The Lathe of Heaven (1980): Cast & Plot
The Lathe of Heaven is a 1980 fantasy thriller directed by Fred Barzyk and David R. Loxton, starring Bruce Davison as George Orr, Kevin Conway and Margaret Avery. It runs 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 45m (105 min)
- Directors
- Fred Barzyk and David R. Loxton
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Thirteen
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Lathe of Heaven About?
The premise of The Lathe of Heaven without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Ursula K. Le Guin’s science‑fiction masterpiece follows George Orr, a man whose dreams reshape waking reality. He tries to curb this volatile gift with medication, but his psychiatrist, Dr. Haber, discovers its truth. Obsessed with “improving” the world, Haber coaxes Orr to alter events, leading to bizarre and frightening consequences for humanity.
The Lathe of Heaven Themes & Keywords
· 26 tags- dream
- alternate reality
- post apocalypse
- fantasy becomes reality
- portland oregon
- alien invasion
- moon
- telekinesis
- psychic ability
- philosophy
- dystopia
- superpower
+14 more Show fewer
- psychokinesis
- dark fantasy
- psychiatrist
- dream reality
- sleep
- dream comes true
- plague
- lava
- utopia quest
- drug abuse
- based on book
- based on novel
- surprise ending
- interracial relationship
The Lathe of Heaven Cast & Characters
Bruce Davison leads the cast as George Orr, with Kevin Conway as Dr. William Haber and Margaret Avery as Heather LeLache. Directed by Fred Barzyk and David R. Loxton; 18 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Fred Barzyk
- Co-director David R. Loxton
-
Bruce Davison as George Orr -
Kevin Conway as Dr. William Haber - Margaret Avery as Heather LeLache
- Frank Miller as Parole Officer
Also Starring in The Lathe of Heaven
· 14 more- R.A. Mihailoff Orderly
- Ben Stephenson Scientist (uncredited)
- Jo Livingston George's Father
- Peyton E. Park Mannie Ahrens
- Gena Sleete Woman on Subway
- John Rainone The Grey Person (uncredited)
- Vandi Clark Aunt Ethel
- Bernedette Whitehead George's Mother
- Jane Roberts Grandmother
- Niki Flacks Penny Crouch
- Tom Matts Grandfather
- Joye Nash Woman on Subway
- Ben McKinley III Orderly
- James Bodean Guard (uncredited)
More from Fred Barzyk and David R. Loxton
More films directed by Fred Barzyk and David R. Loxton: The Star-Crossed Romance of Josephine Cosnowski (a Tale of Gothic Love), Countdown to Looking Glass, The Phantom of the Open Hearth and The Lord of the Universe.
-CWvcS8T8z4c70A.jpg)
The Lathe of Heaven Plot Summary
What happens in The Lathe of Heaven from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In Portland, Oregon, in the near future, George Orr is charged with abuse of multiple prescription medications, which he takes to keep himself from dreaming. Orr volunteers for psychiatric care to avoid prosecution, and is placed under the care of licensed oneirologist Dr. William Haber. Orr’s explanation for his drug dependence is astonishing: since age 17 he has known that his dreams can change reality, and he fears that this effective dreaming could upend his world.
Full summary
The whole story of The Lathe of Heaven, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Lathe of Heaven?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What is the main character George Orr's unique ability?
Cars in The Lathe of Heaven
1 car on screen: the 1979 CVI Comuta-Van.
-
1979 CVI Comuta-Van Important role
The Lathe of Heaven Also Known As
Also known as “天钧”.
- Also known as
-
- 天钧
Seen The Lathe of Heaven?
Movies Like The Lathe of Heaven
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Lathe of Heaven, Them and Multiverse.
The Lathe of Heaven FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Lathe of Heaven, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Lathe of Heaven?
The Lathe of Heaven runs 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes).
When was The Lathe of Heaven released?
The Lathe of Heaven was released on January 9, 1980.
Who directed The Lathe of Heaven?
The Lathe of Heaven was directed by Fred Barzyk and David R. Loxton.
More films by Fred Barzyk Who is in the cast of The Lathe of Heaven?
The Lathe of Heaven stars Bruce Davison as George Orr, Kevin Conway as Dr. William Haber and Margaret Avery as Heather LeLache, among 18 credited actors.
Does The Lathe of Heaven have a post-credit scene?
No. The Lathe of Heaven has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
