What Is Laserblast About?
The premise of Laserblast in 326 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the relentless heat of the California desert, a small town clings to the rhythms of summer, its streets buzzing with the ordinary worries of a community far from any grand spectacle. The landscape is vast and empty, offering both refuge and exposure, a place where a restless adolescent can feel the weight of the world pressing in even as the horizon stretches endlessly. It is here that Billy Duncan drifts through a life marked by teasing classmates, a mother whose attention is pulled elsewhere, and the quiet expectation of becoming something more than a target of jokes.
Billy’s world is populated by a handful of people who shape his daily reality. His girlfriend, Kathy Farley, offers a glimpse of affection and normalcy, while her grandfather, Colonel Farley, a grizzled veteran with a taste for conspiracy, warns him to stay away from trouble. The town’s social hierarchy is underscored by a bully named Chuck, a circle of loyal friends, and the occasional meddling of local law enforcement, all of which create a backdrop of tension that mirrors the inner turbulence of a teenager yearning for purpose.
One blistering afternoon, while wandering the dunes, Billy discovers an odd, otherworldly object—a sleek laser rifle paired with a curious pendant. The moment he touches it, a surge of unimaginable power hints at possibilities far beyond the town’s ordinary limits. Unseen forces, hinted at by the brief appearance of alien figures in the desert, become aware of the weapon’s sudden reappearance, suggesting that the artifact is far from lost and that its reclamation will draw attention from beyond Earth.
The film balances the high‑school coming‑of‑age vibe with pulsing science‑fiction intrigue, casting the desert as both a playground and a hunting ground. As Billy grapples with the temptation of newfound ability, the story teeters between teenage rebellion and an escalating, unseen chase, promising a blend of personal discovery and alien mystery that keeps the audience poised on the edge of anticipation.
What Happens in Laserblast?
The complete story of Laserblast, from the first scene to the last, in 642 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In a sunbaked desert, a green-skinned figure wanders with a mysterious laser cannon strapped to his arm, and two reptilian aliens aboard an approaching spacecraft step out brandishing weapons. After a tense firefight, the aliens disintegrate the man and, once they spot an airplane in the sky, they retreat to their ship, leaving behind the cannon and a pendant the man wore.
Back in town, Billy Duncan, Kim Milford, wakes up to a morning that quickly sours: his mother has been invited to a trip to Acapulco and, despite his protests, she leaves him behind. He seeks out his girlfriend Kathy Farley, but her grandfather, Colonel Farley, Keenan Wynn, is a grizzled, conspiracy-spouting veteran who warns Billy to stay away. The teen world around him feels heavy and judgmental, with a bully named Chuck Boran, his friend Froggy, and a pair of sheriff deputies harassing him and giving him a speeding ticket.
In the desolate heat, Billy stumbles across something unbelievable: a laser cannon nestled with a strange pendant. He learns he can wield the weapon only while wearing the pendant, so he experiments, firing at things around the desert and letting his fear and excitement drive reckless bursts of firepower. At the same time, the alien crew on their ship converse in an unsubtitled language, and their leader orders them to return to Earth to recover the cannon they left behind. The tension between the human and alien sides begins to braid together as the town’s quiet routine starts to crack.
A pool party becomes a flashpoint. Chuck makes unwanted advances on Kathy, and Billy steps in to defend her, sparking a confrontation with Chuck and Froggy. That same night, Billy uses the cannon to explode Chuck’s car, an act that leaves the teens shaken and the authorities curious. Enter Tony Craig, a government official who arrives to investigate both the explosion and the broader desert mystery; he warns the sheriff that information about what happened must stay contained, suggesting a cover-up in the works.
Billy’s body begins to change, producing an unusual growth on his chest. Kathy urges him to see Doctor Mellon, and Roddy McDowall surgically removes a metallic disc from Billy’s sternum and arranges for it to be evaluated at the police laboratory. That night, a green-skinned Billy — now visibly deranged and threatening — attacks Mellon’s car and kills him in a fiery explosion. The next day, Tony investigates the wreckage and brings back a sample of unfamiliar material, which Mike London, Rick Walters, tests and identifies as inorganic and not of Earthly origin.
The violence intensifies as Billy, under the growing influence of the pendant and the cannon, kills two sheriff deputies who previously taunted him. He and Kathy share a night together in the aftermath, and when Kathy discovers the alien pendant, she cautiously places it on Billy’s chest. The result is a shocking transformation: his skin turns green, his face deforms, and a full-blown rampage ensues, with Billy firing indiscriminately with the deadly weapon. A small law-enforcement plane opens fire, but Billy destroys it. He continues to target Chuck and Froggy, obliterating their car in a blaze of laser power.
Tony Craig keeps pressing Colonel Farley for information as the two aliens land on Earth and join the hunt for Billy, moving through the landscape in a hastily stolen hippie van. They kill a passerby and commandeer his vehicle, while Billy roams an empty city block, firing at will. Kathy and Tony finally corner him in an alley just as one alien fires a beam from a rooftop, striking Billy down. The laser cannon and the pendant are destroyed in the aftermath, and the aliens depart aboard their spacecraft. Kathy collapses in tears over Billy’s corpse, while Tony looks on, left to reckon with the planet’s violent collision of human fear and otherworldly power.
Laserblast Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Desert encounter; alien weapon left behind” to “Final confrontation and Billy's death”. 14 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Desert encounter; alien weapon left behind
A green-skinned man wanders the desert and is slain as aliens land and open fire. The pair of extraterrestrials disintegrate him, then return to their spacecraft. In their hurry they leave behind a laser cannon and a pendant that will connect to future events.
When:afternoon Where:Desert
- 2
Billy's morning in a troubled town
Billy wakes to find his mother preparing to depart on a trip to Acapulco, despite his protests. He heads to Kathy's house and is cautioned by Colonel Farley about meddling, while Chuck and Froggy hassle him and deputies ticket him for speeding. The day sets a grim tone for the teen's further troubles.
When:morning Where:Town
- 3
Discovery of the cannon and pendant
While wandering the desert, Billy finds the alien laser cannon and a mysterious pendant. He learns the weapon only works when the pendant is worn on his chest. He begins firing at random targets, drawn to the power but unaware of the consequences.
When:afternoon Where:Desert
- 4
Alien strategy to recover the cannon
Aboard their spacecraft, the two aliens converse in an unsubtitled language with their leader, who orders them to return to Earth and recover the cannon. The plan sets in motion a remote pursuit of Billy. Their mission reconnects Earth with the mysterious device.
Where:Alien spacecraft
- 5
Pool party confrontation
Billy and Kathy attend a pool party with friends, where Chuck makes unwanted advances toward Kathy. Billy spars with Chuck and Froggy to defend her, heightening tensions around him. The gathering foreshadows the violence that will unfold.
When:evening Where:Town pool area
- 6
Billy blasts Chuck's car
That night, Billy uses the laser cannon on Chuck's car, triggering an explosion that Chuck and Froggy barely escape. The reckless act reveals the weapon's deadly potential and the danger Billy now embodies. Lawful authorities begin to take notice.
When:night Where:Town outskirts
- 7
Tony Craig arrives to investigate
Government official Tony Craig arrives to investigate the explosion and the broader desert incident. He informs the sheriff that news related to the events must not leave town, suggesting a cover-up or controlled information. The appearance marks official scrutiny of Billy's fate.
When:the next day Where:Sheriff's office / town
- 8
Medical discovery and disc removal
Billy develops an unusual metallic disc on his sternum and seeks medical help. Doctor Mellon surgically removes the disc and contacts Mike London to arrange evaluation. The medical procedure uncovers an extraterrestrial connection that will drive the plot forward.
When:daytime Where:Mellon's clinic
- 9
Mellon killed; material studied
That night, Billy, now green-skinned and deranged, attacks Mellon's car and kills him in an explosion. The next day, Tony investigates the wreckage and retrieves an unknown material, setting up a scientific inquiry into its origin. The material's inorganic nature alarms the investigators.
Where:Mellon's car / nearby
- 10
Sheriff deputies fall victim
Billy resumes his rampage by violently attacking and killing the two sheriff deputies who harassed him earlier. The town descends into fear as he roams with the deadly weapon.
When:night Where:Town
Show the other 4 events of Laserblast Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Kathy discovers pendant and transformation begins
While sleeping beside his van, Kathy discovers the alien pendant and places it on Billy's chest. His skin turns green and his face becomes grotesque, triggering a violent assault on Kathy. She escapes and hides from his aggression.
When:night Where:Near Billy's van / Kathy's location
- 12
Rampage continues; plane is destroyed
Billy roams in a relentless rampage, firing at random; a small law-enforcement airplane opens fire but Billy destroys it. He also destroys Chuck and Froggy's car, killing them both in the chaos.
When:night Where:Town outskirts
- 13
Aliens land to search for Billy
The two aliens land on Earth and begin actively searching for Billy. Tony questions Colonel Farley and Kathy about Billy's fate as authorities scramble to understand the occurrences. The alien presence intensifies the pursuit.
When:evening Where:Town
- 14
Final confrontation and Billy's death
The aliens kill a hippie to steal his van and Billy drives to an empty city block to continue firing. Kathy and Tony confront Billy as an alien fires a ray from a rooftop, killing him. The laser cannon and pendant are destroyed, and the aliens depart with their spacecraft.
When:night Where:Empty city block
Who Are the Main Characters in Laserblast?
18 characters, among them Billy Duncan (Kim Milford), Kathy Farley (Cheryl Smith) and Colonel Farley (Keenan Wynn): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 17 of them link to the actor’s page.
- BD
Billy Duncan (Kim Milford)
Played by Kim Milford
A teenage boy who discovers a mysterious laser cannon and pendant. His initial curiosity gives way to reckless power, and the device begins to alter his behavior and appearance. As he becomes more dangerous, his relationships unravel and the consequences become deadly.
- 🧒 Teen
- ⚡ Power
- 💥 Violence
- KF
Kathy Farley (Cheryl Smith)
Played by Cheryl Smith
Billy's girlfriend who urges him to seek help and supports him at times, but becomes alarmed as Billy's actions turn grim. She discovers the alien pendant and confronts the danger alongside Tony Craig. Her loyalty is tested by fear and affection.
- 💖 Love Interest
- 👀 Concern
- 🧭 Loyalty
- CF
Colonel Farley (Keenan Wynn)
A disheveled military veteran and authority figure who voices conspiracy theories and provides a skeptical, anxious presence in the town. He embodies suspicion and muddled patriotism, affecting how others respond to the alien threat.
- 🎖️ Veteran
- 🗣️ Paranoid
- TC
Tony Craig (Gianni Russo)
Played by Gianni Russo
Government official assigned to investigate the explosion and the desert incident. He insists on keeping news under wraps and questions the town’s authorities, guiding the investigation while balancing official duty with the truth.
- 🕵️ Investigator
- 🧭 Official
- 🧩 Mystery
-
Doctor Mellon (Roddy McDowall)
Played by Roddy McDowall
A medical professional who surgically removes a metallic disc from Billy and attempts to understand the strange material involved. He becomes a casualty in the escalating nightmare, illustrating the danger surrounding the alien tech.
- 🩺 Doctor
- ⚠️ Danger
- ML
Mike London (Rick Walters)
Played by Rick Walters
A laboratory technician who analyzes the disc Billy carries and identifies its inorganic Earth-denied origin. He collaborates with Tony to understand the alien artifact, playing a key role in the scientific investigation.
- 🧪 Scientist
- 🧭 Investigator
- CB
Chuck Boran (Mike Bobenko)
Played by Mike Bobenko
A schoolyard bully who harasses Billy and becomes a target of Billy’s escalating aggression after the laser incident. His presence highlights the social dynamics and peer pressure in the town.
- 🧑💼 Bully
- 🗡️ Confrontation
- F(
Froggy (Eddie Deezen)
Played by Eddie Deezen
A nerdy friend of Chuck who joins in the harassment and becomes another casualty of the escalating violence. His role underscores the social danger and the costs of hostility.
- 🤓 Nerd
- 🗡️ Victim
- S(
Sheriff (Ron Masak)
Played by Ron Masak
The local law enforcement figure who interacts with Billy and the others as the town grapples with fear and chaos. His role emphasizes the strain on civil order amid extraordinary events.
- 🗜️ Authority
- 🏛️ Law Enforcement
-
Deputy Pete Ungar (Dennis Burkley)
Played by Dennis Burkley
A deputy who participates in the town’s policing, including tensions with Billy, illustrating the friction between authority and a growing anomaly.
- 🚓 Law Enforcement
- 🥊 Conflict
- DJ
Deputy Jesse Jeep (Barry Cutler)
Played by Barry Cutler
Another deputy involved in enforcing order as the alien threat unfolds, representing the institutional response to the crisis.
- 🚔 Authority
- 🧭 Investigation
- AF
Alien Fugitive (Steve Neill)
Played by Steve Neill
One of the two alien visitors whose mission is to recover the cannon. Their presence escalates the danger and frames the human-alien conflict central to the plot.
- 👽 Alien
- 🛸 Invasion
- ED
Eleanor Duncan (Janet Dey)
Played by Janet Dey
Billy’s mother who is preparing for a trip to Acapulco and leaving her son behind, highlighting the family dynamics and the consequences of parental choices.
- 👩👦 Family
- 🧳 Travel
- F(
Franny (Joanna Lipari)
Played by Joanna Lipari
A supporting character in the town, contributing to the slice-of-life setting against the sci-fi catastrophe.
- 🧒 Community
- 👀 Side Character
- GS
Gas Station Attendant (Simmy Bow)
Played by Simmy Bow
A minor character who adds texture to the desert town setting, representing everyday routines interrupted by extraordinary events.
- 🏪 Everyday Life
- 🗺️ Desert Locale
- P(
Pilot (Eric Jenkins)
Played by Eric Jenkins
A pilot involved in the aerial aspects of the incident, contributing to the sense of a broader impact beyond the town.
- 🛩️ Aviation
- 🛰️ Broadcast
- GO
Girl on Bench (Melinda Wunderlich)
Played by Melinda Wunderlich
A minor character used to depict the town’s everyday scenes amidst the unfolding chaos.
- 🧒 Community
- 🪑 Everyday Life
- HK
Hip Kid (Michael Barrere)
Played by Michael Barrere
A background teen character who embodies the social milieu of the era and setting.
- 🧑🎤 Youth
- 🌀 Social Scene
Where and When Is Laserblast Set?
Laserblast is set in Desert and Small Town (Late 1970s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Late 1970s
The events carry a late 1970s American vibe, with teens, a rural-desert environment, and a backdrop of governmental curiosity and conspiracy talk. The era’s casual social scenes juxtapose with sudden sci-fi terror, creating a sense of ordinary life spiraling into chaos. The technology and attitudes hint at a pre-digital, hands-on era of investigation and suspicion.
Where
Desert, Small Town
The story unfolds across an arid desert landscape adjacent to a sleepy town, providing a stark backdrop for a mix of teen life and otherworldly danger. The desert serves as the primary stage for the alien encounter and the discovery of the mysterious laser cannon. Within the town, a pool party, a sheriff’s presence, and everyday settings contrast with the growing threat from beyond Earth.
- 🏜️ Desert
- 🏛️ Small Town
What Are the Themes of Laserblast?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Alien Influence, Transformation and Secrecy & Control.
-
01
Alien Influence
Alien technology intrudes into ordinary life, granting power and triggering violent acts. The pendant and laser cannon become catalysts that draw human actions into a destructive orbit around supernatural forces. The narrative explores how external, incomprehensible forces can destabilize relationships and communities. The pursuit to recover the tech also reveals the temptations and consequences of contact with the unknown.
-
02
Transformation
The protagonist undergoes a physical and psychological transformation after interacting with alien tech. Billy’s skin changes, his demeanor grows more grotesque, and his capacity for violence escalates. The transformation isolates him from friends and family, turning curiosity into danger. This theme examines how power can degrade innocence and erode humanity.
-
03
Secrecy & Control
Authorities move to suppress information about the incident, signaling a defensive stance against public knowledge of alien contact. The investigation becomes as much about concealing truth as addressing the threat. Secrecy reflects distrust in institutions and highlights how fear dictates decision-making in crisis situations.
What Kind of Film Is Laserblast?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A grim and paranoid thriller following a bullied teen's descent into monstrous violence after finding an alien weapon, leading to a brutal, destructive rampage and a tragic, bleak conclusion.
- grim
- paranoid
- vengeful
- uneasy
- alienating
- desperate
- alien weapon
- corruption by power
- revenge
- bullying
Content notes: graphic violence, body horror, mutation, death, police killings.
Quiz
How well do you remember Laserblast? Test yourself on the story.
