The recent post about taking snaps of toys and models outdoors reminded me
about the film ‘ Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun’ (or Doppelganger as it was
known in Britain), Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s first live action Sci- Fi flick.
The reason for the reminiscing was the rocket launch sequence seen in the film
which took place outside in the Century 21 car park under the supervision of the
late Derek Meddings who wanted a real sky backdrop.
I thought I’d dig out my DVD copy which I hadn’t seen for awhile and check
it out.
The Andersons’, keen to move away from programmes aimed at children wanted
to produce a film dealing with adult themes. The film’s central premise of a
mirror image Earth on the other side of the Sun would take the viewer on ’ a
thrill-a-minute space exploration adventure’, or so the press book proclaimed.
The original idea was intended as a TV hour long special, and then after
several redrafts developed into a movie.
The final result is very glossy and laden with excellent special effects,
but sadly the characters come across as stiff and clichéd. The adult themes have
been all but edited out leaving plot threads that lead nowhere.
As far as I’m aware there was no merchandise to accompany the film,
although considering it had an A certificate which meant children could see the
film if accompanied with an adult it would have been a great opportunity to push
the SWORD range as happened with the 2001:A Space Odyssey première in 1968.
The Apollo Saturn Rocket and the Space Glider were reminiscent of the
Phoenix and the Dove spacecraft seen in the film. However, as Doppelganger was
released in 1969, Century 21 toys would presumably have folded.
Sadly the film was a flop.. Disappointed but undeterred the Andersons’
went on to produce their first live action Sci- Fi TV series, UFO which reused
props, music and footage from the film along with several of the actors.
I’ve done a few screen captures and a couple of scans from the pressbook.
B ekiM
Great clips. Remember seeing this on TV, had no idea it was released as a film.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me who/what the creature with the yellow domed helmet is, who seems to be playing a harmonica?
He's the Chinese(?) guy from the rescue helicopter that picks up Ross and Webb after they crashland the Dove. One of my fave films. Fantastic FX, and the bit where Herbert Lom takes his eye out and it's a camera. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteOops. It's Kane not Webb.
ReplyDeleteThe chinese rescue guy's helmet was made to look rather alien so you couldn't tell if they were actually on an alien planet.
i recall seeing this on tv, part way through and didnt realise it was Anderson at first. The premise is ridiculous and the acting wooden and as Mike says, its been edited to incomprehension, but the main rocket and the Dove are worth watching it for. I could never get why the chinese search and rescue guy was decked out like an alien. Sure it was intended to make it look like hed landed on an alien planet, but if it was a mirror-world, then surely he would be wearing something more functional and recognisable. and hed have left the gob-iron at home too!
ReplyDeleteDoes this movie have an end-scene where the main character touches a mirror(and everything appears written backwards to him while on the other Earth)? I swear this blog has my pulse...was just thinking about this film a day or two back and wondering what it was called.
ReplyDeleteYes, but it's not the end scene. Ross realises this about two thirds through the film. He only convinces his bosses when Kane dies of his injuries from the crash and the autopsy reveals all his organs are on the 'wrong' side.
ReplyDelete