People, Sep. 8, 1980

Can Flash Gordon, space ace of the 1930s, captivate audiences who have had Close Encounters of a latter-day kind? Film Producer Dino De Laurentiis thinks so, provided a few adjustments are made. In Flash Gordon, opening in December, the hero is no longer a polo-playing Yale grad but a New York Jets quarterback. His girl, Dale Arden, has become a working woman—a travel agent. And the hand-cranked special effects of Buster Crabbe's day have given way to Star Wars technics. Arch enemy Ming the Merciless hasn't changed a bit. Still "a mixture of Mephisto...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!