Night of the Comet (1984)

A comet wipes out most of life on Earth, leaving two Valley Girls fighting against cannibal zombies and a sinister group of scientists.

Director:

Thom Eberhardt

Writer:

Thom Eberhardt

Stars:

Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelli Maroney, Robert Beltran

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Beltran	...	Hector Gomez
Catherine Mary Stewart	...	Regina Belmont
Kelli Maroney	...	Samantha Belmont
Sharon Farrell	...	Doris Belmont
Mary Woronov	...	Audrey White
Geoffrey Lewis	...	Dr. Carter
Peter Fox	...	Dr. Wilson
John Achorn	...	Oscar
Michael Bowen	...	Larry Dupree
Devon Ericson	...	Minder
Lissa Layng	...	Davenport
Ivan E. Roth	...	Willy
Janice Kawaye	...	Sarah
Chance Boyer	...	Brian
Andrew Boyer	...	Rogers

Storyline

It's the first comet to buzz our planet Earth in 65 million years, and everyone seems to be celebrating its imminent arrival. Everyone except Regina Belmont, and her younger sister Samantha, two Valley Girls who care more about fashion trends than celestial phenomena. But upon daybreak, when the girls discover that they are the only residents of Los Angeles whom the comet hasn't vaporized or turned into a zombie, they would do what all Valley Girls do - they go shopping. However, with the help of a friendly truck driver, the girls save Earth and escape from flesh-eating zombies and blood-seeking scientists in hot pursuit.

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Plot Keywords:

post apocalypse | sister sister relationship | radio station | comet | survival | 

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Taglines:

They came. They shopped. They saved the world!

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Genres:

Comedy | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Like many horror films of the 1970s and 1980s (e.g. Dawn of the Dead), this film has several critiques of consumer culture contained within the plot and dialogue. Perhaps the best example is when the think tank is looking for Regina and Samantha. While pondering on where the girls might be, one member of the think tank says that the shopping arcade and area are "an absolute monument to consumerism".

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Goofs

On the morning after when you see the scene after then traffic lights you see someone in the background walk into shot then turn round and walk out again (look for the white shirt).

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Quotes

[first lines]
Narrator: [voice] Since before recorded time, it had swung through the universe in an elliptical orbit so large that its very existence remained a secret of time and space; but now in the last few years of the 20th century, the visitor was returning. The citizens of earth would get an extra Christmas present this year as their planet orbited through the tail of the comet. Scientists predicted a light show of stellar proportions, something not seen on earth for 65 million years, indeed not ...

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Connections

References House of Wax (1953)

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Soundtracks

Lady in Love
Written by Bob Summers
Performed by Revolver
Produced by Don Perry and Bob Summers

User Reviews

Wonderfully Camp 80s fare

This is one of my guilty pleasures. A camp, 80s sci-fi caper that's dated but still enjoyable. The opening is wonderful and contrasts with the subdued but somewhat haunting ending. Back in 1984 this would have been even better because it would not have been regarded as camp. Today it seems we can all sneer our postmodern noses at such works but make assertions that its kitsch quality is now rather endearing. Catherine Mary Stewart steals the film with her Ripleyesque action moves and feminine charm, while Zoe Kelli Simon provides a number of dumb blonde comedic moments. The film lags somewhat after the brilliant opening but never loses its heart. The only downside is the fact it seems like a TV film/80s MTV video with its fuzzy camera-work. Watch it with popcorn at home, preferably late at night.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 November 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Teenage Mutant Horror Comet Zombies

Filming Locations:

19174 Dunure Place, San Fernando Valley, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$700,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,580,578, 18 November 1984

Gross USA:

$14,418,922

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,418,922

Company Credits

Production Co:

Atlantic Entertainment Group, Film Development Fund

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1