What Is Barbarella About?
The premise of Barbarella in 247 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a glittering, far‑future galaxy where neon‑lit planets float like exotic jewels, Barbarella receives a direct summons from Earth’s president: travel to the mysterious world of Avalon and bring back a vanished scientist whose knowledge could change the fate of humanity. The mission promises a blend of high‑tech intrigue and wild, almost dreamlike scenery, inviting the audience into a universe where sleek starships coexist with surreal landscapes and flamboyant fashions that hint at both danger and delight.
Accompanying her is a curious guide named Pygar, a blind mechanic whose gentle humor and unexpected wisdom balance Barbarella’s bold confidence. Their partnership sets the tone for a story that mixes daring adventure with irreverent comedy, as they navigate alien bazaars, shifting deserts, and whimsical encounters that test their resolve while keeping the mood buoyant. The film’s visual style is a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and daring designs, evoking a sense of limitless possibility and playful sensuality that feels both retro and ahead of its time.
The world of Barbarella is one where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide: advanced technology whispers through enchanted forests, and the line between satire and seriousness blurs under a soundtrack that pulses with both menace and mirth. As the heroine ventures deeper into Avalon’s strange territories, the audience is invited to share her curiosity, marvel at the fantastical set pieces, and wonder what secrets the elusive scientist might hold—all while basking in a tone that celebrates freedom, humor, and the daring spirit of exploration.
What Happens in Barbarella?
The complete story of Barbarella, from the first scene to the last, in 783 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In a futuristic setting, the stunning Barbarella (Jane Fonda), an adventurer who specializes in astronomy, finds herself journeying through the cosmos aboard her spacecraft, the Alpha-7. Out of the blue, she receives an urgent communication from the President of Earth (Claude Dauphin), who informs her of a crucial mission. A brilliant scientist, Durand Durand, has vanished during a mission to the North Star, and it is suspected that he may have crash-landed somewhere within the enigmatic Tau Ceti star system. The President expresses his deep concern that Durand’s groundbreaking invention, the positronic ray, could be seized by a primitive culture that might misuse it for warfare, posing a threat to the peaceful existence of Earth.
Tasked with this perilous mission, Barbarella receives some weaponry and a language translation device, known as a tonguebox, which will aid her in communicating effectively during her journey. After engaging in suspended animation during much of her flight, Barbarella awakens just in time to realize that her ship is out of control, leading to a crash landing on Planet 16. The planet exhibits an atmosphere reminiscent of Earth, prompting Barbarella to don a new outfit for exploration.
Her initial encounters reveal two energetic twin girls who speak an unfamiliar language, leaving Barbarella perplexed. Before she can make sense of the situation, one of the girls knocks her out with a chunk of ice, leading to her being dragged away on a sled, pulled by a graceful creature that glides effortlessly over the icy terrain. When they arrive at the wreckage of another spacecraft, Barbarella discovers it to be none other than Durand Durand’s former vessel, the Alpha-1. The twins, joined by other children, mischievously bind Barbarella to a post, provoking mechanical dolls equipped with sharp metal teeth to approach her, creating a surreal and frightening scenario.
A heroic figure soon emerges—Mark Hand (Ugo Tognazzi), a Catchman, accompanied by several guards. Demonstrating bravery, he subdues the children and rescues Barbarella, explaining that he captures children to send them to the this area’s forests “until they’ve reached a serviceable age.” He subsequently offers to escort her back to her ship, and when Barbarella inquires how she can repay him, he expresses a desire for intimate relations. In their advanced society on Earth, people engage in physical bonding through an exultation transference pill, but Mark proposes a more traditional approach. Though hesitant, Barbarella finds herself enjoying the experience.
Mark helps repair her damaged spacecraft, but when she attempts to take off, she discovers that the repairs were mistakenly made in reverse, causing her to crash once again. In a determined bid for survival, she engages the ship’s terra-screws to tunnel through the planet’s core and pops up in the Labyrinth. Here, she meets Pygar (John Phillip Law), an angelic figure who has been rendered blind. He introduces Barbarella to Professor Ping (Marcel Marceau), who shares that the Great Tyrant has condemned Pygar and others to the Labyrinth.
Taking Barbarella to his nest, they engage in an intimate encounter that restores Pygar’s lost ability to fly. Together, they soar towards Sogo, but their journey is interrupted by an assault from the Great Tyrant’s black guards, a confrontation they manage to overcome. Upon entering the decadent city, Pygar’s wings draw unwanted attention, leading to his capture. Barbarella is nearly assaulted by two ruffians but is saved by a woman with an eyepatch who becomes enamored with her.
In a twist of fate, Barbarella and Pygar find themselves whisked away to the ominous Chamber of Ultimate Solutions. Discovering the lurking threat of the Mathmos, a malevolent force, they narrowly escape, but not before Barbarella has a fateful interaction with the Concierge of the Great Tyrant (Milo O’Shea). He confines her within a glass cage teeming with small birds intent on tormenting her, but she soon finds herself plunging into the Rebel headquarters.
Leading the resistance is Dildano ([David Hemmings]), who devises a plan against the Great Tyrant to restore peace to the city. Together, they formulate a strategy, although Dildano shuns traditional sexual practices in favor of utilizing the more civilized Earth method. After a series of unexpected turns, Barbarella unwittingly finds herself re-encountering the Concierge, who confiscates her means of escape and locks her with the sleeping Great Tyrant. The situation escalates, culminating in resistance efforts clashing with the Great Tyrant’s forces.
As the battle unfolds, the evil Mathmos is unleashed, wreaking havoc upon all who dwell within the city, while Barbarella and Pygar represent the last bulwark against destruction. In an act of benevolence, Pygar carries them both to safety, embodying the notion that “an angel has no memory,” highlighting the deeper themes of love and redemption resonating through their fantastical journey.
Barbarella Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mission Assignment” to “Final Stand”. 12 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Mission Assignment
Barbarella receives an urgent communication from the President of Earth, informing her about her critical mission. A brilliant scientist named Durand Durand has gone missing while exploring the North Star, and there are fears that his invention, the positronic ray, could fall into the wrong hands.
- 2
Preparing for Departure
Before embarking on her journey, Barbarella is equipped with essential weaponry and a tonguebox, a device for effective communication. These tools are crucial for her upcoming adventure in the Tau Ceti star system, where she will face unknown challenges.
- 3
Crash Landing
During her flight, Barbarella falls into suspended animation. She awakens to find her ship, the Alpha-7, spiraling out of control before crashing onto Planet 16, where she must navigate an alien environment.
Where:Planet 16
- 4
Encounter with the Twins
After landing, Barbarella meets two energetic twin girls who speak an unfamiliar language, leaving her confused and intrigued. However, her bewilderment quickly turns into peril when one of the girls knocks her unconscious with a chunk of ice.
Where:Planet 16
- 5
Kidnapped by Children
Barbarella is taken away on a sled pulled by a graceful creature after being rendered unconscious. The twins, joined by other children, mischievously bind her to a post and provoke mechanical dolls equipped with sharp teeth, creating a surreal danger.
Where:Planet 16
- 6
Rescue by Mark Hand
As Barbarella faces imminent danger, Mark Hand, a brave Catchman, arrives to rescue her. He explains his role in capturing children and offers to take her back to her ship, though his intentions soon lead to a more intimate interaction.
Where:Planet 16
- 7
Repairs and Missteps
Mark helps Barbarella repair her spaceship, but a twist of fate leads to a mistake during the repairs. When she attempts to take off, she discovers that the ship's systems were incorrectly fixed, resulting in another crash landing.
Where:Planet 16
- 8
Discovery of the Labyrinth
In a desperate bid for survival, Barbarella engages the ship's terra-screws, tunneling through the planet's core. This bold move brings her to the Labyrinth, a dark and mysterious realm where she meets the blind angel Pygar.
Where:The Labyrinth
- 9
Meeting the Professor
Pygar introduces Barbarella to Professor Ping, who reveals that they have been condemned to the Labyrinth by the Great Tyrant. This revelation highlights the oppressive nature of their society and the challenges they face.
Where:The Labyrinth
- 10
Restoration of Flight
During an intimate encounter with Pygar, Barbarella is able to restore his lost ability to fly. Together, they rise towards Sogo, but their journey is soon marred by an attack from the Great Tyrant's dark forces.
Where:The Labyrinth
Show the other 5 events of Barbarella Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Entering Sogo
Upon reaching the decadent city of Sogo, Barbarella and Pygar face immediate dangers. Pygar's wings attract unwanted attention, leading to his capture, while Barbarella narrowly escapes a violent encounter.
Where:Sogo
- 12
The Chamber of Ultimate Solutions
Barbarella and Pygar are captured and taken to the ominous Chamber of Ultimate Solutions, where they face the Mathmos, a threatening entity. Their escape is charged with tension and narrowly executed.
Where:Chamber of Ultimate Solutions
- 13
Rebel Headquarters
In the Rebel headquarters, Barbarella encounters Dildano, who is organizing a resistance against the Great Tyrant. Together, they formulate a plan to restore peace, revealing the deep unrest within Sogo.
- 14
Clash with the Great Tyrant
As conflict erupts, Barbarella finds herself entangled once again with the Concierge of the Great Tyrant. Tensions escalate as she faces capture while the rebels engage in battle, determined to resist tyranny.
Where:Sogo
- 15
Final Stand
In the climax, the unleashed Mathmos wreaks havoc throughout the city, while Barbarella and Pygar become the last hope for survival. Pygar's benevolent act of carrying them to safety symbolizes the themes of love and redemption prevalent throughout their journey.
Where:Sogo
Who Are the Main Characters in Barbarella?
4 characters, among them Barbarella (Jane Fonda), Mark Hand (Ugo Tognazzi) and Pygar (John Phillip Law): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Barbarella (Jane Fonda)
Played by Jane Fonda
Barbarella is an adventurous and bold protagonist, skilled in navigating the cosmos. Her character exudes a blend of curiosity and bravery as she embarks on a perilous mission to save a scientist. Throughout her journey, she displays resilience, compassion, and an openness to explore love and relationships.
- 👩🚀 Protagonist
- 💖 Compassionate
- 🌟 Brave
- MH
Mark Hand (Ugo Tognazzi)
Mark Hand is a heroic catchman with a complex personality. He showcases bravery in rescuing Barbarella from peril, yet his desires reveal a more traditional view on relationships that juxtaposes Earth’s evolved norms. Mark's character contributes to themes of love and complexity in human connections.
- 🦸♂️ Hero
- ❤️ Romantic
- 🌲 Protector
-
Pygar (John Phillip Law)
Played by John Phillip Law
Pygar is depicted as an angelic figure, initially blinded yet redeemed through his bond with Barbarella. His character embodies ideals of love, hope, and sacrifice, ultimately guiding Barbarella towards her destiny. His transformation also highlights the theme of redemption through personal connections.
- 😇 Angelic
- ❤️ Hopeful
- ✨ Redeemed
-
Great Tyrant (Milo O'Shea)
Played by Milo O'Shea
The Great Tyrant represents the embodiment of oppression and evil in the narrative. His authoritarian regime poses threats to the freedom of Barbarella and the inhabitants of Sogo. The character serves as the primary antagonist, fueling the conflict and highlighting the battle between good and evil.
- 👿 Antagonist
- 🔒 Oppressive
- ⚔️ Authoritarian
Where and When Is Barbarella Set?
Barbarella is set in Planet 16, Tau Ceti star system, Sogo and Labyrinth (Futuristic). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Futuristic
Set in a distant future, the narrative explores advanced technologies and societal norms significantly different from contemporary life. This environment has enabled fantastical inventions, such as the positronic ray, yet simultaneously poses challenges like the threatened misuse of such creations. The cultural dynamics and the intricacies of relationships are examined in this evolved society.
Where
Planet 16, Tau Ceti star system, Sogo, Labyrinth
The movie traverses several otherworldly locations, including Planet 16, which resembles Earth with its atmosphere. The Tau Ceti star system serves as the mysterious backdrop of Barbarella's quest, while the decadent city of Sogo showcases a society marked by both allure and danger. The Labyrinth is a haunting space that reflects the struggles of its inhabitants and serves as a pivotal point in Barbarella's adventure.
- 🌌 Sci-Fi
- 🌍 Extraterrestrial
- 🌃 Futuristic
What Are the Themes of Barbarella?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Conflict and Adventure.
-
01
Love
At its core, Barbarella's journey embodies themes of love and companionship. The relationships she navigates, from her romantic encounters to her friendships, highlight the importance of physical and emotional connections. These interactions emphasize the transformative power of love as a catalyst for growth and liberation.
-
02
Conflict
A significant theme in the film is the conflict between good and evil, represented by Barbarella and the Great Tyrant. This struggle encompasses personal and societal battles, challenging the characters to confront their fears and fight for their beliefs. The emergence of the Mathmos adds an additional layer of conflict, complicating their plight for peace.
-
03
Adventure
Barbarella's journey is marked by adventure and exploration, as she navigates various fantastical worlds. Each encounter leads her to unexpected challenges and allies, making her quest not just about rescuing Durand Durand but also about self-discovery. The adventurous spirit drives the narrative, engaging viewers in a whimsical and daring escapade.
What Kind of Film Is Barbarella?
Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A visually extravagant, cheekily sensual space fantasy that feels like a playful and absurd adventure, blending comic-book action with a campy, sex-positive vibe.
- playful
- cheeky
- sensual
- fantastical
- campy
- grotesque
- space opera
- sexual liberation
- quest narrative
- dystopian society
Content notes: torture, implied sexual situations, female nudity.
Quiz
How well do you remember Barbarella? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Barbarella
Stream it on Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 1
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