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The Man Who Fell to Earth poster
6.5 / 10(632 votes)IMDbR19762h 19mUnited Kingdom, Netherlands Antilles

The Man Who Fell to Earth

“Power, space, time and a visitor.”

Synopsis

Thomas Jerome Newton is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet. Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth, Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou, a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the U.S. government, and his entire plan is threatened.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

The Man Who Fell To Earth - Rialto Pictures 35th Anniversary TrailerOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2011-06-03

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

May 28, 1976

Wide Cinema Exhibition

4K UHD / Blu-ray Debut

August 25, 1998

Physical Home Media

Financials & Box Office Performance

Released

Production Budget

$1.5M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

Pending

Total global ticket sales

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Nicolas Roeg
Screenplay & Story
Paul Mayersberg
Original Score
John Phillips, Stomu Yamashta
Original Title
The Man Who Fell to Earth
Country of Origin
United Kingdom, Netherlands Antilles
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
2h 19m
Production Budget
$1.5M
Production Studios
British Lion Films, Houtsnede Maatschappij

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Nicolas Roeg

Screenplay & Story

Paul Mayersberg, Walter Tevis

Original Score & Music

John Phillips, Stomu Yamashta

Director of Photography

Anthony B. Richmond

Film Editing

Graeme Clifford

Producers

Si Litvinoff, Barry Spikings, Michael Deeley

Literary Origin & Source Material
Novel:Walter Tevis

Department Leadership Roster

Anthony B. Richmond

Anthony B. Richmond

Director of Photography

Graeme Clifford

Graeme Clifford

Editor

Nicolas Roeg

Nicolas Roeg

Director

Brian Eatwell

Production Design

Paul Mayersberg

Screenplay

John Phillips

John Phillips

Original Music Composer

Barry Spikings

Barry Spikings

Producer

Michael Deeley

Producer

May Routh

May Routh

Costume Design

Stomu Yamashta

Stomu Yamashta

Original Music Composer

Richard Graydon

Richard Graydon

Stunt Coordinator

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

Australia (ACB)R 18+
Canada18A
Germany (FSK)16

FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.

United Kingdom (BBFC)18

Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Man Who Fell to Earth.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Man Who Fell to Earth

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is The Man Who Fell to Earth about?

Thomas Jerome Newton is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet. Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth, Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou, a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the U.S. government, and his entire plan is threatened.

Who directed The Man Who Fell to Earth?

The Man Who Fell to Earth was directed by Nicolas Roeg.

Who stars in The Man Who Fell to Earth?

The principal cast of The Man Who Fell to Earth includes David Bowie, Rip Torn, Candy Clark, Tony Mascia, Buck Henry.

When was The Man Who Fell to Earth released and how long is it?

The Man Who Fell to Earth was released in 1976 with a total runtime of 2h 19m.

Who composed the musical score for The Man Who Fell to Earth?

The original motion picture soundtrack for The Man Who Fell to Earth was composed by John Phillips, Stomu Yamashta.

Is The Man Who Fell to Earth based on a book or true story?

The Man Who Fell to Earth is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Walter Tevis".

What is the age rating and content advisory for The Man Who Fell to Earth?

The Man Who Fell to Earth holds official age classifications: AU: R 18+; CA: 18A; DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); GB: 18 (Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).