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[[File:FlashGordon.jpg|frame|''[[Puny Earthlings|Pathetic earthlings]]...<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [[You Have No Chance to Survive|who can save you now?]]'']]
[[File:FlashGordon.jpg|frame|''[[Puny Earthlings|Pathetic earthlings]]...<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [[You Have No Chance to Survive|who can save you now?]]'']]



''FLASH! AH-AH! HE'LL SAVE EVERY ONE OF US!''
''FLASH! AH-AH! HE'LL SAVE EVERY ONE OF US!''


The 1980 Flash Gordon film from [[Universal]] is considered to be one of the most faithful movie adaptations ever made, an impressive feat considering the large gap between the classic ''[[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|Flash Gordon]]'' comics and [[Flash Gordon Serial|film serials]] and this adaptation. The keys to its success in this was simple: high glorious [[Camp]] and a soundtrack by [[Queen]]. It recognised the dubious quality of the originals and their cheap and cheerful approach to storytelling and took what they pretty much would have made in the 1930's if they had had the money and technology, placed tongue firmly in cheek and got high quality theatre actors to give [[Ham and Cheese|deliciously]] [[Large Ham|hammy]] performances, and had a soundtrack by [[Running Gag|Queen]].
The 1980 '''''Flash Gordon''''' film from [[Universal]] is considered to be one of the most faithful movie adaptations ever made, an impressive feat considering the large gap between the classic ''[[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|Flash Gordon]]'' comics and [[Flash Gordon Serial|film serials]] and this adaptation. The keys to its success in this was simple: high glorious [[Camp]] and a soundtrack by [[Queen]]. It recognized the dubious quality of the originals and their cheap and cheerful approach to storytelling and took what they pretty much would have made in the 1930's if they had had the money and technology, placed tongue firmly in cheek and got high quality theater actors to give [[Ham and Cheese|deliciously]] [[Large Ham|hammy]] performances, and had a soundtrack by [[Running Gag|Queen]].


Its actual financial success was pants. The only country where it really made it big was the UK, the same country that invented [[Pantomime]], wry humour and the band [[Rule of Three|Queen]], who did the soundtrack. It will probably remain the most well remembered version of ''Flash Gordon'' due to its enduring cult classic status helped heartily by its sense of humour and the soundtrack by [[Overly Long Gag|Queen]].
Its actual financial success was pants. The only country where it really made it big was the UK, the same country that invented [[Pantomime]], wry humor and the band [[Rule of Three|Queen]], who did the soundtrack. It will probably remain the most well remembered version of ''Flash Gordon'' due to its enduring cult classic status helped heartily by its sense of humor and the soundtrack by [[Overly Long Gag|Queen]].


Herewith a rundown of the plot, courtesy of the dialogue sampled for the title track of the soundtrack album (by [[Queen]]):
Herewith a rundown of the plot, courtesy of the dialogue sampled for the title track of the soundtrack album (by [[Queen]]):


{{quote| ''"Seemingly there is no reason for these extraordinary intergalactic upsets. Only Dr Hans Zarkov, formerly at NASA, has provided any explanation... This morning's unprecedented solar eclipse is no cause for alarm."''<br />
{{quote|''"Seemingly there is no reason for these extraordinary intergalactic upsets. Only Dr Hans Zarkov, formerly at NASA, has provided any explanation... This morning's unprecedented solar eclipse is no cause for alarm."''
''"What's happening, Flash?"''<br />
''"What's happening, Flash?"''
''"Strange object imaged in the Imperial Vortex."''<br />
''"Strange object imaged in the Imperial Vortex."''
''"General Kala -- Flash Gordon approaching."''<br />
''"General Kala -- Flash Gordon approaching."''
''"What do you mean, 'Flash Gordon approaching'?! ...Open fire! All weapons! ...Dispatch War Rocket Ajax to bring back his body!"''<br />
''"What do you mean, 'Flash Gordon approaching'?! ...Open fire! All weapons! ...Dispatch War Rocket Ajax to bring back his body!"''
'''''"[[Brian Blessed|GORDON'S ALIVE?!!]]"''' (...[[Echo|ive...ive]])''<br />
'''''"[[Brian Blessed|GORDON'S ALIVE?!!]]"''' (...[[Echo|ive...ive]])''
''"Flash! Flash, I love you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"'' }}
''"Flash! Flash, I love you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"''}}


However, merely ''reading'' the above cannot do it justice. Watch the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNIVpMXHqlk music video] and stand in awe.
However, merely ''reading'' the above cannot do it justice. Watch the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNIVpMXHqlk music video] and stand in awe.
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[[Overly Long Gag|Queen]].
[[Overly Long Gag|Queen]].


Important trivia. [[George Lucas]] wanted to direct this years before, but producer [[Dino De Laurentiis]] turned him down. Thus Lucas decided [[Start My Own|to make his own space adventure series]]. Although some fans actually prefer the camp of this movie to ''[[Star Wars]]'' anyway. [[Star Wars]] didn't have [[You Keep Using That Word|Queen]] as it is.
Important trivia. [[George Lucas]] wanted to direct this years before, but producer [[Dino De Laurentiis]] turned him down. Thus Lucas decided [[Start My Own|to make his own space adventure series]]. Although some fans actually prefer the camp of this movie to ''[[Star Wars]]'' anyway. ''[[Star Wars]]'' didn't have [[You Keep Using That Word|Queen]] as it is.

----
----
{{tropelist}}
=== The 1980 movie provides examples of: ===

* [[Agony Beam]]
* [[Agony Beam]]
* [[Alien Blood]]:
* [[Alien Blood]]:
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** General Kala has black blood.
** General Kala has black blood.
** After he stabs Prince Thun, bright blue blood can be seen on the sword.
** After he stabs Prince Thun, bright blue blood can be seen on the sword.
* [[Aliens Speaking English]]: Apparently Mongo is an english speaking world group.
* [[Aliens Speaking English]]: Apparently Mongo is an English speaking world group.
** The novelization explains that the Mongian language was beamed into our heroes' heads during their trip through the vortex.
** The novelization explains that the Mongian language was beamed into our heroes' heads during their trip through the vortex.
* [[And Now You Must Marry Me]]: Emperor Ming to Dale Arden.
* [[And Now You Must Marry Me]]: Emperor Ming to Dale Arden.
* [[Anything But That]]: "No! Not the ''bore worms!''"
* [[Anything But That]]: "No! Not the ''bore worms!''"
⚫
* [[B-Movie]]: Nothing more need be said than "Flash, I love you! But we only have fourteen hours to ''save the Earth!''"
⚫
** Still you've got to admire Dale's priorities.
* [[Badass Beard]]: Vultan.
* [[Badass Beard]]: Vultan.
* [[Badass Damsel]]: Dale, who briefly graduates to [[Action Girl]] territory in her escape from Ming.
* [[Badass Damsel]]: Dale, who briefly graduates to [[Action Girl]] territory in her escape from Ming.
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* [[Bald of Evil]]: Ming.
* [[Bald of Evil]]: Ming.
* [[Bathe Her and Bring Her to Me]]: Both male and female examples.
* [[Bathe Her and Bring Her to Me]]: Both male and female examples.
* [[Beam Me Up, Scotty]]: Ming never actually says "Pathetic earthlings, who will save you now?" Except in the [[Trailers Always Lie|trailer]].
** Ming does say "Pathetic earthlings", a '''lot'''. (ie. "Pathetic earthlings, hurling yourself out into the void...")
* [[Beard of Evil]]: Ming, of course.
* [[Beard of Evil]]: Ming, of course.
* [[Big Damn Heroes]]
* [[Big Damn Heroes]]
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* [[Black Dude Dies First]]: Prince Thun.
* [[Black Dude Dies First]]: Prince Thun.
* [[Blood Sport]]: Vultan's wobbly arena equipped with [[Spikes of Doom]].
* [[Blood Sport]]: Vultan's wobbly arena equipped with [[Spikes of Doom]].
⚫
* [[B-Movie]]: Nothing more need be said than "Flash, I love you! But we only have fourteen hours to ''save the Earth!''"
⚫
** Still you've got to admire Dale's priorities.
* [[Boisterous Bruiser]]: Vultan is probably the most famous example. Not surprising, since he's played by [[Brian Blessed]].
* [[Boisterous Bruiser]]: Vultan is probably the most famous example. Not surprising, since he's played by [[Brian Blessed]].
* [[Bond Villain Stupidity]]: A crowning example: Ming personally meets with Flash after he kills {{spoiler|Klytus}} and, instead of dragging him off, offers him a [[Shiny New Australia]] as ruler of the Earth if he will serve Ming or else -- death. Flash refuses and Ming proceeds to leave him on the [[Ominous Floating Castle|floating castle]] and return to his ship to bomb the castle from orbit.
* [[Bond Villain Stupidity]]: A crowning example: Ming personally meets with Flash after he kills {{spoiler|Klytus}} and, instead of dragging him off, offers him a [[Shiny New Australia]] as ruler of the Earth if he will serve Ming or else -- death. Flash refuses and Ming proceeds to leave him on the [[Ominous Floating Castle|floating castle]] and return to his ship to bomb the castle from orbit.
* [[Camp]]: The film's scriptwriter was Lorenzo Semple, Jr., who wrote scripts and was Executive Script Director for the 1960's ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' TV series.
* [[Camp]]: The film's scriptwriter was Lorenzo Semple, Jr., who wrote scripts and was Executive Script Director for the 1960's ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'' TV series.
* [[Catch Phrase]]: '''[[Brian Blessed|DIIIIIIVE!!]]'''
* [[Catch Phrase]]: '''[[Brian Blessed|DIIIIIIVE!!]]'''
* [[Cat Fight]]: Princess Aura (after her [[Heel Face Turn]]) and Dale Arden, much to the amusement of everybody watching. (Half of it is a ''pillow fight''.)
* [[Cat Fight]]: Princess Aura (after her [[Heel Face Turn]]) and Dale Arden, much to the amusement of everybody watching (half of it is a ''pillow fight'').
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]]: "No! Not the [[Noodle Implements|Bore Worms]]!"
* [[Cold-Blooded Torture]]: "No! Not the [[Noodle Implements|Bore Worms]]!"
* [[Cult Soundtrack]]: Pretty much the entire movie soundtrack by [[Queen]]. Especially the theme song. It's Queen. What do you expect?
* [[Cult Soundtrack]]: Pretty much the entire movie soundtrack by [[Queen]]. Especially the theme song. It's Queen. What do you expect?
{{quote| FLASH! AAAAAAAHHHHH-AAAAAAAHHHHHH! SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE!}}
{{quote|FLASH! AAAAAAAHHHHH-AAAAAAAHHHHHH! SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE!}}
* [[Daddy's Little Villain]]: Princess Aura, until redeemed by the love of a good man.
* [[Daddy's Little Villain]]: Princess Aura, until redeemed by the love of a good man.
* [[The Dark Chick]]: General Kala.
* [[The Dark Chick]]: General Kala.
⚫
* [[Death's Hourglass]]: See Shout Out, below.
* [[Double Edged Answer]]: Emperor Ming offers to give Earth to Flash to rule.
* [[Double Edged Answer]]: Emperor Ming offers to give Earth to Flash to rule.
{{quote| '''Flash''': You'd call off the attack? ... Everyone would be saved?<br />
{{quote|'''Flash''': You'd call off the attack? ...Everyone would be saved?
'''Ming''': Yes, and no. After the earthquakes and tidal waves, they won't be the same human beings. They'll be more tractable. Easier for you to rule, in the name of Ming. }}
'''Ming''': Yes, and no. After the earthquakes and tidal waves, they won't be the same human beings. They'll be more tractable. Easier for you to rule, in the name of Ming.}}
* [[The Dragon]]: Klytus to Ming, General Kala to Klytus.
* [[The Dragon]]: Klytus to Ming, General Kala to Klytus.
** And after Klytus is killed, one could argue Kala takes over as Ming's Dragon.
** And after Klytus is killed, one could argue Kala takes over as Ming's Dragon.
* [[Duel to the Death]]: Between Flash and Prince Barin.
* [[Duel to the Death]]: Between Flash and Prince Barin.
* [[Earn Your Happy Ending]]
* [[Earn Your Happy Ending]]
* [[Egopolis]]: Mingo City
* [[Egopolis]]: Mingo City.
⚫
* [[The Eighties]]
* [[Eighties Hair]]: Ohh boy...
* [[Eighties Hair]]: Ohh boy...
* [[The Emperor]]: Ming the Merciless.
* [[The Emperor]]: Ming the Merciless.
* [[The Empire]]: Mongo
* [[The Empire]]: Mongo.
* [[The End - or Is It?]]: Played straight. The film ends with a close-up of Ming's ring, lying where it fell as he died -- then a gloved hand picks it up, Ming's laughter is heard, and the words THE END? appear. <small>'''''HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!'''''</small>
* [[The End - or Is It?]]: Played straight. The film ends with a close-up of Ming's ring, lying where it fell as he died -- then a gloved hand picks it up, Ming's laughter is heard, and the words THE END? appear. <small>'''''HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!'''''</small>
* [[Enemy Mine]]: Princes Barin and Vultan ''hate'' each other at first. Only Flash (he'll save every one of us!) is able to convince them to team up and fight Ming.
* [[Enemy Mine]]: Princes Barin and Vultan ''hate'' each other at first. Only Flash (he'll save every one of us!) is able to convince them to team up and fight Ming.
** Their hatred was cultivated by Ming. As Vultan later admitted, Prince Barin was the rightful heir to the throne.
** Their hatred was cultivated by Ming. As Vultan later admitted, Prince Barin was the rightful heir to the throne.
* [[Evil Gloating]]
* [[Evil Gloating]]
* [[Evil Laugh]]
* [[Evil Laugh]]
{{quote| '''Klytus:''' Will you destroy [[Insignificant Little Blue Planet|this... Earth?]]<br />
{{quote|'''Klytus:''' Will you destroy [[Insignificant Little Blue Planet|this... Earth?]]
'''Ming:''' [[But for Me It Was Tuesday|Later!]] I like to play with things awhile... before annihilation. '''''HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!''''' }}
'''Ming:''' [[But for Me It Was Tuesday|Later!]] I like to play with things awhile... before annihilation. '''''HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!'''''}}
* [[Falling Into the Cockpit]]: Flash (Stand for every one of us!)
* [[Falling Into the Cockpit]]: Flash (Stand for every one of us!)
* [[Family-Unfriendly Death]]: Klytus
* [[Family-Unfriendly Death]]: Klytus.
* [[Fan Service]]:
* [[Fan Service]]:
** Aura, Dale, Ming's handmaidens, and every other female in the film.
** Aura, Dale, Ming's handmaidens, and every other female in the film.
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* [[Finish Him!]]
* [[Finish Him!]]
* [[Five-Bad Band]]:
* [[Five-Bad Band]]:
** [[Big Bad]]: Ming the Merciless
** [[Big Bad]]: Ming the Merciless.
** [[The Dragon]] / [[The Evil Genius]]: Klytus
** [[The Dragon]]/[[The Evil Genius]]: Klytus.
** [[The Dark Chick]]: General Kala
** [[The Dark Chick]]: General Kala.
** [[Sixth Ranger Traitor]]: Princess Aura
** [[Sixth Ranger Traitor]]: Princess Aura.
* [[Five-Man Band]]
* [[Five-Man Band]]
** [[The Hero]]: Flash (He'll save with a mighty hand!)
** [[The Hero]]: Flash (He'll save with a mighty hand!).
*** Hell, there's even a song on the soundtrack called "The Hero".
*** Hell, there's even a song on the soundtrack called "The Hero".
** [[The Lancer]]: Barin
** [[The Lancer]]: Barin.
** [[The Big Guy]]: Vultan
** [[The Big Guy]]: Vultan.
** [[The Smart Guy]]: Zarkov
** [[The Smart Guy]]: Zarkov.
** [[The Chick]]: Dale
** [[The Chick]]: Dale.
** [[The Sixth Ranger]]: Princess Aura
** [[The Sixth Ranger]]: Princess Aura.
* [[Foreshadowing]]: Dale's brief moment of [[Badass]] is foreshadowed in the tribute scene: she must've been a cheerleader in high school and college.
* [[Foreshadowing]]: Dale's brief moment of [[Badass]] is foreshadowed in the tribute scene: she must've been a cheerleader in high school and college.
* [[For Great Justice]]: Vultan
* [[For Great Justice]]: Vultan.
* [[For the Evulz]]: "I like to play with them for awhile... before annihilation."
* [[For the Evulz]]: "I like to play with them for awhile... before annihilation."
* [[Frickin' Laser Beams]]: But of course. It's cheesy [[Sci Fi]] action, it's practically a law.
* [[Frickin' Laser Beams]]: But of course. It's cheesy [[Sci Fi]] action, it's practically a law.
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* [[Hand in the Hole]]: In Arboria, with the woodbeast.
* [[Hand in the Hole]]: In Arboria, with the woodbeast.
* [[Heel Face Turn]]: In alphabetical order; Aura, Barin and Vultan.
* [[Heel Face Turn]]: In alphabetical order; Aura, Barin and Vultan.
⚫
* [[High Heel Face Turn]]: Princess Aura.
* [[Hey, It's That Guy!]]: Yes, it's an [[All-Star Cast]] (including [[Brian Blessed]]), but [[Deep Roy]] is Aura's valet and [[Rocky Horror Picture Show|Riff-Raff]] is Barin's [[The Dragon|dragon]] Fico.
** Also [[Star Wars|Porkins]]!
** And [[Doctor Who|Light]] as one of Vultan's guys!
** [[Harry Potter|Kingsley Shacklebolt]] as Prince Thun, who can offer nothing this year but his loyalty.
⚫
* [[High Heel Face Turn]]: Princess Aura
* [[Highly-Conspicuous Uniform]]
* [[Highly-Conspicuous Uniform]]
* [[Honor Before Reason]]: Dale refuses Aura's offer of a poison she can give Ming on their wedding night, because [[I Gave My Word|she has promised to be a good wife]] to Ming in exchange for his sparing Prince Barin and Dr. Zarkoff.
* [[Honor Before Reason]]: Dale refuses Aura's offer of a poison she can give Ming on their wedding night, because [[I Gave My Word|she has promised to be a good wife]] to Ming in exchange for his sparing Prince Barin and Dr. Zarkoff.
{{quote| '''Aura''': My father has never kept a vow in his life!<br />
{{quote|'''Aura''': My father has never kept a vow in his life!
'''Dale''': I can't help that. Keeping our word is one of the things that make us better than you. }}
'''Dale''': I can't help that. Keeping our word is one of the things that make us better than you.}}
** Prince Barin has his moments, too. While he doesn't like Flash at first, he gives him a chance to prove himself worthy by his kingdom's traditions, using the wood beast initiation. When Flash later saves his life after defeating him in a fight to the death, Barin vows to follow him wherever he goes.
⚫
* [[Death's Hourglass]]: See Shout Out, below.
* [[Human Aliens]]: The people of Mongo.
* [[Human Aliens]]: The people of Mongo.
* [[Humans Are Special]]
* [[Humans Are Special]]
* [[Hypno Ray]]: Ming's ring
* [[Hypno Ray]]: Ming's ring.
* [[Hypnotize the Princess]]. Ming does this to Dale Arden, and apparently his own daughter!
* [[Hypnotize the Princess]]. Ming does this to Dale Arden, and apparently his own daughter!
* [[Hypno Trinket]]: Ming's ring
* [[Hypno Trinket]]: Ming's ring.
* [[I Gave My Word]]
* [[I Gave My Word]]
* [[Ignored Expert]]: Hans Zarkov warning about an attack from space.
* [[Ignored Expert]]: Hans Zarkov warning about an attack from space.
* [[I Have You Now, My Pretty]]: "Prepare her for our '''pleasure!'''", also Ming's "wedding vows" on the trope page.
* [[I Have You Now, My Pretty]]: "Prepare her for our '''pleasure!'''", also Ming's "wedding vows" on the trope page.
* [[I Know Madden Kombat]]: Flash uses football tactics to beat up a bunch of imperial guardsmen.
* [[I Know Madden Kombat]]: Flash uses football tactics to beat up a bunch of imperial guardsmen.
* [[Impairment Shot]]: Flash's vision ''clears'' from blurred as Zarkov tosses him a football, which allows him to mop the floor with Klytus' soldiers.
* [[Impairment Shot]]: Flash's vision ''clears'' from blurred as Zarkov tosses him a football, which allows him to mop the floor with Klytus' soldiers.
* [[Impaled with Extreme Prejudice]]: {{spoiler|Ming}} on the nosecone of a rocket.
* [[Impaled with Extreme Prejudice]]: {{spoiler|Ming}} on the nosecone of a rocket.
** Also {{spoiler|Klytus}} on a bed of spikes.
** Also {{spoiler|Klytus}} on a bed of spikes.
* [[Insignificant Little Blue Planet]]:
* [[Insignificant Little Blue Planet]]:
{{quote| '''Ming:''' Klytus, I'm ''bored''. What plaything can you offer me today?<br />
{{quote|'''Ming:''' Klytus, I'm ''bored''. What plaything can you offer me today?
'''Klytus:''' An obscure body in the SK system, Your Majesty. The inhabitants refer to it as the planet... Earth.<br />
'''Klytus:''' An obscure body in the SK system, Your Majesty. The inhabitants refer to it as the planet... Earth.
'''Ming:''' How peaceful it looks... ''(activates button marked EARTH QUAKE)'' }}
'''Ming:''' How peaceful it looks... ''(activates button marked EARTH QUAKE)''}}
⚫
* [[It's Up to You]]: "Flash! I ''love'' you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
* [[It Has Been an Honor]]: Prince Vultan to Flash before Flash's suicide run.
* [[It Has Been an Honor]]: Prince Vultan to Flash before Flash's suicide run.
⚫
* [[It's Up to You]]: "Flash! I ''love'' you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
* [[James Bondage]]: Flash in little leather shorts strapped to a chair....
* [[James Bondage]]: Flash in little leather shorts strapped to a chair....
* [[Join or Die]]: Emperor Ming offers to let Flash join him and rule the Earth under Ming's control. If he refuses, he will be killed.
* [[Join or Die]]: Emperor Ming offers to let Flash join him and rule the Earth under Ming's control. If he refuses, he will be killed.
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* [[Last Request]]: Klytus asks if Flash has "any final requests" before his execution.
* [[Last Request]]: Klytus asks if Flash has "any final requests" before his execution.
* [[Love Dodecahedron]]: As in [[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|the comics]], Barin loves Aura, who lusts after Flash, who loves Dale.
* [[Love Dodecahedron]]: As in [[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|the comics]], Barin loves Aura, who lusts after Flash, who loves Dale.
⚫
* [[Made of Evil]]
* [[Mad Scientist]]: Zarkov, who can't understand why NASA fired him or why Flash and Dale seemed frightened of him...
* [[Mad Scientist]]: Zarkov, who can't understand why NASA fired him or why Flash and Dale seemed frightened of him...
* [[Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter]]: Princess Aura, though Ming is a Mad Emperor rather than a [[Mad Scientist]].
* [[Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter]]: Princess Aura, though Ming is a Mad Emperor rather than a [[Mad Scientist]].
⚫
* [[Made of Evil]]
* [[Magic Countdown]]: The timer that shows how long is left before the Earth is destroyed.
* [[Magic Countdown]]: The timer that shows how long is left before the Earth is destroyed.
* [[Mask Power]]: Klytus
* [[Mask Power]]: Klytus.
⚫
* [[Mind Probe]]: "We're going to empty your mind as we might empty your pockets... ''doctor''."
* [[Mental Picture Projector]]: The Mind Probe/Memory Eraser also functions as a way of projecting memories on a screen.
* [[Mental Picture Projector]]: The Mind Probe/Memory Eraser also functions as a way of projecting memories on a screen.
⚫
* [[Mind Probe]]: "We're going to empty your mind as we might empty your pockets... ''doctor''."
* [[Mood Dissonance]]: The wedding of Ming and Dale:
* [[Mood Dissonance]]: The wedding of Ming and Dale:
** Instead of the white dress she'd been put in earlier, she's now wearing a black empress getup covered in sequins.
** Instead of the white dress she'd been put in earlier, she's now wearing a black empress getup covered in sequins.
** "Here Comes The Bride" as an electric guitar rock riff with dirge undertones. And the Rocket Ajax in the background bearing a sign:
** "Here Comes The Bride" as an electric guitar rock riff with dirge undertones. And the Rocket Ajax in the background bearing a sign:
{{quote| ''ALL CREATURES WILL MAKE MERRY...''<br />
{{quote|''ALL CREATURES WILL MAKE MERRY...''
''...[[Happiness Is Mandatory|UNDER PAIN OF DEATH]]'' }}
''...[[Happiness Is Mandatory|UNDER PAIN OF DEATH]]''}}
* [[Music of Note]]: Score by [[Queen]].
* [[Music of Note]]: Score by [[Queen]].
* [[Nice Job Breaking It, Hero]]: Ming claims to only destroy planets that are advanced enough to realize his attacks aren't natural disasters...hence, it's Zarkov's own attempt to warn humanity that nearly dooms the Earth.
* [[Nice Job Breaking It, Hero]]: Ming claims to only destroy planets that are advanced enough to realize his attacks aren't natural disasters...hence, it's Zarkov's own attempt to warn humanity that nearly dooms the Earth.
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* [[Nice Job Fixing It, Villain]]: General Kala orders Zarkov programmed with high-level information about Mongo's technology and security systems despite being warned that it's probably more than the human mind can take, thus equipping him with all the knowledge he'll need to assist the revolution.
* [[Nice Job Fixing It, Villain]]: General Kala orders Zarkov programmed with high-level information about Mongo's technology and security systems despite being warned that it's probably more than the human mind can take, thus equipping him with all the knowledge he'll need to assist the revolution.
* [[No Except Yes]]:
* [[No Except Yes]]:
{{quote| Humanity.<br />
{{quote|Humanity.
Madness! }}
Madness!}}
* [[No Indoor Voice]]: Ming, Vultan, and Kala are the main offenders.
* [[No Indoor Voice]]: Ming, Vultan, and Kala are the main offenders.
* [[Notable Original Music]]
* [[Notable Original Music]]
* [[Ominous Floating Castle]]
* [[Ominous Floating Castle]]
* [[One-Woman Wail]]: The "Aura Revives Flash" song.
* [[One-Woman Wail]]: The "Aura Revives Flash" song.
* [[Only Mostly Dead]]: Flash.
* [[Only Mostly Dead]]: Flash.
* [[Parental Incest]]: Implied between Ming and Aura.
* [[Parental Incest]]: Implied between Ming and Aura.
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* [[Planetary Romance]]
* [[Planetary Romance]]
* [[Pop Star Composer]]: Just in case the movie ''itself'' wasn't campy enough for you, it's got a soundtrack by [[Queen]].
* [[Pop Star Composer]]: Just in case the movie ''itself'' wasn't campy enough for you, it's got a soundtrack by [[Queen]].
* [[Promoted Fanboy]]: [[Brian Blessed]] has admitted in interviews that when he and his brother used to play a game based on the TV series he always wanted to be Vultan. Decades later he got to play the same childhood game on the big screen.
* [[Proud Warrior Race Guy]]: Barin qualifies.
* [[Proud Warrior Race Guy]]: Barin qualifies.
* [[Pstandard Psychic Pstance]]: Dale does this during the telepathy sequence between Flash and Dale.
* [[Pstandard Psychic Pstance]]: Dale does this during the telepathy sequence between Flash and Dale.
* [[Psychic Static]]: Dr. Zarkov
* [[Psychic Static]]: Dr. Zarkov
* [[Public Execution]]: Flash's "death" by lethal gas by order of Emperor Ming.
* [[Public Execution]]: Flash's "death" by lethal gas by order of Emperor Ming.
* [[Puny Earthlings]]: Right there in the movie tagline.
* [[Puny Earthlings]]: Right there in the movie tagline.
* [[Raygun Gothic]]: The [[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|source material]] is one of the [[Trope Codifier|Trope Codifiers]], along with ''[[Buck Rogers]]'' and the ''[[Lensman]]'' series.
* [[Raygun Gothic]]: The [[Flash Gordon (comic strip)|source material]] is one of the [[Trope Codifier|Trope Codifiers]], along with ''[[Buck Rogers]]'' and the ''[[Lensman]]'' series.
Line 190: Line 184:
* [[She Fu]]: Dale gives a startling display of this during her escape from the palace.
* [[She Fu]]: Dale gives a startling display of this during her escape from the palace.
* [[Shiny New Australia]]: Ming offers Flash the rulership of Earth if he chooses to let them survive destruction. [[Evil Gloating|"Of course, they would be greatly altered by the experience..."]]
* [[Shiny New Australia]]: Ming offers Flash the rulership of Earth if he chooses to let them survive destruction. [[Evil Gloating|"Of course, they would be greatly altered by the experience..."]]
* [[Shout-Out]]:
* [[Shout-Out]]:
{{quote| '''Klytus''': [[The Wizard of Oz (film)|"You have until the sands...run up."]]<br />
{{quote|'''Klytus''': [[The Wizard of Oz (film)|"You have until the sands...run up."]]
'''Dale:''' It won't turn over! It won't turn over! }}
'''Dale:''' It won't turn over! It won't turn over!}}
** The execution, during which [[Rocky Horror Picture Show|Flash Gordon is there in silver underwear]].
** The execution, during which [[Rocky Horror Picture Show|Flash Gordon is there in silver underwear]].
* [[Single Biome Planet]]: Thoroughly averted.
* [[Single Biome Planet]]: Thoroughly averted.
Line 198: Line 192:
* [[Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism]]: Wonderfully idealistic.
* [[Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism]]: Wonderfully idealistic.
* [[Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace]]: In probably the most kickass manner yet.
* [[Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace]]: In probably the most kickass manner yet.
* [[Stillborn Franchise]]: The actors signed up for a trilogy of films a la ''[[Star Wars]]'', and there was a spinoff children's TV show.
* [[Take My Hand]]: Flash does this for Barin at the end of their duel.
* [[Take My Hand]]: Flash does this for Barin at the end of their duel.
* [[Tall, Dark and Handsome]]: Barin.
* [[Tall, Dark and Handsome]]: Barin.
* [[Tap on the Head]]: Vultan to Ming's goon squad and Hans Zarkov to Flash (accidentally).
* [[Tap on the Head]]: Vultan to Ming's goon squad and Hans Zarkov to Flash (accidentally).
* [[Technicolor Science]]
* [[Technicolor Science]]
⚫
* [[The Eighties]]
* [[They Called Me Mad]]: Dr. Zarkov is a rare heroic example.
* [[They Called Me Mad]]: Dr. Zarkov is a rare heroic example.
* [[Title Drop]]: All the damn time of course, but particularly notable is Flash's coffin after his execution, which bears the movie's logo.
* [[Title Drop]]: All the damn time of course, but particularly notable is Flash's coffin after his execution, which bears the movie's logo.
* [[Title Theme Tune]]: by [[Queen]]
* [[Title Theme Tune]]: by [[Queen]]
* [[Too Kinky to Torture]]: Princess Aura according to Klytus.
* [[Too Kinky to Torture]]: Princess Aura according to Klytus.
* [[Universal Drivers Licence]]: Flash using the Hawkmen rocketcycle.
* [[Universal Driver's License]]: Flash using the Hawkmen rocketcycle.
* [[We Can Rule Together]]: Ming offers Flash rulership of the Earth in Ming's name at one point.
* [[We Can Rule Together]]: Ming offers Flash rulership of the Earth in Ming's name at one point.
⚫
* [[What Do You Mean It Wasn't Made on Drugs?]]: The film harkens back to the 1960's DeLaurentiis films like ''[[Danger: Diabolik]]'' and ''[[Barbarella]]''.
⚫
* [[What Is This Thing You Call Love?]]: Basic human emotions have been driven out of Mongo by Ming, where honor, justice, even ''crying'' have been forgotten and replaced by constant violent bickering and infighting, stirred up by Ming.
⚫
{{quote|'''Aura:''' Look! Water is leaking from her eyes!
⚫
'''Ming:''' It's what they call "tears". It's a sign of their weakness.}}
* [[Whip It Good]]: Flash and Barin duel with whips in one scene. Luckily, [[Defeat Means Friendship]].
* [[Whip It Good]]: Flash and Barin duel with whips in one scene. Luckily, [[Defeat Means Friendship]].
* [[What Could Have Been]]: All actors were signed for three movies, but problems with star Sam J. Jones during post-production (which lead to [[Same Language Dub]] above) pretty much killed the trilogy.
⚫
* [[What Do You Mean It Wasn't Made on Drugs?]]: The film harkens back to the 1960's DeLaurentiis films like ''[[Danger Diabolik]]'' and ''[[Barbarella]]''.
⚫
* [[What Is This Thing You Call Love?]]: Basic human emotions have been driven out of Mongo by Ming, where honor, justice, even ''crying'' have been forgotten and replaced by constant violent bickering and infighting, stirred up by Ming.
⚫
{{quote| '''Aura:''' Look! Water is leaking from her eyes!<br />
⚫
'''Ming:''' It's what they call "tears". It's a sign of their weakness. }}
* [[World of Badass]]: Mongo.
* [[World of Badass]]: Mongo.
* [[World of Ham]]: Mongo again. [[Brian Blessed]] is just ''one'' of its many hammy kings.
* [[World of Ham]]: Mongo again. [[Brian Blessed]] is just ''one'' of its many hammy kings.
Line 223: Line 214:


{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
⚫
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Film]]
[[Category:Science Fiction Films]]
[[Category:Science Fiction Films]]
[[Category:Films of the 1980s]]
[[Category:Films of the 1980s]]
[[Category:Hugo Award]]
[[Category:Hugo Award]]
[[Category:Flash Gordon]]
[[Category:Cult Classic]]
⚫
[[Category:Film]]

Latest revision as of 01:16, 13 April 2022

Pathetic earthlings...
      who can save you now?

FLASH! AH-AH! HE'LL SAVE EVERY ONE OF US!

The 1980 Flash Gordon film from Universal is considered to be one of the most faithful movie adaptations ever made, an impressive feat considering the large gap between the classic Flash Gordon comics and film serials and this adaptation. The keys to its success in this was simple: high glorious Camp and a soundtrack by Queen. It recognized the dubious quality of the originals and their cheap and cheerful approach to storytelling and took what they pretty much would have made in the 1930's if they had had the money and technology, placed tongue firmly in cheek and got high quality theater actors to give deliciously hammy performances, and had a soundtrack by Queen.

Its actual financial success was pants. The only country where it really made it big was the UK, the same country that invented Pantomime, wry humor and the band Queen, who did the soundtrack. It will probably remain the most well remembered version of Flash Gordon due to its enduring cult classic status helped heartily by its sense of humor and the soundtrack by Queen.

Herewith a rundown of the plot, courtesy of the dialogue sampled for the title track of the soundtrack album (by Queen):

"Seemingly there is no reason for these extraordinary intergalactic upsets. Only Dr Hans Zarkov, formerly at NASA, has provided any explanation... This morning's unprecedented solar eclipse is no cause for alarm."
"What's happening, Flash?"
"Strange object imaged in the Imperial Vortex."
"General Kala -- Flash Gordon approaching."
"What do you mean, 'Flash Gordon approaching'?! ...Open fire! All weapons! ...Dispatch War Rocket Ajax to bring back his body!"
"GORDON'S ALIVE?!!" (...ive...ive)
"Flash! Flash, I love you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"

However, merely reading the above cannot do it justice. Watch the music video and stand in awe.

Queen.

Important trivia. George Lucas wanted to direct this years before, but producer Dino De Laurentiis turned him down. Thus Lucas decided to make his own space adventure series. Although some fans actually prefer the camp of this movie to Star Wars anyway. Star Wars didn't have Queen as it is.

Tropes used in Flash Gordon (film) include:

FLASH! AAAAAAAHHHHH-AAAAAAAHHHHHH! SAVIOR OF THE UNIVERSE!

Flash: You'd call off the attack? ...Everyone would be saved?
Ming: Yes, and no. After the earthquakes and tidal waves, they won't be the same human beings. They'll be more tractable. Easier for you to rule, in the name of Ming.

  • The Dragon: Klytus to Ming, General Kala to Klytus.
    • And after Klytus is killed, one could argue Kala takes over as Ming's Dragon.
  • Duel to the Death: Between Flash and Prince Barin.
  • Earn Your Happy Ending
  • Egopolis: Mingo City.
  • The Eighties
  • Eighties Hair: Ohh boy...
  • The Emperor: Ming the Merciless.
  • The Empire: Mongo.
  • The End - or Is It?: Played straight. The film ends with a close-up of Ming's ring, lying where it fell as he died -- then a gloved hand picks it up, Ming's laughter is heard, and the words THE END? appear. HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!
  • Enemy Mine: Princes Barin and Vultan hate each other at first. Only Flash (he'll save every one of us!) is able to convince them to team up and fight Ming.
    • Their hatred was cultivated by Ming. As Vultan later admitted, Prince Barin was the rightful heir to the throne.
  • Evil Gloating
  • Evil Laugh

Klytus: Will you destroy this... Earth?
Ming: Later! I like to play with things awhile... before annihilation. HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!

Aura: My father has never kept a vow in his life!
Dale: I can't help that. Keeping our word is one of the things that make us better than you.

Ming: Klytus, I'm bored. What plaything can you offer me today?
Klytus: An obscure body in the SK system, Your Majesty. The inhabitants refer to it as the planet... Earth.
Ming: How peaceful it looks... (activates button marked EARTH QUAKE)

  • It Has Been an Honor: Prince Vultan to Flash before Flash's suicide run.
  • It's Up to You: "Flash! I love you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
  • James Bondage: Flash in little leather shorts strapped to a chair....
  • Join or Die: Emperor Ming offers to let Flash join him and rule the Earth under Ming's control. If he refuses, he will be killed.
  • Just in Time: To save the Earth -- down to the second! Apparently a little impalement did the trick.
  • Labcoat of Science and Medicine: Zarkov and Munson both have one of these. Given that the science they're engaged in mainly requires looking at radar screens and printouts, there can be no other reason for their labcoats than to visually label them "scientists."
  • Last Request: Klytus asks if Flash has "any final requests" before his execution.
  • Love Dodecahedron: As in the comics, Barin loves Aura, who lusts after Flash, who loves Dale.
  • Made of Evil
  • Mad Scientist: Zarkov, who can't understand why NASA fired him or why Flash and Dale seemed frightened of him...
  • Mad Scientist's Beautiful Daughter: Princess Aura, though Ming is a Mad Emperor rather than a Mad Scientist.
  • Magic Countdown: The timer that shows how long is left before the Earth is destroyed.
  • Mask Power: Klytus.
  • Mental Picture Projector: The Mind Probe/Memory Eraser also functions as a way of projecting memories on a screen.
  • Mind Probe: "We're going to empty your mind as we might empty your pockets... doctor."
  • Mood Dissonance: The wedding of Ming and Dale:
    • Instead of the white dress she'd been put in earlier, she's now wearing a black empress getup covered in sequins.
    • "Here Comes The Bride" as an electric guitar rock riff with dirge undertones. And the Rocket Ajax in the background bearing a sign:

ALL CREATURES WILL MAKE MERRY...
...UNDER PAIN OF DEATH

  • Music of Note: Score by Queen.
  • Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Ming claims to only destroy planets that are advanced enough to realize his attacks aren't natural disasters...hence, it's Zarkov's own attempt to warn humanity that nearly dooms the Earth.
    • He also gets Flash killed. Good going.
  • Nice Job Fixing It, Villain: General Kala orders Zarkov programmed with high-level information about Mongo's technology and security systems despite being warned that it's probably more than the human mind can take, thus equipping him with all the knowledge he'll need to assist the revolution.
  • No Except Yes:

Humanity.
Madness!

Klytus: "You have until the sands...run up."
Dale: It won't turn over! It won't turn over!

Aura: Look! Water is leaking from her eyes!
Ming: It's what they call "tears". It's a sign of their weakness.

Queen.

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