Starcrash

Starcrash

Year: 1978

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Luigi Cozzi

Science FictionFantasyMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseAction-packed space and alien sagasImaginative space odysseys and alien encounters

A galactic adventure beyond your wildest dreams. Two smugglers on the run rescue a lone survivor of a covert mission to destroy a mysterious superweapon built by the evil Count Zartharn. The Emperor then recruits them to finish the weapon’s destruction and to locate his missing son.

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Timeline & Setting – Starcrash (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Starcrash (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Distant Galaxy, Count Zarth Arn's Weaponized Planet, Amazon Fortress Planet, Frozen Planet, Emperor's Flagship, Floating City

The story unfolds across a distant galaxy with multiple habitats. It travels from smugglers’ frontiers to Count Zarth Arn's weaponized planet, into the Amazon fortress, and then to a frozen world where survival hinges on endurance. The Floating City and the Emperor's flagship anchor the climactic space battle, illustrating a saga that spans frontier worlds, ancient tribes, and towering war machines.

🚀 Space Opera 🪐 Galactic Conflict 🗺️ Diverse Worlds

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:35

Main Characters – Starcrash (1978)

Meet the key characters of Starcrash (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Count Zartharn (Joe Spinell)

A power-hungry antagonist whose plans hinge on weaponizing a planet and destroying the Emperor. He uses deception and ruthless force to manipulate allies and trap his enemies, revealing a calculating, merciless mindset. His grand scheme drives the entire conflict, and his presence casts a long shadow over every location visited by the protagonists.

villain power-hungry manipulative

Stella Star (Caroline Munro)

A daring starship smuggler with quick wit and resourcefulness. She becomes a central figure in the mission to retrieve the hidden weapon, displaying courage under fire and a readiness to risk herself for friends and mission success. Her leadership and tenacity propel much of the plot’s momentum.

leader daring resilient

Akton (Marjoe Gortner)

A loyal companion who champions the mission with a laser sword and steady resolve. He shows selflessness, repeatedly placing others’ safety above his own. His bravery culminates in a sacrificial act that alters the battle’s course and aids Stella and Elle.

loyal brave self-sacrificing

Elle (Hamilton Camp)

A robot sheriff who evolves from adversary to crucial ally. He aids Stella and Akton in their quest, using his capabilities to secure their safety. After a pivotal injury, he is restored by Emperor’s forces, symbolizing themes of resilience and loyal service.

robot ally strategist loyal

Thor (Robert Tessier)

A space police chief who initially enforces imperial order but is later revealed to be an agent aligned with Zarth Arn. His betrayal adds a layer of political intrigue and complication to the protagonists’ path to freedom.

betrayal authority deceit

Emperor (Christopher Plummer)

Ruler of the Galaxy who orchestrates grand strategies to counter Zarth Arn. He employs a stop-time device to create a window for escape and leads the final push against the enemy with a fleet-driven counteroffensive that culminates in victory.

ruler strategist benevolent

Prince Simon (David Hasselhoff)

The Emperor’s son who arrives to aid Stella, rescuing her with laser-eye attacks. His presence signals hope for the royal dynasty and underscores the stakes of galactic succession.

heir ally rescuer

Corelia, Queen of the Amazons (Nadia Cassini)

Leader of an Amazonian tribe who is allied with Zarth Arn. She holds Stella for leverage, contributing to the planet’s perilous political landscape. Her alliance with the Count makes her a pivotal antagonist in the Amazon fortress arc.

antagonist royal traitor

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:35

Major Themes – Starcrash (1978)

Explore the central themes of Starcrash (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Resistance

The narrative centers on resistance against tyranny as Stella Star and Akton refuse to submit to the exploitative plans of Count Zarth Arn. Alliances form between unlikely partners—smugglers, rebels, and imperial forces—driving them to fight for freedom across hostile worlds. The story frames courage as a collective act, not just a single hero’s journey. It highlights the persistence required to withstand imperial overreach and weaponized power.

🤖 Technology

Technology in Starcrash is both tool and weapon, embodied by the robot Elle and the orbital weapons at the Count’s disposal. The clash between advanced machinery and human ingenuity drives much of the tension, revealing how machines can aid or threaten humanity. The Emperor’s ability to stop time and the robotic antagonists underscore the double-edged nature of technological progress. The narrative uses science fiction tech to question control, surveillance, and autonomy.

🔥 Sacrifice

Sacrifice emerges as a core motive: Akton’s final battle and death exemplify personal risk for the greater mission. The alliance’s resilience—Elle’s revival and Stella’s perseverance—emphasizes that survival and victory often come at a cost. The Emperor and Stella must choose between personal safety and the fate of the galaxy. The story treats sacrifice as a catalyst for turning the tides in an arduous war.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:35

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Starcrash Summary

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Starcrash Summary

Starcrash Timeline

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Starcrash Timeline

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Starcrash (1978) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Starcrash (1978) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Starcrash (1978) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow