The Clonus Horror (1979)

Politicians scheme to clone themselves, assuring immortal life.

Director:

Robert S. Fiveson

Writers:

Ron Smith (screenplay), Bob Sullivan (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter Graves, Rick DiAngelo, Eugene Robert Glazer

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Graves	...	Jeff Knight
Rick DiAngelo	...	Guide #1
Eugene Robert Glazer	...	Guide #2 (as Gene Glazer)
Eileen Dietz	...	Dana
Paulette Breen	...	Lena
Tim Donnelly	...	Richard (as Timothy Donnelly)
Frank Ashmore	...	George / George Walker
Keith Langsdale	...	Guide #3
Dick Sargent	...	Dr. Jameson
Zale Kessler	...	Dr. Nelson
Larry Manning	...	Guide #4
William Bufkin	...	Clone
Tony Haig	...	Jack
Boyd Holister	...	Senator
Eddie Carroll	...	Doctor (as Eddy Carroll)

Storyline

A young man escapes from a government-run project called 'Clonus' only to find out that Jeff Knight (Peter Graves), a presidential candidate, is conspiring to keep Clonus a secret. Top government officials are aware of it and support the super-secret project, because they are cloning themselves to live longer and better lives at the expense of their slave-like clone counterparts. Ethical and moral values are explored as the escapee known as Richard (Tim Donnelly) returns to Clonus, only to find his girlfriend lobotomized for government security purposes.

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Plot Keywords:

power elite | cult | backgammon | psychotronic film | organ transplant | 

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Taglines:

Welcome to America.

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Genres:

Horror | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

The title was originally to be "Clonus". The distributor wanted to change the title to "Parts" and then decided to combine the titles.

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Goofs

At the start of the foot race at the supposedly secluded Clonus campus, a vehicle drives by in the distance on the left-hand side of the screen.

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Quotes

Jeff Knight: I think it's time I start paying back this country for some of the good things it's given me.

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Crazy Credits

In the Special Thanks To section, Adidas is incorrectly spelled "Addidas".

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Connections

Featured in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Parts: The Clonus Horror (1997)

User Reviews

Yep, The Island isn't that original.

This low budget thriller is a pretty decent B movie with a great original premise.

The government has been running a clone farm for many years and now one of the clones has escaped into the outside world.

A clever premise, some solid direction, and a good cast help to make this film a pretty compelling sci-fi thriller. The Clonus Horror is an effectively chilling film that examines the theme of what it is to be human and just how the advance of science can ultimately turn to a violation of human life. The direction of Robert Fiveson is well-done, as he creates some nicely nightmarish sequences to give this film a creepy edge, as though the subject matter of the movie alone isn't unsettling enough. There's also some gruesome scenes as well. Kudos also go to a stirring, operatic music score.

The cast delivers good on their performances and features some great veteran actors like Dick Sargent, Peter Graves, and Keenan Wynn.

While The Clonus Horror may not have the big budget of The Island, it's as equally thought-provoking and disturbing. Worth seeking out, especially for film buffs.

*** out of ****

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

August 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

Clonus

Filming Locations:

Moorpark, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$257,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Clonus Associates

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1