12:15 AM – The Black Hole (1979)
Star Wars debuted in 1977 and at first glance, The Black Hole seems like an obvious attempt to cash in on its success. But it’s foolish to judge it so quickly as it’s drastically different, playing more like a cross between Star Trek and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It almost crosses into the suspense/horror genre in some scenes, but never goes as far as Fox’s Alien, which was released the same year.
The USS Palomino is returning to Earth after a failed mission to find life on other planets when it discovers another ship that has managed to remain stationary just outside of a black hole. Recognizing it as the lost USS Cygnus, which had one of the Palomino crew members father aboard, the crew decides to move closer to investigate what they believe is an abandoned ship. But once inside, they discover the mad Dr. Hans Reinhardt and his robotic crew and soon learn of the dark and twisted beliefs he holds as he prepares to make his journey through the black hole.
Disney had to create their own computerized camera system when the one from Industrial Light & Magic (used on Star Wars) became too cost prohibitive. This allowed them to double expose shots, putting live actors and models inside matte paintings with camera moves. Effects Artist Peter Ellenshaw (Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) came out of retirement to serves as Production Designer on this film.
The dialogue is dated, with one character speaking almost exclusively in Western film references. The costumes feel directly inspired by the 1960’s uniforms of the U.S.S. Enterprise. And the robot and ship designs feel related to Ralph McQuarrie’s Metropolis-inspired preliminary designs for Star Wars. The film has an exciting premise and intriguing visuals, but the dichotomy between kid-friendly aliens and dark plot twists yield a puzzling result.
Recommendation: “The Black Hole” is too weird to go unseen. Watch it and revel in this space oddity.
2:00 AM – Pluto’s Sweater (1949)
When Minnie Mouse makes a pink sweater for Pluto, the poor pup is embarrassed by it and made fun of by the neighborhood dogs. But when he tries to get it off, hilarity ensues. The poor pup tries everything, but to no avail.
This short takes place during winter, with the ground partially covered in snow. Pluto’s trials to remove the sweater take him through water and snow, leading to lots of effects animation shots. Minnie Mouse and Figaro co-star in this hilarious short.
Recommendation: Don’t miss these classic Pluto antics.
2:00 AM – The Cat from Outer Space (1978)
It’s hard to believe that The Cat from Outer Space was made by the same studio that produced The Black Hole just one year later. It was also the same year as Return from Witch Mountain, another effects-heavy Disney film that previously aired on Treasures from the Disney Vault. After two darker films, this will feel like a return to the lighthearted and safe Disney fare the studio was famous for.
When a UFO breaks down on earth, the government gets involved. One of their top scientists is tasked with figuring out how the ship operates when he meets a cat with a strange collar that allows him to talk. He soon learns that the cat, who he calls Jake, is the ships pilot and needs Frank’s help in order to obtain gold to repair it.
There’s nothing too eye popping in terms of the effects on this film, but there is an impressive shot where Frank is riding a bike and jumps a bridge with Jake in his lap. A similarly composed shot kicked off Elliott’s flight in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. four years later. Perhaps the most impossible plot point is the fact that Frank, with Jake’s help, swindles a gambling hall out of over a hundred thousand dollars and they are allowed to walk away without the owners recognizing the obvious trickery.
Recommendation: “The Cat from Outer Space” features some delightful performances by Sandy Duncan and Ken Barry, but is forgettable and offers no laughs in what is meant to be a comedy. No need to stay up late for this.
4:00 AM – The Last Flight of Noah’s Ark (1980)
The Last Flight of Noah’s Ark is the last film of this all-nighter, a fitting choice, pun intended. Elliott Gould stars in this family adventure film that calls back to films like Swiss Family Robinson while breaking form and being uniquely 70’s/80’s in its approach to the characters and story.
Noah is a pilot who accepts a last minute job to fly a missionary and her animals in order to escape his debts. But when two children raised by the missionary stow away and the ship gets off course, they soon find themselves marooned on an island with two MIA Japanese military men who are unaware that World War II has ended. Putting their heads together, they turn the plane into a ship in an attempt to sail home.
The opening credits don’t start until 17-minutes into the film, a curious move that makes them feel out of left field. Most of the effects are practical, with lots of real stunt flight shots. But the best shots come from the high seas moments.
Recommendation: Very slow to start, but an overall enjoyable film for those who stick with it.
So far, TCM’s Treasures from the Disney Vault has stayed primarily focused on Walt-era films. However, most of the studio’s film content was produced after his passing. I had a lot of fun celebrating the technical advancements made by the studio that follow in the traditions that he established. Treasures from the Disney Vault will return in December and I’m looking forward to it.