4.4/10
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166 user 91 critic

Supergirl (1984)

After losing a powerful orb, Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, comes to Earth to retrieve it and instead finds herself up against a wicked witch.

Director:

Jeannot Szwarc

Writer:

David Odell (screenplay)
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Popularity
2,305 ( 601)
3 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Faye Dunaway ... Selena
Helen Slater ... Kara Zor-El / Supergirl / Linda Lee
Peter O'Toole ... Zaltar
Hart Bochner ... Ethan
Mia Farrow ... Alura
Brenda Vaccaro ... Bianca
Peter Cook ... Nigel
Simon Ward ... Zor-El
Marc McClure ... Jimmy Olsen
Maureen Teefy ... Lucy Lane
David Healy ... Mr. Danvers
Sandra Dickinson ... Pretty Young Lady
Robyn Mandell Robyn Mandell ... Myra
Jenifer Landor Jenifer Landor ... Muffy
Diana Ricardo Diana Ricardo ... Mrs. Murray
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Storyline

After a power source for the community of Krypton survivors is accidentally whisked to earth, Kara-El, cousin to Superman and niece to Jor-El, chooses to go to earth to find it, and bring it back. Upon her arrival, she becomes just a powerful and Super as her cousin, but encounters dangerous battles and unexpected obstacles when a mean spirited woman who practices rituals of the occult takes the power source for herself, and uses it to cause destruction and attempt zenith human status. Written by CoachTophie

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Her first great adventure. See more »


Certificate:

See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 July 1984 (UK) See more »

Also Known As:

Supergirl: The Movie See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,738,249, 25 November 1984

Gross USA:

$14,296,438

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,296,438
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (theatrical) | (director's cut) | (original cut) | (Video Version) | (TV)

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)| Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Rankcolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Brooke Shields auditioned for the part of Linda/Supergirl. Alexander Salkind wanted a name time actress for the role, but likely inspired by Christopher Reeve casting in Superman - O Filme (1978), director Jeannot Szwarc and producer Ilya Salkind successfully argued in favor of casting a new and unknown actress in the part. See more »

Goofs

When Ethan enters Selena's house, Selena opens the fridge. Her position behind the door changes from being in the middle to the right of it between shots. See more »

Quotes

Mr. Danvers: One way or another we're all alone on this miserable little planet.
Linda Lee: Yes sir, I know.
See more »

Crazy Credits

In the beginning credits real silver is flashed at you. See more »

Alternate Versions

Original US Version ran 105m; International Version ran 124m; newly unearthed 'Director's Cut' clocks in at 138m (DVD only) See more »

Connections

Referenced in NCIS: Investigação Criminal: Doppelgänger (2005) See more »

Soundtracks

What Is Love?
Written by Howard Jones & Bill Bryant
Performed by Howard Jones
Courtesy of WEA Records Limited
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more »

User Reviews

 
A gentle tale worth watching with a relaxed mind.
14 December 2006 | by dwtaxiSee all my reviews

Watching Supergirl this week for the first time since childhood I see it with fresh eyes and a newfound appreciation of the movie. Supergirl must be considered separate and unrelated to the Superman movie foursome or it will fall short. There is not supposed to be a comparison. The Superman movies are action epics, Supergirl is the story of strength growing out of innocence.

Watching Supergirl now with an understanding of focus that I did not have when younger, I truly enjoy it. Helen Slater, Peter O'Tool, Peter Cook and Maureen Teefy all put in superb performances. Mia Farrow tends to overact the part of Selena, but then the character believes herself larger than life. Brenda Vaccaro could use a little more self assertion, but does alright. Marc McClure is of course an undeniably talented actor, though his part in this film is minor. I am forced to scream at the screen however; Why the hell do you wear a camera if you aren't going to use it when a major news piece flies into your lap?

I remember being dismissive of Supergirl when I was younger; due in part to the use of magic which has no part in the Superman films, but mainly I suspect due to the ludicrous man-eating excavator scene. This scene remains the major absurdity of the movie. Supposed to be terrifying it comes off as a rather poor imitation of the hundred Volkswagens from Herbie Rides Again. It isn't scary, its stupid.

Apart from that scene, Supergirl is good gentle viewing and a nice counterpoint to Superman.

It is hard to describe my exact feelings, but I do feel that standing on its own Supergirl should be considered a success and I deeply regret never having a chance to watch the sequels that were never made.


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