Cast
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James Franciscus
as Clay Howard
Lee Grant
as Marjorie Howard
Scott Marlowe
as Matt Russell
Andrew Prine
as Fess Beany / Noel
Tisha Sterling
as Annie Fletcher / Naillil
Leslie Nielsen
as Sheriff Henshaw
Morris Buchanan
as Mr. Hale
Elisha Cook Jr.
as
John Kellogg
as Mr. Fletcher
Victor Izay
as Jeff Pardee
Raymond Mayo
as Joe Landers
Russell Thorson
as Dr. Sanders
Nancy Valentine
as May
Cliff Carnell
as Deputy Spencer
Virginia Vincent
as Mrs. Crawford
Crew
Director
- Ted Post
Producer
- Everett Chambers
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This TV Movie/Horror/Science Fiction/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Night Slaves presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Ted Post 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 1970, 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 Night Slaves took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 72 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 101 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 65 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1970, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Night Slaves shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Seedling, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Night Slaves subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Get Christie Love! and No One Will Save You explore similar territory, Night Slaves 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: September 29, 1970
- Runtime: 1h 12m
