Damnation Alley Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

After accidentally starting the apocalypse with a nudie mag and a cigar, some Air Force dudes go on a road trip to Albany in a tricked-out RV to find a town that mysteriously skipped the whole nuclear winter thing.

🍿 Damnation Alley: Detailed Plot Synopsis

World War III and Initial Survival

The film opens with the chilling depiction of the onset of World War III. Military personnel at a missile base witness the launch and impact of nuclear warheads across the United States. The base narrowly survives the initial onslaught, leaving a small group of officers grappling with the devastation.

The Landmaster and the Journey to Albany

Following a devastating accident at the missile base, a handful of survivors led by Major Denton (George Peppard) and Tanner (Jan-Michael Vincent) embark on a perilous journey to Albany, New York. They hope to find other survivors after picking up a faint radio signal. Their primary mode of transportation is the ‘Landmaster,’ a heavily armored and all-terrain vehicle designed for post-apocalyptic survival.

Encounters Along ‘Damnation Alley’

The group faces numerous dangers as they traverse the desolate landscape, known as ‘Damnation Alley.’ They encounter giant scorpions, hordes of killer cockroaches, and hostile survivors. Along their journey, they rescue Janice (Dominique Sanda) from Las Vegas and a young boy named Billy (Jackie Earle Haley), adding to their ragtag crew.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tanner (Jan-Michael Vincent): A resourceful and somewhat rebellious Air Force officer who is skilled with vehicles and eager to explore the post-apocalyptic world.
• Denton (George Peppard): A stern and by-the-book Air Force Major who leads the survivors on a perilous journey to find other settlements.
• Janice (Dominique Sanda): A resilient and attractive Las Vegas showgirl who joins the group and provides a spark of hope in the desolate world.
• Keegan (Paul Winfield): A friendly and supportive Air Force technician who provides valuable skills and companionship on the journey.
• Billy (Jackie Earle Haley): A resourceful young survivor who is adept at throwing rocks and helping the group navigate the dangers of the wasteland.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maj. Eugene Denton: “Tanner this is Denton! This whole town is infested with killer cockroaches. I repeat: KILLER COCKROACHES!” – Denton warns Tanner about the overwhelming number of giant cockroaches.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7.2M
• Domestic Gross: $7.6M
• Worldwide Gross: $7.6M

💥 Damnation Alley Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit it, I have a soft spot for this movie. It’s a total cheese-fest, but the Landmaster is awesome! I remember being a kid and wanting one so bad. Sure, the giant scorpions look like they were cut out of cardboard, and the ending is ridiculously happy, but it’s still a fun ride, and there are nostalgic aspects to it. Plus, seeing a young Jackie Earle Haley is a trip. I wouldn’t say it’s a *good* movie, but it’s definitely entertaining.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction”
  • “Viewers interested in campy B-movies”
  • “Those who appreciate unique vehicle designs like the Landmaster”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sci-fi violence”
  • “Brief suggestive content”
  • “Some scenes may be intense for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Sci-Fi Movie Critic: “Damnation Alley has a great concept, but falls short in execution. The Landmaster vehicle is undeniably cool, but the cheesy special effects and inconsistent plot make for a lackluster post-apocalyptic adventure. It is a B-movie at best, and is better left to nostalgia.
• Apocalypse Now!: “This movie’s strength lies in its visual interpretation of a world after the end. However, the plot and characters are underdeveloped. The effects don’t hold up and the story leaves little to the imagination. While the concept is sound, the delivery lacks the impact it needed. Entertaining but unfulfilling.

Audience Reactions

The Landmaster is the true star of the movie, an awesome machine.: Viewers loved the uniquely designed Landmaster vehicle and the imaginative post-apocalyptic landscape.

A nostalgic trip with crazy special effects and a cheesy but enjoyable story.: Many appreciate the movie for its campy charm and B-movie appeal.

Overall Consensus: Damnation Alley is generally considered a cheesy but enjoyable B-movie with a cool vehicle and imaginative post-apocalyptic setting, but plagued by poor special effects and inconsistent plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Landmaster vehicle, a key feature of the film, was actually built and functional, costing $300,000 in 1973. It has twelve wheels and was designed to traverse difficult terrains.”
• “Live Madagascar hissing cockroaches were used for close-up shots of the ‘killer cockroaches.’ Rubber mock-ups were used for group shots.”
• “Parts of the film were shot at the Meteor Crater in Arizona, using the crater’s south rim as the location for Billy’s hideout.”

🖥️ How to Watch Damnation Alley?

Currently, ‘Damnation Alley’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing, as options may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Damnation Alley, you might like these similar films:

• A Boy and His Dog (1975): Post-apocalyptic survival story with a focus on the relationship between humans and mutated creatures in a desolate landscape.
• Mad Max (1979): Features a similar desolate, post-apocalyptic setting and the struggle for survival in a world gone mad.
• The Road Warrior (1981): Continued themes such as post-apocalyptic survival, gasoline scarcity, and dangerous encounters on the open road.
• Zardoz (1974): A dystopian future where humanity has regressed into savage tribes.

🛒 Damnation Alley Related Products

• Landmaster Vehicle Diecast Model Kit: Build your own miniature replica of the iconic Landmaster vehicle from Damnation Alley. It features authentic details and is perfect for collectors and fans of the movie.
• Damnation Alley: The Roger Zelazny Collection: Experience the complete Damnation Alley story in this digital collection. Includes the original short story and expanded novella by Roger Zelazny. A must-read for Sci-Fi enthusiasts.
• Damnation Alley – Original Movie Poster: Own a piece of movie history with this high-quality reprint of the original Damnation Alley movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or Sci-Fi collection.
• Official Damnation Alley T-Shirt: Show your love for the cult classic with this stylish T-shirt featuring the Landmaster. Made from premium cotton for maximum comfort. Available in various sizes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Damnation Alley features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” – performed by Jan-Michael Vincent and Paul Winfield
• “Damnation Alley (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Damnation Alley (1977). Post-Apocalyptic Road Trip.

Curious about Damnation Alley? This review dives deep into why it didn’t quite hit the mark, especially with Star Wars stealing its thunder. I think it’s a fascinating look at a film that could have been!

GADGET LABO 202201 LANDMASTER in Damnation Alley

Ever wondered about that crazy vehicle in Damnation Alley? This video breaks down the Landmaster and its role in the movie’s story. Honestly, the vehicle is way more interesting than I thought!

✨ Rate