Mandrake (1979 film)

Mandrake
GenreThriller[2]
Based onMandrake the Magician
by Lee Falk
Written byRick Husky
Directed byHarry Falk
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerRick Husky
CinematographyVincent A. Martinelli
Editors
  • Frederic L. Knudtson
  • Edward W. Williams
Running time100 minutes[2]
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseJanuary 24, 1979 (1979-01-24)[1]

Mandrake is a 1979 American television thriller film directed by Harry Falk and starring Anthony Herrera, Simone Griffeth, Ji-Tu Cumbuka, Gretchen Corbett, Peter Haskell, and Robert Reed. Based on the comic strip Mandrake the Magician, the film follows a magician attempting to help an amusement park owner who is being blackmailed by a psychopath who is murdering guests.

Premise

The film follows Mandrake, a magician, and his assistant Lothar, who attempt to help an amusement park proprietor being blackmailed by a psychopath who is murdering the park's customers.

Cast

Release

Critical response

Tom Buckley of The New York Times panned the film, writing that "Rick Husky's script for this Universal Television presentation is a compilation of cliches. Harry Falks's direction is plodding. However, viewers can try a magic trick of their own. By turning the dial, they can make Mandrake disappear".[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Buckley, Tom (January 24, 1979). "TV: 'Mandrake' Appears". The New York Times. New York City, New York. Archived from the original on February 29, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Young, R. G., ed. (2000). The Encyclopedia of Fantastic Film: Ali Baba to Zombies. New York City, New York: Applause Books. p. 380. ISBN 978-1-557-83269-6.