THX 1138 (1971)

In the twenty-fifth century, a time when people have designations instead of names, a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, rebel against their rigidly controlled society.

Director:

George Lucas

Writers:

George Lucas (story by), George Lucas (screenplay by)

Stars:

Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasence, Don Pedro Colley

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Duvall	...	THX
Donald Pleasence	...	SEN
Don Pedro Colley	...	SRT
Maggie McOmie	...	LUH
Ian Wolfe	...	PTO
Marshall Efron	...	TWA
Sid Haig	...	NCH
John Pearce	...	DWY
Irene Cagen	...	IMM (as Irene Forrest)
Gary Alan Marsh	...	CAM
John Seaton	...	OUE
Eugene I. Stillman	...	JOT
Jack Walsh	...	TRG (as Raymond J. Walsh)
Mark Lawhead	...	Shell Dweller
Robert Feero	...	Chrome Robot

Storyline

It's sometime in the future in a state controlled society, where conformity and homogeneity are the rule. What is also the rule is that the populace follows the wants of the faceless state without question. How this is achieved is through a mandatory drug regimen, which also suppresses human desire, with sexual intercourse and human relationships banned. The law of the state is policed by a force of robocops. The physical environment is totally within a manufactured enclosure, what being outside of this unknown. THX 1138 is a loyal subject, he who goes about his business as a skilled factory working building robocops. And even when he begins to have strange feelings, he does what is obliged by going to the state run confessional, which further brainwashes through its reinforced mantra of happiness, loyalty and understanding. THX 1138 is given a glimpse into the other side through his computer matched and thus appointed female roommate, LUH 3417, and her surveillance colleague SEN 5241...

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | escape | factory | underground city | roommate | 

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Taglines:

A Love Story Filmed on Location in the 21st Century

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 March 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

THX-1138

Filming Locations:

One Maritime Plaza, Financial District, San Francisco, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$777,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$2,437,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Zoetrope, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min 88 min (director's cut) 81 min (1971 Studio Theatrical Cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to a story told on the radio program American Top 40 With Casey Kasem dated March 1, 1980, the title of Toto's song "99" was inspired by people in this movie using numbers instead of names.

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Goofs

The Hologram can eat.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Male voice (medicine cabinet): What's wrong?
THX 1138: Nothing. Nothing really. I just feel that I need something stronger.
Male voice (medicine cabinet): If you have a problem, don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
THX 1138: Yes, thank you, I'll be alright.
Male voice (medicine cabinet): Call 3485...

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Crazy Credits

The Warner Bros. logo is preceded by a trailer for a Buck Rogers serial (or in early versions, a one-minute scene from Things to Come (1936)).

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Alternate Versions

In 1977, after the success of Star Wars, THX 1138 was re-released with the footage that had been deleted by Warner Bros., for the 1971 Studio Theatrical release, edited back in, but still did not gain popularity. This version was subsequently released on laserdisc and VHS, but has not been released on DVD or Blu-ray (as of July 2015).

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Connections

Referenced in Follow That Bird (1985)

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Soundtracks

Elevator Music
(uncredited)
from the Miracle in the Rain (1956) score
Composed by Franz Waxman

User Reviews

serious, adult sc-fi

Nameless man lives in an oppressive future society where behavior is controlled by mandatory drugs. Minimal budget, acting, dialog and special effects more than compensated by astute direction and soundtrack integration. Superior to "ZPG" (1972) and "Logan's Run" (1976). Viewers may also enjoy "Gattaca" (1997). (Rating: A-minus)