The Earthling is a 1980 American-Australian adventure film directed by Peter Collinson, and starring William Holden and Ricky Schroder. It was filmed in Australia in 1979, and was the last to be directed by Collinson before his death the following year.
The film generated controversy among critics and viewers due to the grim storyline, and was beset with problems and internal friction due to the dark tone of the script, aggressive changes to the script and the treatment of child actor Schroder by Collinson, leading co-star Holden to personally step in to protect the young boy, which led to massive friction between the lead actor and the director.
Plot
Patrick Foley is a jaded loner who has been a drifter for much of his life. Discovering he has terminal cancer, he travels to the Australian outback where he grew up to die in solitude. However, his plans are interrupted after ten year old Shawn Daley's parents die in a horrific accident when their RV plummeted off a cliff, leaving the boy traumatised, alone and helpless. Reluctantly, Foley accompanies Shawn and teaches him how to survive the wilderness. After Foley dies, Shawn begins his trek back to civilisation.
Cast William Holden as Patrick Foley Ricky Schroder as Shawn Daley Olivia Hamnett as Bettina Daley Jack Thompson as Ross Daley Alwyn Kurts as Christian Neilson Pat Evison as Meg Neilson Redmond Phillips as Bobby Burns Ray Barrett as Parnell Tony Barry as Red Allan Penney as Harlan Willie Fennell as R. C. Walter Pym as Uncle Fred "Cul" Cullen as Dawson Dawn A. Gregg as Dalton Maggie Blinco as Jessica Tui Bow as Lyla Danny Adcock as Bus Driver
Production The film was shot from September to October 1979 in the Blue Mountains, Barrington Forest and Warrumbungle National Park. It was reported that Holden and Schroder got along while filming. Schroder named one of his children Holden in honour of his co-star.Scott Murray, "The Earthling", Australian Film 1978-1992, Oxford Uni Press 1993 p 56
It was one of several films Jack Thompson made around this time where he supported an American star.
During the filming of The Earthling, Collinson discovered that he had terminal lung cancer and died the following year.
Reception The film drew greatly mixed reviews, with some critics reviling it, while others praised it. It played to little notice in theatres, but later became something of a daytime staple on HBO and other cable-movie channels in the 1980s. It grossed $72,000 for box office in Australia.
See also Cinema of Australia
References
External links
The Earthling at Oz Movies The Earthling at the National Film and Sound Archive