View source for Deathstalker (1983 film)


{{other uses|Deathstalker (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox film
| name           = Deathstalker
| image          = Deathstalkerposter.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release film poster by [[Boris Vallejo]]
| director       = James Sbardellati (as John Watson)
| producer       = James Sbardellati
| writer         = [[Howard R. Cohen]]
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Richard Hill (actor)|Rick Hill]]
* [[Barbi Benton]]
* [[Richard Brooker (actor)|Richard Brooker]]
* [[Lana Clarkson]]
}}
| music          = Óscar Cardozo Ocampo
| cinematography = [[Leonardo Rodríguez Solís]]
| editing        = {{Plainlist|
* John K. Adams
* Silvia Ripoll
}}
| studio         = {{Plainlist|
* Aries Cinematográfica Argentina
* [[Roger Corman|Palo Alto]]
}}
| distributor    = [[New World Pictures]]
| released       = {{Film date|1983|9|2}}
| runtime        = 80 minutes
| country        = {{Plainlist|
* Argentina
* United States
}}
| language       = English
| budget         = $457,000
| gross          = $5 million (theatrical)<ref name="world"/> or $11.9 million<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087127/business Box Office/Business for ''Deathstalker''] [[IMDb]]</ref><ref>[https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=deathstalker.htm Box office for ''Deathstalker''] [[Box Office Mojo]]</ref>
}}
'''''Deathstalker''''', also known as '''''El cazador de la muerte''''', is a 1983 [[sword and sorcery]] film directed by James Sbardellati (credited as John Watson), and starring [[Richard Hill (actor)|Rick Hill]], [[Barbi Benton]], [[Bernard Erhard]] and [[Lana Clarkson]].

An [[co-production (media)|international co-production]] of Argentina and the United States, it was the first in a series of five films about the Deathstalker character and his adventures, and the first of ten films that [[Roger Corman]] produced in Argentina during the 1980s.<ref name="arg">[http://www.cinematofilos.com.ar/2008/03/hollywood-en-don-torcuato-primera-parte.html "Hollywood in Don Torcuato (first part)": When Roger Corman and his B-movies invaded Argentina] Cinematófilos.com.ar {{in lang|es}}</ref><ref>[https://muse.jhu.edu/article/170449 Falicov, Tamara L. "U.S.-Argentine Co-productions, 1982-1990: Roger Corman, Aries Productions, "Schlockbuster" Movies, and the International Market"] Film & History: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Film and Television Studies, vol. 34 no. 1, 2004, pp. 31-38. Project MUSE, doi:10.1353/flm.2004.0015</ref>

==Plot==
In a mythical land and time, the warrior Deathstalker is set by a [[witch]] on a quest to find a [[chalice]], an [[amulet]] and a sword, two of which are already held by the wicked [[Sorcerer (fantasy)|sorcerer]] Munkar, who has deposed the land's king and taken control as the new kingdom's regent. Deathstalker finds the sword almost immediately, which has been hidden by the witch in a cave guarded by an [[ogre]] and an [[imp]]. The imp Salmaron reveals himself to be a thief cursed by the witch and aids Deathstalker in defeating the ogre. Deathstalker removes the curse from Salmaron and the thief agrees to accompany Deathstalker on his journey. Sword in hand, Deathstalker sets out to Munkar's castle to gain the remaining objects of power.

On his journey, Deathstalker learns of a tournament from Oghris, a charming warrior. Munkar has invited warriors across the land to participate in contests until a winner is determined - the winner will inherit Munkar's kingdom. One night along the way to the tournament, the pair meet Kaira, a defiant female warrior who wears only a [[G-string]] and a cloak.  Later that night Deathstalker has sex with her. Salmaron looks on with amusement at the pair.  Kaira joins the group on their journey the next morning.

Arriving at Munkar's castle, Deathstalker and the other participants gather in Munkar's banquet room the night before the tournament. The warriors are invited to get drunk and rape Munkar's harem slaves, including Princess Codille. Oghris connects with one slave girl while Kaira keeps Deathstalker to herself. Deathstalker rescues Princess Codille, briefly, but Munkar takes her back. Munkar reveals to his assistant that his true agenda is for the warriors to fight each other to the death until only a weakened survivor remains for Munkar to kill. This would remove all threats to his rule. Munkar transforms his assistant into the likeness of the Princess and sends him to kill the hero; when Deathstalker attempts to rape Codille, he discovers that the woman is not all "woman" and sends her away. Kaira finds the assassin; assuming she is the real Codille, she is tragically killed by the assassin in a sword fight after Munkar's disguise spell wears off.

The night after the first day of the tournament, Oghris is taken by Munkar's men to a prison cell while Salmaron is attacked by prison guards. The thief is knocked into a well that leads to Munkar's harem. It is revealed that Oghris brought Deathstalker to the tournament expressly for Munkar and he is ordered to kill him. Reluctant to kill his friend, Oghris warns Deathstalker and asks the hero to just leave the tournament but Deathstalker refuses and attacks him. During the brawl, Oghris has the chance to draw the sword and kill Deathstalker but chooses to fight fairly and ultimately loses. Deathstalker says goodbye to the fighter and kills him.

The last day of the tournament arrives and there are only two competitors left: Deathstalker and an ogre. After a long fight, Deathstalker kills the ogre and moves to claim his prize. He is attacked by Munkar's men but makes his way to the amulet. Salmaron is discovered in the harem room but frees the women and helps them slay the guards. Deathstalker defeats the holder of the amulet and faces Munkar; he is able to defeat the sorcerer's illusions and claims the third object of power. Deathstalker declares he has no interest in Munkar's power or kingdom. He destroys the three objects of power and throws Munkar to a crowd of slaves who tear him apart.

==Cast==
{{Cast list |
* [[Richard Hill (actor)|Rick Hill]] as Deathstalker
* [[Barbi Benton]] as Codille
* [[Richard Brooker (actor)|Richard Brooker]] as Oghris
* [[Lana Clarkson]] as Kaira
* [[Victor Bo]] as Kang
* [[Bernard Erhard]] as Munkar
* [[:es:Augusto Larreta|Augusto Larreta]] as Salmaron 
* [[Verónica Llinás]] as Toralva (as Lillian Ker)<ref>[http://www.cinematofilos.com.ar/2008/03/hollywood-en-don-torcuato-segunda-parte.html "Hollywood in Don Torcuato (second part)": When Roger Corman and his B-movies invaded Argentina] Cinematófilos.com.ar {{in lang|es}}</ref>
* [[:es:Marcos Woinski|Marcos Woinsky]] as Gargit
* Adrian De Piero as Nicor
* Jorge Sorvik as King Tulak 
* [[:es:Boy Olmi|Boy Olmi]] as Young Man/Young Thief
* Horacio Marassi as Creature Leader (as Horace Marassi)
* [[:es:José Arevalo|José Arevalo]] as Pig Man (uncredited)<ref>[https://www.cinematofilos.com.ar/2008/03/hollywood-en-don-torcuato-segunda-parte.html Hollywood in Don Torcuato (Part 2 of 4). By Andrés Fevrier] Cinematofilos.com.ar (in Spanish)</ref>
* [[Patrick Duggan (actor)|Patrick Duggan]] as Colobri
* Maria Fournery as Anella
}}

==Production==
The movie was made to cash in on the success of ''[[Conan the Barbarian (1982 film)|Conan the Barbarian]]'' (1982). It was financed by Roger Corman (through his Palo Alto company) and distributed by New World Pictures. (Corman had recently sold New World but had an agreement for the new owners to distribute his films.)<ref name="world"/>

Richard Hill was a former football player at George Tech who had starred in ''Today's FBI''.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal|date=29 June 1983|page=42|title=Ex yellow jacket fights dark forces}}</ref>

Director James Sbardellati had shot the notorious "additional rape sequences" for Corman in ''[[Humanoids from the Deep]]''.<ref name="world">{{cite book|pages=229–230| title=Mind warp! : the fantastic true story of Roger Corman's New World Pictures|last=Koetting|first=Christopher T.|year=2013 }}</ref>

The film was shot on location and at Aries Studios in [[Buenos Aires]].<ref name="arg"/>

==Reception==
===Box office===
''Deathstalker'' was a hit at the box office, earning over $5 million in rentals.<ref name="world"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Domestic Box Office For 1983 |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/1983/ |access-date=2022-08-18 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref>  The film was also popular on [[home video]], becoming a staple during the fledgling days of [[cable television]] and [[video rentals]].<ref>The Current Hits Hunt, Dennis. Los Angeles Times 30 Nov 1984: oc_e21.</ref>

===Critical response===
The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' noted that the film was "funny on purpose" and "pleasantly silly", while also praising its "brisk direction".<ref>Movie review: 'Deathstalker' has a sense of humor Thomas, Kevin. Los Angeles Times 6 Jan 1984: g4.</ref> Conversely, ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' called it "a cauldron brimming with stale filmmaking, stone-faced acting and primitive editing. Aside from the nasty rapes (I lost count after six) and the endless violence, ''Deathstalker'' drips with derivative dullness... The movie is so bad that the director can't even give you a credible decapitation".<ref>Review movie; 'Deathstalker' Blowen, Michael. Boston Globe 17 Mar 1984: 1.</ref>

==Sequels==
The film's commercial success encouraged [[Roger Corman]] and Argentinian producer-director [[Héctor Olivera (film director)|Hector Olivera]] to collaborate again to produce ''[[Barbarian Queen]]'', with [[Lana Clarkson]] in the title role. Three sequels were released: ''[[Deathstalker II]]'', ''[[Deathstalker and the Warriors from Hell]],'' and ''[[Deathstalker IV: Match of Titans]]''.<ref name="world"/>

==Reboot==
{{Main|Deathstalker (2025 film)}}
In March 2024, it was announced that a ''[[Deathstalker (2025 film)|Deathstalker]]'' reboot was in the works from Canadian director Steven Kostanski, with veteran action star [[Daniel Bernhardt]] taking over the titular role. Berserker Gang, a genre film company co-founded by musician [[Slash (musician)|Saul "Slash" Hudson]], is a partner in the production.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.flickeringmyth.com/deathstalker-reboot-in-the-works-from-psycho-goreman-director/ | title =Deathstalker reboot in the works from Psycho Goreman director | last1 =Collinson | first1 =Gary | date =March 16, 2024 | website =flickeringmyth.com | access-date =May 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =https://variety.com/2024/film/global/roger-corman-deathstalker-reboot-slash-first-look-cannes-1236008573/ | title =Roger Corman Reboot 'Deathstalker', Exec Produced by Guns N' Roses' Slash, Unveils First Look, Raven Banner Launches Sales at Cannes | last1 =Ramachandran | first1 =Naman | date =May 18, 2024 | work =variety.com | access-date =May 29, 2023}}</ref> A crowdfunding campaign launched on March 1, 2024, on [[Kickstarter]] to bring in additional financing.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://www.screendaily.com/news/daniel-bernhardt-to-star-in-reboot-of-roger-cormans-deathstalker-films-exclusive/5191164.article | title =Daniel Bernhardt to star in reboot of Roger Corman's 'Deathstalker' films (exclusive) | last1 =Kay | first1 =Jeremy | date =March 2, 2014 | work =Screen International | access-date =May 29, 2023}}</ref> By May, filming had begun in Canada.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://variety.com/2024/film/global/roger-corman-deathstalker-reboot-slash-first-look-cannes-1236008573/ | title =Roger Corman Reboot 'Deathstalker,' Exec Produced by Guns N' Roses' Slash, Unveils First Look, Raven Banner Launches Sales at Cannes (EXCLUSIVE) | last1 =Ramachanran | first1 =Naman | date =May 18, 2024 | work =Variety | access-date =October 15, 2024}}</ref>

The film is due to release in the United States on October 10, 2025.

==Comic book adaptation==
In late 2023, [[Vault Comics]] announced an eponymous series based on the ''Deathstalker'' property, which served as a teaser for the aforementioned reboot. Producer [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] and director Kostanski are joined by [[Tim Seeley]], Jim Terry and Kurt Michael Russell on the creative team.<ref>{{cite web | url =https://screenrant.com/exclusive-vault-comics-deathstalker-slash-guns-n-roses/ | title =Exclusive: Deathstalker Coming from Guns N' Roses Guitarist Slash | author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> | date = December 21, 2023 | website =screenrant.com | access-date =April 2, 2023}}</ref>

==Legacy==
The film launched the career of [[Lana Clarkson]], who became a recognizable cult celebrity in the genre. Clarkson later worked with [[Roger Corman]] on ''[[Barbarian Queen]]'' and ''[[Barbarian Queen II: The Empress Strikes Back]]'', and guest starred in an episode of ''[[Black Scorpion (TV series)|Black Scorpion]]''.

Corman went on to make nine more films in Argentina:
*''[[The Warrior and the Sorceress]]'' (1984)
*''[[Wizards of the Lost Kingdom]]'' (1985)
*''[[Barbarian Queen]]'' (1985)
*''[[Cocaine Wars]]'' (1985)
*''[[Amazons (1986 film)|Amazons]]'' (1986)
*''[[Deathstalker II]]'' (1987)
*''[[Stormquest]]'' (1987)
*''[[Two to Tango]]'' (1988)
*''[[Play Murder for Me]]'' (1990)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0087127|Deathstalker}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|deathstalker|Deathstalker}}
* [http://www.badmovies.org/movies/deathstalker/ Deathstalker B-Movie Review]
* [https://trashfilmguru.wordpress.com/tag/rick-hill/ Review] at Trash Film Guru
* [http://psychodrivein.com/dungeons-d-listers-deathstalker-1983/ Review] at Psycho Drive In

{{Deathstalker}}

[[Category:Deathstalker (film series)]]
[[Category:1983 films]]
[[Category:1980s fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:1983 adventure films]]
[[Category:American fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:American sword and sorcery films]]
[[Category:English-language Argentine films]]
[[Category:Films about rape]]
[[Category:Films about witchcraft]]
[[Category:Films about wizards]]
[[Category:Films set in castles]]
[[Category:Argentine fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:1983 English-language films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Buenos Aires]]
[[Category:1983 American films]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy adventure films]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Deathstalker (1983 film)|access_date=2026-03-02}}