The Earthling (1980) Reviews

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Despite its title, The Earthling is not a science fiction opus. Instead, it's a low-key character study about a doomed man who finds a new lease on life by helping another lost soul. Suffering from terminal cancer, Patrick Foley (William Holden) returns to his native Australia. Intending to live out his last few months alone, Foley comes out of his shell long enough to teach impressionable young orphan Shawn Daley (Ricky Schroder) a few Bush Country survival skills. Ironically, director Peter Collinson was himself a cancer victim, who died shortly after the film's completion. The Earthling works best on a kiddie-matinee level, with Holden's performance and the gorgeous photography its chief assets. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Starring:: William Holden, Rick Schroder, (more)

Director(s):: Peter Collinson

Theatrical MPAA Rating:: PG

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(1 member review)

Member Reviews

	Timothy H.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

This is a movie that has stuck with me throughout my life. It is hauntingly beautiful and truly moving. William Holden was not an actor I was familiar with before seeing this film, but now when I see a movie with him in it, I am much more likely to check it out. I haven't seen it in a long while and am very surprised it is not yet out on DVD. Hopefully that won't last too long.

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