AboutBarbara L. Baker Expertise I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, with expertise in film. I can answer most questions on the original "Star Wars" trilogy, and some on the newer trilogy. I also have expertise in general science-fiction film (both history and theory), especially in the United States. I can probably answer questions related to genres, mythic implications of science-fiction films, as well as questions on hybrids (especially comic science fiction) and cult science fiction films (such as "Repo Man" and "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai," etc.). For movie titles, noting significant plot details and characters are better than minor plot events, and it is even better if you can recall the time period when the film was made, an actor or director's name, and if it is a film or TV movie. I am less able to answer the following, although I will do my best to track down an answer for you--recent SF films, episodes of TV shows, and horror/SF hybrids. I cannot answer questions about anime/manga or about film collectables. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.
Experience
Past/Present clients My students at UCM, I suppose.
Expert: Barbara L. Baker Date: 4/16/2008 Subject: Quest for an old movie
Question I am trying to find out an old movie I saw as a child, probably in 70's. I can recall only some portions, which I think may (or may not) serve as hints. In this movie a colossal spaceship (like a big rock or a castle) appears and disappears at various unknown places. To find its next appearing location a group of people (heroes) visit an old lady, guarded by a big ant. After learning where to go this group ride horses that run so fast that it feels they are flying. They finally reach this huge spaceship and successfully finish their mission.
Any idea which movie I am talking about?
Answer Dear Hiway--this is "Krull" a 1983 fantasy/SF film. The bride of the hero is kept captive in the moving castle/fortress/spaceship by the Beast and his slayers, because of a prophecy that whomever she marries will be the ruler of the world, and their son the ruler of the galaxy.
The old woman the band of adventurers go to for information is actually the Widow of the Web, and she is guarded by a big spider (not an ant). The horses are special firemares that can not only feel like flying, they do fly over ravines, etc. very fast.
"Krull" was one of those cheesy movies from the early 1980s that has achieved cult status, and one of my favorites from the time period.
