The Astrologer (film)
The Astrologer (also known as Suicide Cult) is a 1975 American horror film directed by James Glickenhaus and starring Bob Byrd, Mark Buntzman, and James Glickenhaus.[2][3]
| The Astrologer | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | James Glickenhaus |
| Produced by | Mark Buntzman |
| Written by | James Glickenhaus (uncredited) |
| Based on | The Astrologer by John Cameron |
| Starring | Bob Byrd Mark Buntzman James Glickenhaus |
| Music by | Brad Fiedel |
| Cinematography | Francis A. Romero |
| Edited by | Victor Zimet |
| Distributed by | Republic Arts |
Release date | December 1975 |
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $65,000[1] |
Plot
A scientist who is investigating reports of the Second Coming of Christ ends up in conflict with a Satan-worshipping suicide cult.
Cast
- Bob Byrd as Alexei
- Mark Buntzman as Kajerste
- James Glickenhaus as Spy
- Alison McCarthy
- Al Narcisse
- Monica Tidwell as Kate Abarnel
- Ivy White as Indian Maiden
Production
"I'd inherited some money," Glickenhaus told The New York Times, "and I took all of it and lost it making a movie called 'The Astrologer.' I'd been to film school, but film school was oriented more toward the avant-garde in those days, and I didn't really know what a master was or a cutaway or a closeup. And I had great trouble conveying ideas, except in dialogue. So 'The Astrologer,' which was about 79 minutes long, was probably 60 minutes of dialogue. I mean, it was interminable. I didn't think it was interminable then. I thought it was great and interesting and fascinating to listen to." The film took him two years to produce from start to finish.[4]
The film's soundtrack was composed by Brad Fiedel, in his debut.[5]
Release
Glickenhaus convinced some drive-in theaters in the South to show the film. He later recalled, "Even though it was a terrible movie, people didn't absolutely hate it. But I realized by watching them that the only parts they liked were the parts with action."[4]
Reception
References
- Brian Albright (October 19, 2012). Regional Horror Films, 1958-1990: A State-by-State Guide with Interviews. McFarland. p. 243. ISBN 978-0-7864-7227-7.
- Gallagher, John A. (12 August 1989). "Film Directors on Directing". ABC-CLIO. Retrieved 12 August 2018 – via Google Books.
- Clark, Randall (17 December 2013). "At a Theater or Drive-in Near You: The History, Culture, and Politics of the American Exploitation Film". Routledge. Retrieved 12 August 2018 – via Google Books.
- Chase, Chris. "AT THE MOVIES; Jennifer Leigh and her trip from X to R." Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- Thomas S. Hischak (April 16, 2015). The Encyclopedia of Film Composers. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 233. ISBN 978-1-4422-4550-1.