Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Unidentified Flying Oddball

film

Unidentified Flying Oddball

1979

A NASA spacecraft proves Einstein right when, traveling faster than light, it ends up near King Arthur's Camelot. On board are big-hearted Tom Trimble and Hermes, the look-alike robot he built. Tom immediately makes friends with pretty Alisande while becoming enemies with the evil knight Sir Mordred. It seems Mordred has joined up with the Sorcerer Merlin and they are both up to no good. It is now up to Tom to try and use 20th century technology to foil their plans.

Ages 6+Source checked

Why this age? G-rated family adventure with comic danger, villainous schemes, jousting, imprisonment and a torture-related keyword. The tone is light, but younger children may need reassurance during peril. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age6+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Religious themes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5

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What’s in it?

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No religious practice or themes are central to the plot.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Includes a mild, innocent romantic subplot between Tom and Alisande.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Very minor tension involving medieval villains; aimed at a young audience.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Features light fantasy combat, jousting, and slapstick action typical of 1970s family films.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist displays courage when facing knights and sorcery.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imagination regarding time travel and the intersection of technology and history.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The cast includes a capable female character and a robot with a distinct role, but the historical fantasy setting offers limited broader representation.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Introduces loose historical concepts of Camelot and basic scientific curiosity.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and empathy are key to the hero's success in integrating into Camelot.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Promotes ingenuity, friendship, and the idea that technology can be used for good.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Tom Trimble is a kind and clever protagonist.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Unidentified Flying Oddball would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Unidentified Flying Oddball, and what caused that change?
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