Run, Logan, Run!

Hello all, welcome back to Southpaw Sleuth! Today I am discussing a movie that I watched for the first time a few weeks ago while on vacation. I went with my mom, sister and her boyfriend to Lagrange, KY, to check out the Traderbaker's mall and to shop the stores on historic Main St. At one store in particular, Agape Thrift Store(301 S 1st St.), I spotted a huge selection of VHS tapes in the back. I still have and use a VHS player, and still buy tapes if the price is right. Most VHS at this place were 50 cents each, and I quickly picked out a few older movies that I had never watched before. One of them, "Logan's Run",  I had heard of but had never seen. I figured for half a dollar for any movie it's worth it, even if I'd only watch it once.

Boy, was it worth every penny! Released in 1976, "Logan's Run" was the gold standard of 70's sci-fi(at least until Star Wars New Hope came out in 1977.)  It has everything a 70's movie should have: weird and colorful costumes, elaborate background and set, hippies,ancient symbols, great music and score, kooky characters and Farrah Fawcett. The special effects were top of the line for the time period, and the film was the first to use laser holography. The film was nominated for two Academy awards, won a special Academy Award, and won six Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film.

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The film takes place in the year 2274. Civilization as we know it ceased to exist, and people now live under a domed city, controlled by a computer. Everything is taken care of, and work is no longer necessary. It is a hedonistic society, one of leisure and pursuit of pleasure. The Utopia under this domed city has one major drawback: No one lives longer than 30 years. The reason for this is to preserve resources and to prevent overpopulation.  On or right after the 30th birthday, the citizens go through a ritual, and if not killed during it, can live out the rest of their lives. Logan 5, the main character, is a law enforcement officer called a "Sandman" who eliminates "Runners" that try to escape the ritual and city. The film is about Logan eventually running from society to escape his on own lethal requirement.

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I don't want to spoil this film for people that have yet to see it. I have already watched it twice, and could easily watch again. The film, at roughly 2 hours long, moves along smoothly with just the right amount of action, adventure and love story. The cast of characters is wonderful, Michael York and Jenny Agutter play the main characters, the late Roscoe Lee Browne and  the late Peter Ustinov are stand-out supporting characters. The visual effects of this film is definitely it's strength, with a vivid and imaginative set and costumes. Even though it is dated compared to today's standards, I believe most people will still appreciate what this film has to offer. Highly recommended!