of the crew in the silvered glasses of the "family".
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Quotes:
[first lines]
[the last man on earth wrecks his car]
Robert Neville: There's never a cop around when you need one.
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[the last man on earth wrecks his car]
Robert Neville: There's never a cop around when you need one.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in "HBO First Look: I Am Legend (#14.31)" (2007)
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Soundtrack:
'Round Midnight
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FAQ
Was Matthias in the I am Legend novel?A Note Regarding Spoilers
What happens to Lisa?
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A film that can't help but aim too high, "The Omega Man" suffers from the very thing that makes it great. Set in a post-apocalyptic future (for the audience of 1971) the film attempts to show a world populated by a single solitary man. Well, a man and a cult of malcontented zombie/mutant/vampire beings. Robert Neville (Heston) is the lone survivor of a germ war that turned the population of the world into freaks. Based on the amazingly brilliant book "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson, the film shares most of the qualities of the book, yet excludes the portions that make "Legend" fantastic.
The idea of being the last man is intriguing. I used to fantasize about being Neville as a child (probably not the healthiest thing for a kid). Neville has paradise, but with the highest price possible. He can have anything he wants, but no one to share it with. And come night time, he must hide in his fortress away from the angry mob of mutants.
The apocalyptic world that makes the first half so captivating is destroyed by the second half's plot device. I won't go into details for those who haven't seen it. However, I will say the film starts to slide downhill from the mid-way point. But the lesser parts can be enjoyed as early 70's camp.
Even with its faults, "The Omega Man" is a great Sci-fi movie. It also gives Heston a chance to play his quintessential role of a man at the end of civilization. The film's weaknesses don't ruin the experience entirely. It is a film that myself and my friends talk about to this day despite the fact that most of my friends only saw it once or twice (when forced by me).
Related note: I Am Legend was also made into the film "The Last Man on Earth" starring Vincent Price. "Omega Man" is discussed in the first scene of indie-film classic "Slacker."