Product Details

• Actors: William Holden, Rick Schroder, Jack Thompson, Olivia Hamnett, Alwyn Kurts
• Directors: Peter Collinson
• Writers: Lanny Cotler
• Producers: Elliot Schick, John Strong, Samuel Z. Arkoff, Stephen W. Sharmat
• Format: Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Good Times Video
• VHS Release Date: May 15, 2001
• Run Time: 97 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000065M2
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,253 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite film - Where's the DVD????, April 18, 2004

By 

Carin J. Reddig "Library Goddess" (Tehachapi, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Earthling, The [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I wish someone would get this film onto DVD and soon!
I saw this in the theater when I was a kid and thought it was wonderful. As an adult I enjoy it even more. It has never gotten the recognition it deserves.
Usually these grumpy-old-man/too-cute-for-words-kid films are as annoying as all heck - but this one thoughtful and beautiful and not all corny.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Highly Underated Movie, August 6, 2004

By 

Thomas M. Photos "Bondfan" (Toledo, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Earthling, The [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I first saw this film in the early 80's. It is filled with beutiful scenery, exotic animals and a wonderful story about an dying man with a fascinating past about which you only hear little bits, and a small boy he teaches not only how to survive in the wild but in life.

While it is a very uplifting movie, it is interesting to note that the director of the film was dying of cancer in real life while filming was going on and created a very sad film with no redeming qualities. After he died, the actors returned and filmed a new and positive ending for no pay.

In his biography, it says that William Holden and Ricky Schroder had a great relationship and Schroder named one of his sons Holden. It also says that because of this it was the only film in his later years where Holden stayed completly sober.

I would highly recomend this film for families.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Unmasking Of An Old Soul Through The Eyes Of A Child, September 10, 2005

By 

James (Fort Worth TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Earthling, The [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I think The Earthling (1980) was one of the first movies I watched that I that I found to be a little life altering.

Young Shawn Dailey (Ricky Shroeder) finds himself alone in the out back of Australia after his parents meet a tragic demise. Alone and completely unable to survive on his own, Shawn is cast into a world of complete shock and desolation.

Also in the out back is a man named Patrick Foley (William Holden). Patrick has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is returning to the place of his birth to die, a place completed secluded from civilization.

Foley is a hard, almost bitter man that has lived a full life. He see's the distress Shawn is in but knows that there is no real way to help as the youngster is half out of his mind. Foley can't take him out of the wilderness as he himself would not survive the trip, there isn't enough time.

Foley just can't abandon the boy so he repeatedly tries to give him instructions on how to navigate his way out of the wilderness, but the "in shock" 10 year old doesn't even know his own name. In a moment of triumph for the young Shawn Dailey, he is finally able to recollect his own name and cries it out to Foley who has decided to leave him in the wilderness to die. Foley, a true survivor himself, starts to recognizes Shawn's ability and willingness to fight his way back into a new reality, a reality that no one would want to accept. Foley begins to believe that Shawn may actually have a chance to learn the ways of the wilderness and survive.

The two form a bond that is foreign to both of them, but yet, a bond of complete trust and love. As Shawn learns the ways of the woods, the tables turn and soon young Shawn is the one leaving the food scraps for Foley in a loving "in your face" kind of thing. In the end, Foley gives Shawn the final instructions so that he may complete his journey out of the wilderness on his own. Shawn in return, gives Foley the ultimate gift.

In this movie as well, you need to keep your eye on the "Indian Bag" and watch the circle of life as it completes its own journey. If you believe that what you give away comes back to you, this validation will put tears in your eyes.

The Earthling is kind of a kids movie and the acting of the parents is atrocious. Fortunately, ma and pa get killed off early on leaving Holden and Schroeder center stage and their acting reputations speak for themselves.

I watch this movie every time I am spiritually lost. It always helps me to remember - "Head north boy, you'll make it".