The Gold Bug (2 Feb. 1980)

Shortly after the Civil War, while exploring the long deserted and reputedly haunted Sullivan's Island off Charleston S.C., a boy encounters two obsessed eccentrics living there. These men ... See full summary »

Director:

Robert Fuest

Writers:

Edgar Allan Poe (story), Edward Pomerantz (teleplay)

Stars:

Roberts Blossom, Geoffrey Holder, Anthony Michael Hall

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Roberts Blossom	...	Mr. LeGrand
Geoffrey Holder	...	Jupiter
Anthony Michael Hall	...	The Boy
Robert Moberly	...	Uncle
Sudie Bond	...	Agnes
Anne Haney	...	Jessica Bessop
Alix Elias	...	Barmaid
Philip Bruns	...	Tattoo

Storyline

Shortly after the Civil War, while exploring the long deserted and reputedly haunted Sullivan's Island off Charleston S.C., a boy encounters two obsessed eccentrics living there. These men chase him away and warn him never to return or to tell anyone about them. Soon, however, they locate him and summon him back, because he has unknowingly given them a clue vital to their quest and they need his help to unravel the rest of the mystery. If he can do so, they will find buried pirate treasure and all become rich. But in joining the search, he falls under the same obsession and curse-- an ominous fate suggested by the unearthly electronic music which contributes to the film's atmosphere.

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Plot Keywords:

pirate | cryptography | based on short story

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Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Drama | Family | Fantasy | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 February 1980 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Highgate Pictures, Learning Corporation of America

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

I want to see it again

The first time I saw it I was very entertained by the mysterious story and creepy characters. I saw this well-made Poe adaptation either in high school or late in elementary school, I can't remember which. Now that I'm interested in film scores I want to see it again not only for the excellent acting and story but also for the electronic sound-track.