Flash Gordon, the character, was created back in the 1930’s specifically as a space opera.  Space opera is the old science fiction that takes place in outer space but doesn’t necessarily follow the knowledge behind the science.  George Lucas brought it all back in the 1970’s with STAR WARS (1977).  With it being a huge subgenre once more, in 1980 the film FLASH GORDON as the next big budget film to set off a franchise.

New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon (Sam J. Jones), during space Emperor Ming’s (Max von Sydow) invasion of Earth, flies a space rocket with travel agent Dale Arden (Melody Anderson) and scientist Hans Zarkov (Topol) to Ming’s palace where they are captured.  With the help of Princess Aura (Ornella Muti) and others, Flash escapes and tries to start an intergalactic rebellion to free all those oppressed by Ming.

Produced by Dino De Laurentiis, directed by Mike Hodges, and written by Lorenzo Semple, Jr., based off Alex Raymond’s iconic character, the movie gained much press as the band Queen joined as the main composer along with Howard Blake.  Released world wide, the film’s retro look and strange story gained it mediocre reviews.  Yet years later fans found the film and gave it the rightful cult following that it has.  Your co-hosts discuss this wonderful film.