Princess of Mars
Encyclopedia
Princess of Mars is a 2009 direct-to-DVD
science fiction
film made by American independent studio The Asylum
, based on the 1917 novel A Princess of Mars
by author Edgar Rice Burroughs
. The novel shares some elements with James Cameron's Avatar, as mentioned on the film's promotional art. It is not to be confused with the higher-budget 2012 film John Carter, which is also an adaptation of the novel.
(Antonio Sabato, Jr.
) is a modern day U.S. Army
sniper
serving in Afghanistan
. Wounded in the line of duty, Carter is used in a teleportation experiment by the government. He is sent to an alien world called Mars (not the one in this solar system) by the military but which the natives call Barsoom
.
On this world, Carter exhibits the ability to leap amazing distances. Initially stripped and kept on a chain and collar as a captive of a group of green humanoids (known as Tharks
), he earns his place among them and also helps save a rival group's princess, the human-looking Dejah Thoris
(Traci Lords
), from death.
The group of Tharks, led by Tars Tarkas
, take Carter to their leader Tal Hajus. Learning that Tarkus gave Carter a military rank only Hajus can give. Tarkas and Carter are forced to duel. Carter wins and then faces Sarka, an Afghan
mercenary who had betrayed him. Sarka escapes, then Carter helps Tarkas kills Hajus and become the new leader of the Tharks.
Carter then learns that Thoris has fled to the planetary air-cleaning station that keeps Mars alive. Upon Carter's arrival, Sarka, in love with Thoris but spurned as she loves Carter, destroys the station's main generator, causing the atmosphere to deteriorate. Carter and Sarka face each other in a duel. Sarka is killed by an alien bug during the fight. After Carter and Thoris start the backup generator, Carter is returned to Earth. He declines to tell his superiors about his adventures for fear they will colonize the planet, and returns to military duties while hoping to find a way back to Barsoom.
for its alien landscape, appearing throughout the film as different locations.
Direct-to-video
Direct-to-video is a term used to describe a film that has been released to the public on home video formats without being released in film theaters or broadcast on television...
science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
film made by American independent studio The Asylum
The Asylum
The Asylum is an American film studio and distributor which focuses on producing low-budget, usually direct-to-video productions. The studio has produced titles that capitalize on productions by major studios; these titles have been dubbed "mockbusters" by the press.-History:The Asylum was founded...
, based on the 1917 novel A Princess of Mars
A Princess of Mars
A Princess of Mars is a science fiction novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the first of his Barsoom series. It is also Burroughs' first novel, predating his famous Tarzan series. Full of swordplay and daring feats, the novel is considered a classic example of 20th century pulp fiction...
by author Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American author, best known for his creation of the jungle hero Tarzan and the heroic Mars adventurer John Carter, although he produced works in many genres.-Biography:...
. The novel shares some elements with James Cameron's Avatar, as mentioned on the film's promotional art. It is not to be confused with the higher-budget 2012 film John Carter, which is also an adaptation of the novel.
Plot
John CarterJohn Carter (character)
John Carter is a fictional character, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, who appears in the Barsoom series of novels. Though actually a Virginian from Earth and a visitor to Mars, he is often referred to as "John Carter of Mars" in reference to the general setting in which his deeds are recorded, in...
(Antonio Sabato, Jr.
Antonio Sabàto, Jr.
Antonio Sabàto, Jr. is an American actor and model. Born in Italy and raised in the U.S., Sabàto first became known as a Calvin Klein model and for his role on the soap opera General Hospital. He continued appearing in films and television series throughout the 1990s and 2000s.-Early life:Sabàto...
) is a modern day U.S. Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
sniper
Sniper
A sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles....
serving in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
. Wounded in the line of duty, Carter is used in a teleportation experiment by the government. He is sent to an alien world called Mars (not the one in this solar system) by the military but which the natives call Barsoom
Barsoom
Barsoom is a fictional representation of the planet Mars created by American pulp fiction author Edgar Rice Burroughs, who wrote close to 100 action adventure stories in various genres in the first half of the 20th century, and is now best known as the creator of the character Tarzan...
.
On this world, Carter exhibits the ability to leap amazing distances. Initially stripped and kept on a chain and collar as a captive of a group of green humanoids (known as Tharks
Tharks
Thark or Tharks are a tribe of the race of fierce fictional Green Martian warriors on the fictional planet of Barsoom , created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and first featured in the 1917 novel A Princess of Mars. Tharks are around 15 feet tall, with tusks protruding from their mouths, green skin, and...
), he earns his place among them and also helps save a rival group's princess, the human-looking Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris is a fictional character in Edgar Rice Burroughs's series of Martian novels. Princess of the Martian city state/empire of Helium, Dejah Thoris is the love interest and later the wife of John Carter, an Earthman mystically transported to Mars, and subsequently the mother of their son...
(Traci Lords
Traci Lords
Traci Lords , also known as Traci Elizabeth Lords and Tracy Lords, is an American film actress, producer, film director, writer and singer...
), from death.
The group of Tharks, led by Tars Tarkas
Tars Tarkas
Tars Tarkas is a fictional character in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series. Though a great warrior and leader among his people he possesses a sense of compassion and empathy uncharacteristic of his race...
, take Carter to their leader Tal Hajus. Learning that Tarkus gave Carter a military rank only Hajus can give. Tarkas and Carter are forced to duel. Carter wins and then faces Sarka, an Afghan
Afghan
Afghan may refer to:* The country of Afghanistan, as abbreviated in reports as Afghan, or Afg.* Someone or something related to Afghanistan, see also Demography of Afghanistan* Afghan cuisine...
mercenary who had betrayed him. Sarka escapes, then Carter helps Tarkas kills Hajus and become the new leader of the Tharks.
Carter then learns that Thoris has fled to the planetary air-cleaning station that keeps Mars alive. Upon Carter's arrival, Sarka, in love with Thoris but spurned as she loves Carter, destroys the station's main generator, causing the atmosphere to deteriorate. Carter and Sarka face each other in a duel. Sarka is killed by an alien bug during the fight. After Carter and Thoris start the backup generator, Carter is returned to Earth. He declines to tell his superiors about his adventures for fear they will colonize the planet, and returns to military duties while hoping to find a way back to Barsoom.
Production
This film makes extensive use of the Vasquez RocksVasquez Rocks
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 905-acre northern Los Angeles County, California, USA park acquired by the Los Angeles County government in the 1970s...
for its alien landscape, appearing throughout the film as different locations.
Main cast
- Antonio Sabato Jr. - John CarterJohn Carter (character)John Carter is a fictional character, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, who appears in the Barsoom series of novels. Though actually a Virginian from Earth and a visitor to Mars, he is often referred to as "John Carter of Mars" in reference to the general setting in which his deeds are recorded, in...
- Traci LordsTraci LordsTraci Lords , also known as Traci Elizabeth Lords and Tracy Lords, is an American film actress, producer, film director, writer and singer...
- Dejah ThorisDejah ThorisDejah Thoris is a fictional character in Edgar Rice Burroughs's series of Martian novels. Princess of the Martian city state/empire of Helium, Dejah Thoris is the love interest and later the wife of John Carter, an Earthman mystically transported to Mars, and subsequently the mother of their son... - Matt Lasky - Tars TarkasTars TarkasTars Tarkas is a fictional character in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series. Though a great warrior and leader among his people he possesses a sense of compassion and empathy uncharacteristic of his race...
- Chacko VadakethChacko VadakethChacko Vadaketh is a Malaysian actor, writer, television personality and MC.-Background:He is a Malaysian lawyer turned actor of Indian/Syrian Christian descent. He got hooked on acting as an undergraduate at Cambridge University playing roles like Othello, Benvolio and Siddhartha...
- Sarka / Sab Than - Mitchell Gordon - Tal Hajus
- Noelle Perris - Sola
See also
- The Land That Time ForgotThe Land That Time Forgot (2009 film)The Land That Time Forgot is a 2009 science fiction film by independent American film studio The Asylum. The film is an adaptation of the 1918 Edgar Rice Burroughs novel of the same name, and a re-make of the 1975 Amicus film starring Doug McClure...
, another 2009 film adaptation of Edgar Rice Burrough's works by The Asylum. - H.G. Wells' War of the WorldsH.G. Wells' War of the Worlds (2005 film)H. G. Wells' War of the Worlds is a science fiction horror mockbuster by The Asylum. It is one of three 2005 film adaptations of H. G...
another Asylum film that features Martians.