Dragonslayer is a 1981 American dark fantasy film directed by Matthew Robbins from a screenplay he co-wrote with Hal Barwood. It stars Peter MacNicol, Ralph Richardson, John Hallam, and Caitlin Clarke. It was a co-production between Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions, where Paramount handled North American distribution and Disney's Buena Vista International handled international distribution. The story is set in a fictional medieval kingdom where a young wizard encounters challenges as he hunts a dragon, Vermithrax Pejorative.
Theatrical release poster by Jeff Jones
According to Barwood, the dragon's basic body plan was based on that of the Jurassic pterosaur Rhamphorhynchus.
Ken Ralston's flying model of the dragon, Vermithrax Pejorative
Ulrich's Castle looks over to Moel Siabod, Dolwyddelan Castle, North Wales.
Matthew Robbins (screenwriter)
Matthew Robbins is an American screenwriter and film director best known for his writing work within the American New Wave movement.
Robbins in 2005