Nightflyers (1987)

A scientific group set out on a journey into space to find a magical creature. What they find is a killer computer on the ship they chartered.

Director:

Robert Collector

Writers:

George R.R. Martin (novel), Robert Jaffe (screenplay)

Stars:

Catherine Mary Stewart, Michael Praed, John Standing

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Catherine Mary Stewart	...	Miranda Dorlac
Michael Praed	...	Royd Eris
John Standing	...	Michael D'Brannin
Lisa Blount	...	Audrey
Glenn Withrow	...	Keelor
James Avery	...	Darryl
Helene Udy	...	Lilly (as Hélène Udy)
Annabel Brooks	...	Eliza
Michael Des Barres	...	Jon Winderman

Storyline

A scientific group set out on a journey into space to find a magical creature. What they find is a killer computer on the ship they chartered.

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Plot Keywords:

space | computer | esp | futuristic | psychic | 

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Taglines:

Where they're headed isn't the mystery. What's taking them there is.

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 April 1988 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Nightflyer

Box Office

Gross:

$1,149,470 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Vista Organization

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Robert Collector left the production before the film's editing was completed, and requested that his name not appear in the credits.

User Reviews

Slightly atmospheric but ultimately poorly done adaptation

Having recently revisited George RR Martin's haunting and intelligent novella NIghtflyers in his anthology Dreamsongs, I decided to finally put in the effort to find a copy of this mostly unknown film adaptation. I didn't even have to read the few reviews out there to know it most likely was not going to be fantastic; the fact that it has never been released on DVD combined with the author's warning about the quality of this film was enough of a hint towards what to expect. Still, I went in with a open mind and hoped to enjoy a probably mediocre rendition of a great novella. And there were good parts to it; that classic atmosphere of loneliness that only 80's sci-fi seems have to it, aided by a enjoyably camp and moody synthesizer score. And the very few scenes that used dialog lifted straight from George's novel got across a tiny bit of the engrossing story and character of the novella. Other than that, the story and characters get mostly butchered, sad to say. The story becomes both extremely simplified and extremely convoluted, and the strange editing doesn't help. A staggered set-up quickly dissolves from intro into a prolonged climax that takes up the time that could have been used for a proper second act, destroying the chance for any real character to develop. And the films ending itself is perhaps the greatest disservice to the novella it was based on, being mostly non-sensical and maintaining only the smallest resemblance to the original story. So yes, not a great movie by any stretch, not even a good movie. And certainly not a good adaptation. But still, I'm glad I saw it.

Seeing Uncle Phil from Fresh Prince in a space suit made it all worthwhile.