Condorman (1981)

Cartoonist Woody becomes the superhero he draws. Using his gadgets he helps a Soviet spy defect to the West.

Director:

Charles Jarrott

Writers:

Marc Stirdivant (screenplay), Robert Sheckley (novel)

Stars:

Michael Crawford, Oliver Reed, Barbara Carrera

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Michael Crawford	...	Woody Wilkins
Oliver Reed	...	Krokov
Barbara Carrera	...	Natalia
James Hampton	...	Harry Oslo
Jean-Pierre Kalfon	...	Morovich
Dana Elcar	...	Russ Devlin
Vernon Dobtcheff	...	Russian Agent
Robert Arden	...	CIA Chief

Storyline

Comic artist and writer Woody performs a simple courier operation for his friend Harry who works for the CIA. But when he successfully fends off hostile agents, he earns the respect of the beautiful Natalia, who requests his assistance for her defection. Woody uses this request as leverage to use the CIA's resources to bring his comic book creation, Condorman, to life to battle the evil Krokov.

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Plot Keywords:

non comic book superhero | character name as title | condorman character | motor vehicle | weapons fire | 

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Taglines:

An action adventure romantic comedy spy story.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Drama | Family | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Oliver Reed was well known as a difficult actor to work with. One night after one too many alcoholic drinks, he actually tossed his tuxedo costume into the sea from a Monte Carlo hotel room. The company manager learning of this the following morning, rowed out into the Mediterranean to retrieve it before it floated away. Rather than add an additional expense to an already tight budget.

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Goofs

When Harry's supposedly uninhabited car drives itself off the pier, a driver can be seen hidden inside the driver's seat, as the driver's arm is visible, cleverly hidden with the upholstery.

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Quotes

Natalia: [Krokov walks into Natalia's room] . I hate you.
Krokov: I am going to save your life. Our story will be that your defection was a ruse to kidnap this Condorman. Our agencies in Monte Carlo and Yugoslavia have already been informed. The failure, however, will fall on Morovich. Of course, we will have to have him killed. We certaintly can't have him going off telling his side of the story. Hmm?
Natalia: You pig! Do you think that things will ever be the same again between us?
Krokov: For the moment, I don't care. But ...
[...]

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Crazy Credits

No ending credits. Just the "The End" phrase and the copyright notice.

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Connections

References Three Days of the Condor (1975)

User Reviews

Remember when we were young

This film reminds me of the first 'flick' our entire family went to see. Oh and the last. Condorman will only be a good film for those who remember times gone by. This is a very watchable family film but don't expect major laughs, especially with Michael Crawford's (Ooooh Betty) poor American accent. This was Disneys alternative to Superman with a splash of James Bond, and quite simply it was anything but. Please watch it so you can see how much storyboards, acting and special effects have progressed. If you like Porsche's chasing a gypsy waggon, then this is for you. If you are going to analyse this film for its kit-ch humour, and the directors/studio's desperation to get a film out for Summer, don't bother, however it is a way of introducing a spy film to your 3 year old.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 August 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Condorman

Filming Locations:

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo (RCA Photophone Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1