Touches You

Such a frustrating disappointment

Please don't spend money on this.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

"The Earthling" is a much-maligned story concerning Holden's character, terminally ill with cancer, on a pilgrimage to a remote valley in the Australian bush where he lived as a child. Along the way he discovers Schroeder, orphaned after his parents (Thompson & Hamnett) accidentally drive their campervan over a cliff while holidaying in the remote idyll. Together the pair form a mature bond as Holden tries to teach the young apprentice the primitive life skills that will keep him alive in the wilderness, long enough to find his way back to civilisation.Regularly criticised, I watched this movie for myself many years ago and was surprised by its quality; that of the cinematography, acting and Collinson's direction, culminating in a bittersweet and moving tale that's not as cheesy as some of the previews and reviews imply.There's a couple of pathos moments that probably didn't need to happen, but generally, the film's tone is sincere and the plot has enough content and momentum to carry its 100 minutes duration. Not a classic, but it's far better than some high profile reviews would suggest, in my opinion.

This is a lost classic and a great family movie and I hope hope hope that it is released onto DVD soon. (Studios, are you listening?) I was 9 or 10 when I saw it and would love to share it with the young kids in my family today. The performances are beautiful (Ricky Schroeder is so underrated, even today)and William Holden does a heartbreaking, amazing job. If you thought Ricky was exceptional in The Champ, he tops that performance with The Earthling. It's kind of amazing Schroeder wasn't further typecast into a River Phoenix or early Leonardo DiCaprio kind of actor because he is so tapped into his emotions and his acting is so fresh and vital that he easily steals scenes from the amazing, adult actors he has been cast with. Looking at his childhood performances coupled with NYPD Blue and Lonesome Dove--he should be grouped with the young indie actors of current films. I don't like some of the movies Rick is doing today but even in those films he delivers such alive, powerful performances. I think he's just great.

An excellent film displaying acting talents not previously apparent for Mr. Holden. Empathy but not sympathy for a boy whose parents are taken from him, as were those of Mr. Holden's character. Superb acting ability shown by young Ricky Schroeder beyond his years. A moving story of impending death and of passing the torch of survival to the boy. Beautiful scenery of the wild country of Australia and one of the most moving songs by Maureen McGovern. The supporting cast is very limited but tremendously important to the story. The character of Christian is the conscience of Mr. Holden's character and through his personality and past history, causes Foley to discard his morphine and to take his final journey home in pain. Foley's respect for the native culture is displayed by his refusal to kill an animal for meat without asking permission of the local gods. The toughening up process he forces on the boy is beautifully shown. We get to watch the whining little boy who doesn't want to be splashed with cold water change into the tough survivor who makes Foley catch his own fish at the point of a knife. I have seen this film several times and would heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys drama, human interaction, nature at her best and the soaring voice of Maureen McGovern also at her best. I would love to have it on DVD should it ever become available in that format.

I like The Earthling. This was the first film Ricky Schroder made after The Last Flight Of Noah's Ark (now there is a real classic). He does a wonderful job appearing with one of Hollywood's legends. I read a biography of Bill Holden's and it said that he and Ricky had a ball working together and it surely shows in this fine film. The chemistry between them is sensational. This man teaches the boy how to survive and he teaches the man how to love. Yes it is dark and depressing, but I feel that makes it a better movie because it is not typical Hollywood schmaltz. Peter Collinson, the director of the film was dying of cancer as it was being made and less then a year after the film was released, William Holden died in a drunken fall in his home. He fell and gashed his head on a nightstand and bled to death his body not being found for several days. Holden is truly one of Hollywood's most tragic fatalities. This man was loved by all who knew him, but he just didn't love himself. I don't think the Earthling has ever been shown on Tv and I think that is a real shame. It is not a happy film to watch yes, but it is an example of fine filmaking. A sort of film noir if you will. A possible spoiler here, Holden's character dies and I always wondered if Ricky made it back to civilization in the end.