A football player and his mates travel to the planet Mongo and find themselves fighting the tyranny of Ming the Merciless to save Earth.
Score
Queen's operatic rock anthems elevate every absurd moment.
Costume
Ming's wardrobe alone deserves its own Smithsonian wing.
Production
Practical effects so dated they're accidentally art.
Director
Mike Hodges
Sam J. Jones
Flash Gordon
Melody Anderson
Dale Arden
Max von Sydow
The Emperor Ming
Chaim Topol
Dr. Hans Zarkov
Ornella Muti
Princess Aura
Timothy Dalton
Prince Barin
Brian Blessed
Prince Vultan
Peter Wyngarde
Klytus
Mariangela Melato
Kala
John Osborne
Arborian Priest
Richard O'Brien
Fico
John Hallam
Luro
Philip Stone
Zogi, the High Priest
Suzanne Danielle
Serving Girl
William Hootkins
Munson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sam J. Jones and producer Dino De Laurentiis feuded so badly that Jones's dialogue was largely redubbed by another actor.
George Lucas originally wanted to make Flash Gordon; when he couldn't get rights, he created Star Wars instead. Let that sink in.
US
