Deathstalker (film)

For other uses, see Deathstalker (disambiguation).

Deathstalker
Promotional film poster
Directed by	James Sbardellati
Produced by	Roger Corman (executive producer) James Sbardellati (producer)
Written by	Howard R. Cohen
Music by	Óscar Cardozo Ocampo
Cinematography	Leonardo Rodríguez Solís
Editing by	John K. Adams Silvia Ripoll
Release date(s)	1983
Running time	80 min.
Country	Argentina
Language	English

Deathstalker is a 1983 Argentine low-budget science fiction fantasy film adventure directed by James Sbardellati.

Plot

The warrior Deathstalker is sent by a witch on a quest to find a chalice, an amulet, and a sword, two of which are held by the wicked sorcerer Munkar. Deathstalker finds the sword almost immediately, which has been hidden by the witch in a cave. Sword in hand, Deathstalker sets out to Munkar's castle.

On his journey, Deathstalker learns of a tournament from Oghris (Richard Brooker), a charming warrior in midriff-baring armor. Munkar has invited warriors to participate in contests until a winner is determined, thereby inheriting Munkar's kingdom. Along the way to the tournament, the pair meet Kaira, a female warrior (Lana Clarkson) who wears only a G-string and a cloak, who joins them on their journey.

Arriving at Munkar's castle, Deathstalker and the other tournament participants are invited to get drunk and rape Munkar's harem slaves, including Princess Codille (Barbi Benton). Deathstalker rescues Princess Codille, briefly, but Munkar takes her back.

The tournament continues for several days, while Deathstalker searches for the other two artifacts at night. Eventually, nearly all of the other contestants have killed each other, and Deathstalker faces Munkar and defeats him.

Cast

• Rick Hill as Deathstalker
• Barbi Benton as Codille
• Richard Brooker as Oghris
• Lana Clarkson as Kaira
• Victor Bo as Kang
• Bernard Erhard as Munkar
• August Larreta as Salmaron
• Lillian Ker as Toralva
• Marcos Woinsky as Gargit
• Adrian De Piero as Nicor
• George Sorvic as King Tulak
• Boy Olmi as Young Man
• Horace Marassi as Creature Leader
• Patrick Duggan as Colobri
• Maria Fournery as Anella

Response

A modest success due to its release at a time when Conan the Barbarian was creating a market for sword and sorcery films, the movie is noteworthy for launching the career of Lana Clarkson, who became a recognizable cult celebrity in the genre. Clarkson would go on to work with executive producer Roger Corman on the films Barbarian Queen and Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back, and guest star in an episode of the television show Black Scorpion.

The video and DVD versions of the film became a staple during the fledgling days of cable television and video rentals.

Because the film was made on a tight budget, it proved to be a commercial success and encouraged Roger Corman and Argentinian producer Hector Olivera to collaborate again to produce Barbarian Queen with Lana Clarkson in the titular role.

External links

• Deathstalker at the Internet Movie Database
• Deathstalker B-Movie Review