Do you think that Captain America made his big screen debut this Summer in The First Avenger? Think again. Aside from the 1991 feature film and the Republic Films serial, there is another lesser known live action project spotlighting the shield-hurling hero. In 1979, Reb Brown (star of the MST3K -lampooned ‘Space Mutiny’) starred in a pair of Captain America TV movies that have remained in obscurity since they originally appeared.
Here’s a taste…
Captain America 1979
Finally (?) both Captain America and its sequel Death Comes Too Soon, co-starring Christopher Lee of Hammer Horror and Star Wars fame, will be released by Shout! Factory in deluxe digital editions.
Captain America (1979) Trailer
The TV movies take a healthy amount of liberties, from the super soldier serum being called FLAG—Full Latent Ability Gain to the details surrounding his origin (Rogers receives the injection after surviving a car crash). As a kid, I remember being a fan of both the Amazing Spider-Man and Incredible Hulk TV series (heck, I even watch a bit of Wonder Woman), but recall being very confused by this one.
Working with a a team of experts, Rogers is a cut-rate Bionic Man fighting villains who pose a threat to the country. A customized motorcycle, van and shield complete the hero’s arsenal, but his own enhanced abilities serve him best in his missions. Utilizing the tried and true ‘special effects’ very familiar to Wonder Woman, Captain America can jump great heights, is capable of feats of strength and runs remarkably fast. It’s all very schticky, and Reb Brown’s acting gives a new meaning to term ‘wooden,’ but if you are in need of a fun retro flick, this could be worth a look.
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The Daily P.O.P. 
Cap in a motorcycle helmet played by a Leif Garrett wannabe? Solid GOLD. I mean, how could *that* premise go wrong? Pity Christopher Lee (it’s better than having to be a gravedigger, though. Just).
And as for Wonder Woman, I’m not surprised you watched it. Fantastic theme song and Gorgeous Lynda Carter (that pretty face and smile, those stunning legs and those lovely) embodying Diana with complete conviction, C’est Magnifique. Yes it wasn’t accomplished drama (to say the least) but it *was* FUN and who could resist the goofiness (children dressed as aliens whose alien nature was indicated by being swathed in *tinsel*? A-MAY-ZING. Ha), until it got TOO goofy that is.
Speaking of these things, note how Wonder Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, and (especially) The Incredible Hulk had wonderful theme tunes, another strike against Captain Fauxmerica I feel (and most shows from the past 15 years or so!)
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Yes, the Captain America 1979 ‘theme song’ is 100% schlocky 70’s. And no one can replace Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman… no one. She embodies a unique blend of beauty and sexiness without being explicit.
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You know, I remember these movies though they aren’t a patch on the modern movie they do give us a glimpse into 70’s TV and can be enjoyed as such.
Incidentally, Lou Ferrigno and Reb Brown worked together as ex-Vietnam vets drawn into the shady world of underground streetfighting.
The film was called The Cage and was successful enough to spawn a sequel called The Cage 2.
Lou was doing his best Stallone impression, check it out and let me know what you think. I have the interview that Lou did to promote and it was quite interesting. I only have the first one and have never seen number two.
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Exactly right, Dailypopster. She was perfect casting. It’s interesting, Ms Carter was drop dead gorgeous as Wonder Woman, and wore what was basically a modified swimsuit but she was always Strong and not objectified. The men were pretty useless in comparison physically, and often in terms of compassion as well. She was a role model (tho’ I hate that term). Sure, Lynda Carter’s Diana was attractive but that wasn’t the basis for the character, SHE was in control. I do remember reading a review from a female critic who said that Carter was an excellent W.W. but too busty! Jeez, that would increase the confidence of women who have the temerity to be well-endowed, wouldn’t it?! It wasn’t as if she were Dolly Parton… As I’ve said I thought Ms Carter was lovely but it’s kind of a “pure” way, which is weird I suppose! Well that’s Today’s Seminar over…
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