Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam
| Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | John R. Cherry III |
| Produced by |
Jerry Carden John R. Cherry III |
| Written by | John R. Cherry III |
| Starring |
Jim Varney Glenn Petach |
| Distributed by | GoodTimes Home Video |
Release dates |
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Running time | 92 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam is a 1986 science fiction comedy film starring Jim Varney. It was written and directed by John R. Cherry III. It is the first film to feature the Ernest P. Worrell character. However, it has a slightly darker tone than his future films.[1] The film was released on video in 1992 by GoodTimes Home Video. It was shot in Fall Creek Falls State Park, Boxwell Scout Reservation, and Nashville, Tennessee. It is also the only film not to use Ernest's name in its title.
Plot synopsis
Dr. Otto is a mysterious villain with a hand growing on top of his head. He is plotting world domination using his gloom beam, which can delete matter or memory and has the power to destroy the world. The bumbling hero Lance Sterling is the only one who can stop him, but his only clue is a riddle which reads: "When the money is scrambled to the very last cent, riots and hatred soon will commence. When all the world's commerce will be put in a bind, from the evil that lurks where the sun never shines. It is I, Dr. Otto von Schnick -ick-ick-ick, who has played on you this trick-ick-ick-ick." "But who's Dr. Otto?" you may well ponder, while all your magnetic cash is squandered. It's he who had an eye, and yet couldn't see. It's he who served bouillabaisse, when he was a she. It's he who gambled with brains, and a gun. It's he who had all, and yet had none. And to stop this horrible twisted trick, just exchange the poles of old Saint Nick. And if that doesn't do to save the day, put another quarter in and try another play."
Soon Lance and his assistant Doris drive by Dr Otto's lair when they have car trouble, caused by Dr. Otto's gloom beam. They set off to find a phone to call for a mechanic. They eventually wander into a day care, run by Dr. Otto, which trains the kids to be soldiers. After a few adventures they finally find Otto's lair and have a fight with the doctor. The lair explodes and it all appears to be over, though Dr. Otto apparently escaped. Lance and his friends push the car to a gas station, where the owner turns out to be Dr. Otto, disguised as Ernest P. Worrell. Lance asks for gas, but Dr. Otto replies they didn't have any. Lance and gang push the car off screen and Dr. Otto lifts his hat to reveal a hand on top of his head and yells "Have a good day, knowwhatimean!"
Cast
- Jim Varney - Ernest P. Worrell, Dr. Otto, Rudd Hardtact and others[2]
- Glenn Petach - Otto's Head Hand
- Myke R. Mueller - Lance Sterling
- Jackie Welch - Doris
- Daniel Butler - Slave Willie, Kegler
- Esther Huston - Tina
- Henry Arnold - Bank Officer
- Bill Byrge - Gas Station Attendant
- Mac Bennett - V.P. # 1
- David Landon - Bank President Rutherford
- Mary Jane Harvill - Lance's Mom
- Winslow Stillman - Lance's Dad
- Irv Kane - Herr Vonschnick
- Leslie Potter - Madame Vonschnick
References
- ↑ "Ernest P. Gets Rich With Vern". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
- ↑ "Varney: The Importance of Being Ernest". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-10-06.