Zodiac Hills is a 1979 Robloxian mystery thriller film directed by Gregory Lawrence and written by Milton Crane. The film stars Julian Ward, Diana Wells, and Randall Knox in leading roles. Set in the fictional mountain town of Ashford Pines, the story follows a group of locals who become entangled in a series of strange disappearances and cryptic messages linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac. The film was produced by Seventy Studios and distributed by Golden Vista Pictures.
Released on October 5, 1979, Zodiac Hills was moderately successful at the box office and received mixed to positive reviews from critics. It later gained a small cult following among fans of regional mystery films from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The film is notable for its use of practical effects and on-location shooting in various places. Although no official sequel was produced, the film’s ambiguous ending and eerie atmosphere have been cited as influences by later Robloxian filmmakers.
Plot
The film centers on Peter Monroe (Julian Ward), a young journalist visiting his hometown of Ashford Pines following the sudden disappearance of his childhood friend, Daniel Carver. Upon arriving, Monroe learns that several other townspeople have vanished under similarly strange circumstances. Cryptic symbols related to astrological signs are found near each disappearance site, leading locals to fear that a serial killer or cult may be behind the events. With the help of local librarian Clara DeWitt (Diana Wells) and police deputy Howard Blake (Randall Knox), Monroe investigates the growing mystery. As the investigation progresses, tensions rise in the community, old secrets surface, and Monroe begins to suspect that the disappearances may be tied to a decades-old tragedy involving his own family.
Cast
- Julian Ward as Peter Monroe
- Diana Wells as Clara DeWitt
- Randall Knox as Deputy Howard Blake
- Thomas Garrison as Sheriff Milton Raye
- Linda Carroll as Emily Carver
- Victor Sampson as Father Thomas Willoughby
Production
Principal photography for Zodiac Hills took place between April and June 1979 in various locations across Robloxia. The Ashford Pines town scenes were filmed in the real town of Grandis, Kionne Republic, while forest sequences were shot near Mosswood Forest in Roregon. The film’s budget was approximately 2 million Robux, and it was noted for using practical stunts and handmade props for many of its mystery sequences.