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Mandrake (1979 film)

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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

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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

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Release

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Critical response

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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

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  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.
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