Forgotten Films: Webb Wilder, Private Eye in “The Saucer’s Reign” (1984)
This is the 48th in my series of Forgotten Obscure or Neglected Films
A short short this week with a science fiction connection. My friend Mike Madonna provided me with a copy of this film more than 20 years ago. I watched it at that time and was not particularly impressed. But, today I was contemplating what film to watch and talk about and this one leaped into my hands.
Webb Wilder is a country/rock musician of some repute. I saw him at Farm Aid in 1992 and immediately went out and bought his CD “Doo Dad” which is quite fun. It features a pretty wonderful version of “I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night”. The original recording by The Electric Prunes is my all time favorite rock and roll psychedelic single, so the fact that I love his version speaks well of it. I also got the albums “Hybrid Vigor” and “Town and Country”, both of which are quite fun. “Town and Country” is a cover album featuring some of the band’s favorite songs done their way, including “Talk Talk” (originally done by The Music Machine) and the “Goldfinger” theme done by Shirley Bassey and John Barry. Wonderfully eclectic stuff.
“The Saucer’s Reign” is the first of several short films featuring WW as the Private Eye/Security Guard at JC Penney. The film was written and directed by Stephen Mims who did several of the Webb Wilder films including HORROR HAYRIDE and CORN FLICKS.
Done in a film noir voiceover and grainy black and white film, WW receives a mysterious offer in the mail to come investigate the disappearance of Pristene Suggs (played by Pristene Suggs). Her husband Hiwayne Suggs (Roger Brinegar) believes she has been kidnapped by aliens. And, since he told someone on a party line, everyone seems to want to weigh in on it. The news media is everywhere and Webb must still investigate. The investigation leads him to various eccentric figures and trailer trash before he is able to solve the mystery. At 12 minutes, it is just about the proper length for the story.
When I originally saw this in 1985 or so, I was not very impressed. Mike reminded me that my original comment was something along the lines of I know too many people like that” or something similar at the time. Though, since I recently reviewed SP Somtow’s THE LAUGHING DEAD here a few weeks ago and have seen other films created with various entertainment figures I am much more tolerant as I certainly could not do this. Also as I am a fan of Webb’s music it helped with the film.
It is worth looking up. The DVD of CORN FLICKS which contains “The Saucer’s Reign” is available signed or plain from Webb’s website as well as several of his CD’s and other merchandise. If you are so inclined, I am sure he would appreciate the sales.
Series organizer Todd Mason hosts more Tuesday Forgotten Film reviews at his own blog and posts a complete list of participating blogs.
