The Earthling Poster

The Earthling 1980

★ 6.232 votes97 min📅 1980-07-24

"Two alone in the wilderness. One learned to survive, the other to love."

Peter Collinson's gripping 1980 adventure-drama *The Earthling* plunges viewers into the rugged Australian outback, where survival and unexpected bonds collide.

Director: Peter Collinson

Cast

William Holden
William Holden
Patrick Foley
Rick Schroder
Rick Schroder
Shawn Daley
Jack Thompson
Jack Thompson
Ross Daley
Olivia Hamnett
Olivia Hamnett
Bettina Daley
Alwyn Kurts
Alwyn Kurts
Christian Neilson
Pat Evison
Pat Evison
Meg Neilson
Redmond Phillips
Redmond Phillips
Bobby Burns
Ray Barrett
Ray Barrett
Parnell
Tony Barry
Tony Barry
Red
Allan Penney
Harlan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Earthling (1980) about?

A terminally ill man retreats to the Australian wilderness to spend his final days alone, but his solitude shatters when he rescues a young boy whose parents were killed. What follows is a journey of survival, mentorship, and unexpected tenderness unfolding against the harsh beauty of the outback.

Who directed The Earthling?

The Earthling was directed by Peter Collinson, a filmmaker known for blending action and drama in visually striking settings.

Who stars in The Earthling?

The cast includes William Holden as the weary protagonist, Rick Schroder as the young survivor, and Jack Thompson in a pivotal supporting role.

Is The Earthling (1980) worth watching?

As a 1980 survival drama with a stellar lead performance from William Holden, *The Earthling* offers a poignant exploration of resilience and human connection. While not widely rated, its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth make it a hidden gem for fans of classic adventure films.

How long is The Earthling?

The Earthling runs for 97 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Earthling (1980) — A Gritty Survival Drama with William Holden

Peter Collinson's gripping 1980 adventure-drama *The Earthling* plunges viewers into the rugged Australian outback, where survival and unexpected bonds collide. The film follows a weary man, freshly diagnosed with a terminal illness, who seeks solitude in the wilderness only to cross paths with a young boy orphaned by violence. What begins as a solitary retreat spirals into a journey of protection and reluctant fatherhood, as the hardened man takes the child under his wing. Set against vast, sun-scorched landscapes, the story weaves themes of resilience, fading hope, and the quiet strength found in human connection.

Starring screen legend William Holden alongside a young Rick Schroder, *The Earthling (1980)* blends raw drama with the gritty realism of frontier survival. Collinson crafts an atmospheric tale that balances tension with tender moments, exploring how adversity can transform strangers into family. The film's stark beauty and emotional depth resonate long after the credits roll.