Cast
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Hugh O'Brian
as Hugh Lockwood
Elke Sommer
as Heideline 'Uli' Ullman
Burgess Meredith
as V.C.R. Cameron
Lilia Skala
as Frieda Ullman
Angel Tompkins
as Gloria Harding
John Gielgud
as Harold L. Streeter
Kent Smith
as Dr. Edward Laurent
Alfred Ryder
as Cheyne
Ben Wright
as Kurt van Niestat
Robert Boon
as Felix Ernst
Albert Popwell
as Dr. Griffin
A Martinez
as Carlos Lobos
Byron Chung
as Kuroda
Ginny Golden
as Miss Keach
Jules Maitland
as Reinhardt Brugge
Crew
Director
- Russ Mayberry
Producer
- Leslie Stevens
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Probe explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Russ Mayberry brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1972, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Probe took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1972, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Probe shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Yaksha: Ruthless Operations, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Probe subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Diamonds Are Forever and The Spy Who Loved Me explore similar territory, Probe stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 21, 1972
- Runtime: 1h 35m
