Cast
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Peter Hooten
as Dr. Stephen Strange
Clyde Kusatsu
as Wong
Jessica Walter
as Morgan LeFay
Anne-Marie Martin
as Clea Lake
Philip Sterling
as Dr Frank Taylor, Chief of Psychiatry
John Mills
as Thomas Lindmer
June Barrett
as Sarah
Sarah Rush
as Nurse
Diana Webster
as Head Nurse
Bob Delegall
as Intern
Larry Anderson
as Magician
Blake Marion
as Department Chief
Lady Rowlands
as Mrs. Sullivan
Ines Pedroza
as Announcer
Michael Clark
as Taxi Driver
Crew
Director
- Philip DeGuere Jr.
Writer
- Philip DeGuere Jr.
Producer
- Alex Beaton
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane TV Movie/Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Dr. Strange distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Philip DeGuere Jr. 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 1978, 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 Dr. Strange took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 149 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dr. Strange shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Watchmen, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Dr. Strange subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Captain America and Justice League: The New Frontier explore similar territory, Dr. Strange stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 6, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 33m
