Movie Review: Wonder Woman (1974): (TV Special)
May 3, 2026
The 1974 Wonder Woman TV movie, starring Cathy Lee Crosby, is a fascinating, if misguided, time capsule of 1970s television that serves as a radical departure from the source material. Produced by ABC as a potential pilot, the film abandons the comic book’s magical elements, superpowered abilities, and iconic costume in favor of a “modernized” superspy thriller, heavily influenced by the James Bond era. Instead of an Amazonian princess, we are given a blonde Diana Prince who relies on karate, athletic prowess, and an arsenal of gadget-enhanced bracelets to fight crime.
Cathy Lee Crosby delivers a performance that is less “warrior” and more “blandly cheery” spy, a choice that contrasts sharply with the strong, commanding presence associated with the character. While she is charming in her own right, her portrayal often feels like a standard 70s action lead rather than the iconic superhero. However, she is supported by a genuinely fun performance from Ricardo Montalban, who portrays the villainous Abner Smith with his trademark suave charisma, providing a needed dose of personality to the slow-paced plot.
The production itself is undeniably dated, featuring a spy-themed, “Shaft-like” soundtrack and a costume that looks more like a 70s gym suit than the traditional red, white, and blue uniform. The pacing is talky and often dull, with very little actual action until the final act, where a underwhelming fight scene against an Amazon “sister-gone-bad” fails to deliver on its potential. The film’s low budget is apparent, leading to it being criticized as a “lame” take on the superhero.
Ultimately, the 1974 Wonder Woman is considered a failed pilot that, while achieving “respectable” ratings at the time, was immediately rejected by audiences looking for a more faithful adaptation. It is a curious piece of pop culture history that demonstrates how out of touch networks were with the character before the successful Lynda Carter version arrived a year later. While worth watching for completists and fans of quirky 70s TV, it is far removed from the powerful Amazonian archetype established in the comics.
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