The Odd and Curious Life of The Rocketeer
Video from The Royal Ocean Film Society
If you never saw this Disney movie back in 1991 or haven't seen in a long time now's the time!
The Rocketeer was a superhero adventure film based on the character from the comic book by artist Dale Stevens. Stevens also served as co-producer for the film.
The Rocketeer was a flop at the box office yet like many TV shows or movies over time it has become recognized as an excellent movie. It was directed by Joe Johnston with had a talented cast of actors: Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton, Paul Sorvino, and Tiny Ron Taylor. The movie was set in 1938 Los Angeles, California, The Rocketeer tells the story of stunt pilot Cliff Secord who discovers a jet pack that enables him to fly. His subsequent heroic deeds attracts the attention of Howard Hughes and the FBI, as well as some very nasty Nazi operatives.
Joe Johnston got his start with George Lucas as a special effects artist and visual effects model builder etc.
His list of excellent films is long. If you get a chance watch "The Rocketeer" - Andy
The Rocketeer - Trailer (1991)
Video from World of Trailers
"The official trailer for the movie "The Rocketeer" "A young pilot stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high-flying masked hero." Director: Joe Johnston Writers: Dave Stevens, Danny Bilson, Paul De Meo Stars: Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton Genre: Action, Adventure, Family" from vide introduction
The Rocketeer Filming Locations
Video from Stanley Foss
"The Rocketeer movie filming locations. Join me as we go on an adventure from Santa Maria, CA to Piru, CA and the greater Los Angeles area, looking for the filming location to the 1991 movie The Rocketeer. In this video you will see Bigelow's Hanger; the Ennis House, Jenny Blakes dormitory and much much more." from video introduction
The Rocketeer Minute Podcast
Video from The Rocketeer Minute Podcast
"Welcome to the show! Hal and Jim sit down to watch their favorite movie, one minute of screen time per episode. Strap yourself in, and get ready for adventure!" from video introduction
Director Joe Johnston
Joe Johnston interview - The Rocketeer
Video from mengutimur
"American director Joe Johnston talks with Mike White of The Projection Booth about his 1991 film The Rocketeer." from video introduction
This is a long interview, two hours long but worth it. - Andy
Joe Johnston's Star Wars Concept Art is Still Awesome 35 Years Later
"If you are having a discussion about visual effects, leaving Joe Johnston out of it would be doing yourself a disservice. He was an effects artist on the first two Star Wars films, and was art director for Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. His work on Raiders even won him an Academy Award. He has also directed two of my favorite superhero movies of all time, The Rocketeer and Captain America: The First Avenger.
To help whet our whistles for The Force Awakens this December, the good folks over at Imgur have released a gallery of concept art from Johnston for The Empire Strikes Back. Among these awesome drawings are the original concepts for the AT-ATs, or Imperial Walkers. This picture shows an early idea of a rear turret:
from the article: JOE JOHNSTON’S STAR WARS CONCEPT ART IS STILL AWESOME 35 YEARS LATER
Music by James Horner
Video from James Horner - Topic
"Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group Main Title (2020 Remaster) · James Horner The Rocketeer ℗ 2020 Hollywood Records, Inc." from video introduction
In Memoriam James Horner - Hollywood in Vienna
Video from hollywoodinvienna
"James Horner received the Max Steiner Film Music Achievement Award by the City of Vienna in 2013. Here you can watch his emotional acceptance speech and some impressions from this marvelous celebration. Deborah Cox and Jeremy Schonfeld perform "If We Hold on Together" conducted by David Newman." from video introduction
Visit the website: James Horner Film Music (link)
James Horner I believe gave us some of the most beautiful compositions for films in my lifetime at least. They take you into the film weaving our emotions and understanding that can be accomplished in no other way. Is is greatly missed as are many others who are now absent from the body. - Andy
The article below from IMdb gives an excellent summation of all the great film music composers.
100 Greatest Movie Composers (link)
The Animated TV Series
The Rocketeer is a Disney Junior animated series based on the film and the comic book. The animated series premiered on November 8, 2019 and only ran for one season.