Who would have thought a mild-mannered TV movie from the late 70s would end up puzzling audiences decades later? And yet, here we are, pondering the enigma that is 'Dr. Strange,' the 1978 film that introduced the world to Marvel's mystical superhero decades before the MCU made these characters worldwide phenomena. First airing on September 6, 1978, on CBS, this television film attempted to bring Stephen Strange to life, long before Benedict Cumberbatch's rendition made him a household name.
Strange's creation wasn't some random, button mashing on a script machine. Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, icons of the comic book world, created Dr. Strange in 1963, but it took 15 years before this sorcerer found his first live-action manifestation. Philip DeGuere directed this kaleidoscopic endeavor, trying to weave together the cosmic and mysticism into a palatable hour and a half for a mainstream audience who might have never read a comic book in their lives.
Given the late 70s context, what did audiences actually get with this futuristic approach to storytelling? The plot itself followed a fairly straightforward trajectory. In this iteration, Dr. Stephen Strange, played by Peter Hooten, is a psychiatry resident who gets embroiled in a battle between the forces of good, led by Thomas Lindmer, and evil, personified by Morgan Le Fay. Yes, not only was the man a doctor, but he was also a soon-to-be sorcerer - because what self-respecting 1970s protagonist wouldn't wear multiple hats?
While some might balk at the special effects, considering them cringeworthy by today’s standards, it’s essential to appreciate what was diligently produced at the time. The film tried to capture the spirit of its comic book origins through psychedelic sequences and otherworldly landscapes, albeit constrained by the era's technological limits. The representation was a mix of creativity, ambition, and earnestness, but let’s not pretend it's 1970s cinematic gold – more like a hidden gem, rough around the edges.
Then there's the cast. Peter Hooten approached the character of Dr. Strange with a very 70s sort of stoic charisma, along with Jessica Walter, who played the villainous Morgan le Fay with a flair only she could muster. Between questionable wigs and fashion that's best left in the past, these performers did their level best to capture the warp and weft of magical storytelling. Clyde Kusatsu also makes his stand as Wong, stress-testing the boundaries of tokenism versus substantial character portrayal—an issue Hollywood wasn't exactly cautious about back then.
One must ask why this sorcerer was needed - simply put, to engage a thrill-hungry TV audience with Marvel's otherworldly dose of escapism. But why didn't it succeed? The answer may be tied more to timing than execution. Marvel's attempted foray into live-action TV shows and movies in the 70s didn't catch like wildfire. Running against the grain of America’s political climate steeped in cold war paranoia and an MTV culture shift, did 'Dr. Strange' ever stand a chance?
It’s essential to consider that this film was a lull before the storm of superhero culture we are immersed in today. A proto-attempt which showcased the multidimensional potential of Marvel's myriad of stories untapped at that time. This flick was far from a box-office hit. In fact, it was more like a ship imploding quietly in the night. The viewing figures were lackluster, failing to translate this cinematic trial balloon into a series, which was the initial hope.
What did 'Dr. Strange' represent politically, aside from a bunch of special effects and magical babbling? It was a subtle rebellion against the grounded narratives that littered the cultural landscape. The 70s hosted explorations of the human psyche and social commentary - contrast this with Dr. Strange’s air of mystical escapism. A man who swaps stethoscopes for a cape flouting mundane societal norms aligned with the undercurrents of rebellion running through 70s America.
In retrospect, what failed to capture mainstream attention in 1978 can now be viewed through a prism of nostalgia and curiosity. This attempt, honorable as any, was the first step on a long journey for Marvel's magical doctor, culminating in global recognition with the 2016 big-screen success. What once was a cult piece, only discussed in quiet corners by die-hard fans, is now part of an expanded universe lauded worldwide.
A film like this holds lessons for media production. Critical appreciation is not always immediate, nor is it always deserved—but what it is, is influential in ways not always predictable. 'Dr. Strange' may not have changed the game in 1978, but it shone a faint, albeit colorful, beacon that contributed to the gradual forging of an entertainment goliath. To dismiss this entirely would be to willfully ignore the stitches in the rich tapestry of modern interactive media.