Planet Earth

This was a second TV pilot for a proposed sci-fi series by Gene Roddenberry. The first, Earth II, starred Alex Cord. This time, things are almost the same, though John Saxon plays the lead. Saxon's characterization is less serious than Cord's and seems to be very much like Captain Kirk placed in an alternate version of Earth.

The plot involves a group from PAX (a group of goody-goodies who are a lot like a planet-bound Federation--they try to make sure the world runs in peace and try to interfere in other cultures only when it's necessary). They are looking for an important scientist who disappeared in an amazon-like culture. It's up to Saxon and the others to infiltrate and return him before it's too late.

FYI--Another team member is played by Ted Cassidy (Lurch the Butler from the Addams Family). I would have loved to see him return to a weekly series, though he died just a few years after this pilot was completed (died on the operating table while undergoing heart surgery).

In his book "Star Trek Movie Memories" William Shatner describes Roddenberry's career in the early 70's.

With regards to "Planet Earth", it's stated that the network passed on the series because it was felt that it could only afford 1 expensive science fiction television series.

The other choice was "Planet of the Apes". Because of the franchise success of the "Apes" films, it was felt by network bigwigs that an "Apes" TV series was the better bet and had more of a chance of being a hit.

As it turned out, the "Apes" series tanked after 13 episodes.

Hal

Yet another of Gene Roddenberry's post-'Star Trek' attempts at a series, 'Planet Earth' is generally agreeable entertainment, although nothing special. It gets most of its juice from its digs at sexual politics. Obviously low-budget, it doesn't feature much in the way of futuristic environments, or costumes, or special effects. It is definitely fun in a cheesy, well-meaning sort of way, and it does NOT skimp on sex appeal, with appropriate eye candy for men and women alike.

The almighty John Saxon stars as Dylan Hunt, a man who went into suspended animation in 1979, and was awakened in the 22nd century. Now, a post-"conflict" Earth is divided into societies both advanced and primitive. One such society is matriarchal in nature, with all the males kept drugged up and submissive. The virile, studly Hunt is considered good breeding stock by these women. One lady in particular, Marg (Diana Muldaur, who went on to a role on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' the following decade), is especially taken with Hunt.

A rich cast of familiar faces (Janet Margolin, Ted Cassidy, Christopher Cary, Majel Barrett, Jim Antonio, John Quade) helps to make this easy enough to watch, even though it's just as easy to forget. One good thing about TV movies from this era is their brief running times, so there's less chance of them wearing out their welcome. 'Planet Earth' is adequately paced, but its real strongest suit is its sense of humour. As I already said, some of the cast members are very attractive, so that helps as well; Muldaur is quite striking as the leader of these women.

One thing this viewer liked was the idea that all major population centres on Earth are connected by these underground tunnels, through which Hunt and others travel as if they were subways.

Six out of 10.

With Marc Daniels directing, William Theiss doing costumes, and Bob Justman producing, this is about the Star Trekkiest non-Trek this side of TNG: no less than seven people who directly worked on Star Trek TOS.

Essentially a sequel/revamp of Genesis II, reusing the premise, the bullet-train sets and even the p.o.v. Shot of the zooming tunnel. Ted Cassidy and Majel Barrett return -- Ted as the same character, Majel as slightly different one (though barely seen). Janet Margolin capably replaces Lynne Marta as the plucky Harper-Smythe.

As is usual for these fictional female-dominated societies, there's little logic applied and apparently no research into actual female-dominated societies, so we can forget the "science" part of "science fiction" and just call it fantasy. The good news is that the actresses largely pull it off: Sally Kemp particularly brings a feeling of naturalness to her character Treece, though that may partly owe to the fact that hers is the most realistic role. Diana Muldaur's role is tougher, as she has to embody the dumbest aspect of the plot, but she does it well.

The overall result is adequate. I wouldn't tell anyone to make an effort to see it, but honestly John Saxon makes almost anything look good. Notable non-Roddenberry move: for Muldaur's final scene, they gave her a close-fitting red dress with a neckline that plunged to her navel .... and then only showed her from the side, from a great distance, or from the neck up. Women's lib indeed.

If you're an obscure-movie buff like me, find "Planet Earth" and watch it. I loved it. It's sexually suggestive, it's got mutants, underground trains connecting the whole Earth, mystics and doctors and it's totally entertaining. John Saxon as Dylan Hunt is very expressive, and I swear I could watch it again and again. In a way, it's very much a prequel to Enterprise and follows suit with the usual Roddenberry ideologies. In fact, all the acting is good. Look for Gene Roddenberry's wife in the face of extras, as well as a few other recognizables. Diana Muldaur (who later played Dr Pulanski in The Next Generation) is very attractive as the domineering slave-trader and I find myself envying John Saxon in certain parts of the film - well, see for yourself! A great 60 minute flick!