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 Nachtsheim, Joy Carmichael, David Munson

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Dan Nachtsheim	...	1138 (as Dan Natchsheim)
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:

national film registry | escape | futuristic | dystopia | long title | 

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Genres:

Sci-Fi | Short

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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 Flick (2000)

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Soundtracks

Still I'm Sad
(uncredited)
Performed by The Yardbirds
Written by Paul Samwell-Smith and Jim McCarty

User Reviews

An Important Short for Lucas

Electronic Labyrinth THX 1138 4EB (1967)

*** (out of 4)

This short film from writer-director George Lucas was certainly the most important one he ever made for a number of reasons. For one, it got some national attention, which also meant critics were aware of his name. For two, it led to him meeting Steven Spielberg and we know what happened from there. And thirdly, the film would eventually be turned into a feature.

The story is pretty simple as it takes place in a futuristic world where a man (Dan Natchsheim) is trying to escape but no matter where he runs someone is monitoring him.

As of me writing this, I actually haven't seen the feature so I have no idea of knowing what Lucas changed or whatever but for the most part this here was pretty interesting. I thought the highlight was clearly the visuals since Lucas didn't have too much money to work with yet you still got the impression that you were watching something set in the future. The "story" was a bit all over the map but I guess that was to be somewhat expected and I'm sure it was expanded for the feature.

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