The Omega Connection
| The Omega Connection | |
|---|---|
 European video cover | |
| Genre | Action Drama |
| Screenplay by | Gail Morgan Hickman David E. Boston |
| Story by | Gail Morgan Hickman David E. Boston David Assael Joshua Brand Martha Coolidge |
| Directed by | Robert Clouse |
| Starring | Jeffrey Byron Larry Cedar |
| Music by | John Cameron |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Ron Miller |
| Producer | Jan Williams |
| Cinematography | Godfrey A. Godar |
| Editors | Peter Boita Mike Campbell |
| Running time | 100 min. |
| Production company | Walt Disney Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | NBC |
| Release | March 18, 1979[1] |
The Omega Connectionis a 1979 American made-for-televisionactionspy filmdirected byRobert ClouseforWalt Disney Productions.It starsJeffrey ByronandLarry Cedar.[2]It was released theatrically in other countries asThe London Connection.
Plot
[edit]Luther Starling (Jeffrey Byron) is a superspy for the American government who after completing his latest mission of retrieving stolen documents sets out on a six week vacation across Europe. Luther is picked up at Heathrow airport in London, England by his friend Roger (Larry Cedar) in his Morgan 3-Wheeler to stay with Roger and Roger's Aunt Lydia (Mona Washbourne) for the duration of the London leg of Luther's trip. By chance the two follow a motorcade where British Secret Service agents Bidley and Peters (Roy Kinnear and David Battley respectively) are escorting a recently defected Eastern European scientist, Professor Buchinski (David Kossoff) who possesses a revolutionary new energy formula. However, when a team of armed gunmen ambush the motorcade intent on kidnapping the Professor, Luther attempts to intervene but is outmatched but the professor slips a gold ring into his jacket pocket. Upon discovery of the ring, it leads Luther and Roger on an adventure across London as they attempt to rescue the professor from the villainous criminal organization Omega.
Cast
[edit]- Jeffrey Byronas Luther Starling
- Larry Cedaras Roger Pike
- Roy Kinnearas Bidley
- Lee Montagueas Vorg
- Mona Washbourneas Aunt Lydia
- David Kossoffas Professor Buchinski
- Frank Windsoras McGuffin
- Walter Gotellas Simmons
- Nigel Davenportas Arthur Minton
- Dudley Suttonas Goetz
- David Battleyas Peters
- Julian Orchardas Driscoll
- Kathleen Harrisonas Elderly Lady
- Percy Herbertas Ship's Captain
- Don Fellowsas General
- Bruce Boaas Colonel
- Wolfe Morrisas Dr. Krause
- André Maranneas Duvalier
- Rita Webbas Cockney Woman
- George Pravdaas Kolenkov
- Minah Birdas Narcotics Agent
Production
[edit]Disney developedThe Omega Connectionwith the hope of positioning it as a more youthful take on theJames Bondfranchise and intended to produce follow-on films centered around the character of Luther Starling.[3]
The film was shot on location atPinewood StudiosinLondon.[4] Gloucester Mews, W2, was used as a filming location during the shooting ofThe London Connection.[5]
Release
[edit]The Omega Connectionwas broadcast on television in the United States on March 18, 1979 as part ofThe Wonderful World of Disney.[4][1]The film was released theatrically in some foreign markets such as Japan and the United Kingdom under the alternate title ofThe London Connection.[6][1]Due to Disney's desire to cater to a more mature audience than usual, the film was broadcast in the 8PM time slot instead of its usual 7PM time slot.[3]The change in time slot lead to the film directly competing with critical and ratings hitThe Jericho MileonABCand under performed as a result with planned follow-up films such asThe Paris ConnectionandThe Rome Connectionbeing quietly cancelled.[3]
In rebroadcasts of the film in later seasons, the film would be divided into one hour segments to be shown over two weeks worth of broadcasts.[4]
References
[edit]- ^abcGalbraith IV, Stuart (2008) [first published 2008].The Toho Studios Story: A History and Complete Filmography.Scarecrow Press.ISBN978-0810860049.
- ^"The Omega Connection (1979) - Robert Clouse | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie".
- ^abcTaylor, Tadhg (2015) [first published 2015].Masters of the Shoot-'Em-Up: Conversations with Directors, Actors and Writers of Vintage Action Movies and Television Shows.McFarland.ISBN978-0786494064.
- ^abcCotter, Bill (1997) [first published 1997].The Wonderful World of Disney Television: A Complete History.Disney Editions.ISBN978-0786863594.
- ^Mews News.Lurot Brand.Published Spring 2010. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
- ^Smith, Dave (1998) [first published 1998].Disney A to Z: the updated official encyclopedia.Disney Editions.ISBN978-0786863914.
