Was Inflammatory Innocence Of Muslims Film Directed By Karate Cop, Happy Hooker Schlock Veteran?

Anti-Muslim Alan Roberts

Digging into the rabbit hole of a mystery that is the inflammatory, anti-Muslim film Innocence of Muslims — the amateurish viral trailer for which set off protests and violent attacks in at U.S. embassies in Libya, Egypt, and other cities this week — Vice Magazine and Gawker have fingered the man they believe directed the project last year in California. Did industry veteran Alan Roberts (AKA Robert Brownell), a B-movie director and editor behind cult/softcore Cannon/Golan & Globus-era schlock Karate Cop, The Sexpert, and The Happy Hooker Goes Hollywood, make the incendiary anti-Muslim screed?

Vice reports that they were "anonymously furnished with documents" pointing to a Robert Brownell AKA Alan Roberts:

The documents clearly state that in 2009 and 2011 Robert Brownell purchased pre-production services related to Desert Warrior, which has been widely reported as the working title of the film that the world now knows as Innocence of Muslims.

The documents also include Robert Brownell’s address in Tarzana, California (or at least his address when the purchases were made in 2009; the property is now up for sale), phone number, and “contact information,” which lists yet a different name—Alan Roberts.

Meanwhile, Gawker confirms Roberts was the director on Innocence of Muslims, filmed under the title Desert Warrior with a different script from the allegedly blasphemous final version.

A former business partner and an acquaintance confirmed to the website that Roberts is the same Alan Roberts listed on IMDb as the director of low-budget B-movie threequel The Happy Hooker Goes Hollywood (1980) (co-starring Adam West!), the action pic Karate Cop (1991), and the Harry Hamlin erotic thriller Save Me (1994). Roberts is said to be laying low, understandably.

According to Roberts' ex-business partner, Roberts filmed Desert Warrior without knowledge that it was going to be re-dubbed into its final version:

"They redubbed it, they brought in the actors, put in new sounds, changed the names," said the business partner. "And this was done later, before it was initially released. Of course Alan had nothing to do with it."

If true, it sounds like producer Sam Bacile (or "Sam Bacile," as his identity is still in question) is more culpable for the incendiary material within Innocence of Muslims than Roberts, a workman director and sometimes editor with ties to the '70s-'80s Cannon/Vestron/Golan & Globus era of cheap-o schlock cinema.

More info as it comes... in the meantime, here's a look at Roberts' heretofore best known works.

[Gawker, Vice]



Comments

  • TruthBeTold says:

    I am very disgusted, offended, and ashamed to have witnessed such hatred, and provoking propaganda from a so called American. I cannot, and will not even associate these people with Christianity as no true lover or follower of Jesus son of Mary (peace and blessing upon him) would ever make an attempt to dishonor Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him). Two men once came before Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) and one complimented him on how beautiful he was. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) responded by telling that individual "you have spoken the truth", and then another man came to him and told Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) that he was the most hideous despicable creature he had ever seen, and Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) replied to him "you have spoken the truth". The companion who was with Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) at the time asked him why he agreed with both men when their statements were complete opposites of each other. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) responded when the first man looked upon me and saw beauty, he only saw a mirror of himself, and when the second man came and stated I was hideous he too saw a mirror of himself. With this account I inform you that everything portrayed in your sick video is who YOU ARE! You have no right to even utter the blessed names of Jesus son of Mary (peace be upon him), or Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him). Both live honorable lives, and never lie or stole from anyone. They never caused harm to anyone, and this is a historic fact! You can continue to try and deceive people, and cause a war between muslims and christians but this will NEVER HAPPEN! You have no credibility! You can read many books about the works, and accomplishments of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) in his lifetime which have saved generations up until today! What accomplishments do you have? When you die what will you be known for? You are worse than dung! Even dung goes into the earth and helps bring new life! When you die the earth will REJECT YOU! You will one day be raised before the creator of us all, and be questioned about the unforgivable mischief you have caused! So go back to your zionist supporters who pushed you to make this video to cause a clash between muslims and christians! Go back to them and tell them MISSION FAILED! YOU COWARD!

    • Bruce says:

      Calmly take a breath, and put your religious fanaticism down! Peace by upon Him? Those are words uttered by radical Muslim fanatics. People that believe everything that these books of fables (Bibles, Korans) have written in them are the same nut jobs that are running around committing murder and mayhem. There is no reward, no glory, no afterlife, just death. You won't be "saved" or "resurrected", you'll just be gone. You know, they make medication that will help you calm down.

    • Jake says:

      TruthBeTold, here's some truth for you.

      We aren't seeing ourselves in you. We see what you are. A sad, pathetic, and evil person who wants people to die. We want all to live in harmony. Come join us in peace and leave the hatred behind.

      Have a nice day.

      Jake

      • Abdus says:

        Oh what an invitation dude, what Peace? Are you talking about the peace that you people are prevailing in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Pakistan. If you are inviting us towards that peace then we are sorry we cannot follow the person who spread terrorism and who are killing our innocent brothers and sisters, who have destroyed our homes mosques and schools. who have made us the enemies of our brothers in Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. Sorry we cannot follow a person who is insulting our Prophet Muhammad PBUH and Islam...........
        Please live and let live.

    • Myo Oo says:

      I am trying to respect your opineon, but unfortunately the followers of Muhammad are not such respectful. Actualy muslims are highly selfish people and does not respect the rest of the world. I personally view this movie as a responce of hideous behavior of the muslims and obviously the scenario is draun by personl experience of the author. Sorry, but muslims first have to watch them selves and improve their performance before geting offended for how they are viewed from ouside.

    • hanakhan says:

      let them do all these idiot thing,, makrallahu wa khairul makireen..
      these thing can not stop the islam to be spread

    • Mohsin says:

      I agree with you bro. These Idiots will soon be destroyed by Almighty ALLAH.

    • Aysha says:

      ALLAH (S.W.T) ne in ke dilon par mohr laga di hai, ankhon pe parda dal diya hai aur kaanon se behra kar diya hai! Muslim brothers & sisters please do not waste your time & lower your prestige in talking to these people. The day of Judgement is enough for justice!

  • anonymous says:

    You know Jen,

    until you have all the facts, and some concrete evidence, it's wildly irresponsible to associate people with this material - you have no control over what the repercussions may be.

    There are enough examples, such as idiotic angry mobs beating up the local Paediatrician, because the press reported that a Pedophile had moved in to the neighbourhood, and the mob are too stupid and fired up to know the difference, that it might not be wise to report such hearsay without absolute proof.

    Alan Roberts may have been involved.

    Or, somebody entirely different, but sharing the same name may have been involved.

    Or again, much like the "reliable source" who reported that Tony Scott had terminal brain cancer, it may just be a case of the press running with hearsay and speculation, and to hell with the consequences.

    Many people seem to believe that freedom of speech equates to entitlement - absolution of repercussion.

    Yes, you are free to say what you wish (or make any crappy movie you wish). That freedom was gifted to us generations ago, by people who actually fought for it in courts, civil wars, revolutions, world wars - and as most of these freedoms were established by people who had been long dead, before even our grandparents were born, we rather take that freedom for granted these days.

    But that freedom carries the responsibility of consequence. And just as we are free to speak our mind, others are free to object to what we say - you can't have one without the other, or else you don't have freedom.

    Right now (and before all the facts are in) this article is available publicly, for anyone to read.

    It is tagged : alan roberts, director, innocence of muslims

    A google search now also links Innocence of Muslims with Jen Yamato.

    • Jake says:

      Hey Jen.

      These posts sure are bringing out the crazies. Please don't be censored by these psycho fanatics for asking if this guy was involved with the movie. This is a movie blog and it's totally valid.

      And for the haters out there, go rant where people care about your insanity. I recommend a mental hospital.

      J

      • anonymous says:

        JAKE SAYS:

        "Hey Jen.
        These posts sure are bringing out the crazies. Please don't be censored by these psycho fanatics for asking if this guy was involved with the movie. This is a movie blog and it's totally valid.
        And for the haters out there, go rant where people care about your insanity. I recommend a mental hospital.
        J"

        What a very well considered, mature, and moderate response.

        • daniel says:

          jake then u will b quite happy when such bloody movie will be made on holocaust....good news for all freedom speech lovers

          • Jake says:

            First of all, your english is terrible. I'm not entirely sure what you are saying. But if you are suggesting that some bad movie about the holocaust is going to make me hate freedom of speech or overreact by killing people, you will have to just get used to being disappointed. We are not a bloodthirsty people. We respect others and their opinions. We have even tried to be respectful to all the people making death threats on these very comment boards. You guys really need to stop hating and start loving more.

    • Jen Yamato says:

      Dear Anonymous,

      Believe me, I've considered all of the very valid points you bring up here. (Including the last disturbing bit.) And I sincerely hope that my posts help further a story rather than potentially hurt any person involved. I wish we knew more about this situation, but it's a developing story and we're just trying to keep readers updated as new information arises.

      The discussion of responsibility has been more present than ever in this case, personally speaking. It's a concern. But I'm reading and listening to you all, and I appreciate comments like yours (and Jake's, too - thanks for the support). They are not going unheeded.

      JY

  • Elinor says:

    Here is what we are losing sight of. In the United States we have freedom of speech and expression. There are very few restrictions on it, and offending someones religion is not one of those restrictions - if it were there would not be movies like 'The Last Temptation of Christ', Broadway shows like 'The Book of Mormon' or books like The Satanic Verses. The point of the first amendment is to protect speech that some others might find offensive or vulgar or inflammatory not to make sure that all speech is nicey nice. This film may be stupid and low class and insulting and probably is but there have been many attempts to pin violent or imitative behavior on movies and tv in the US going back to the 'Born Innocent' case and they have failed because writers, artists and filmmakers have to be free to create in a free society. We dont expect other societies to have our constitution and values - but they should not expect us to bow to theirs and we should not be 'guilted' into believing that our freedoms are the source of other societies violent actions.

    • anonymous says:

      Yes Elinor, you have freedom of speech.

      And if you choose to exercise that right, you have to accept the personal responsibility that comes with it.

      It's not about being "nicey nice".

      It's up to the individual, the artist, the film maker, the musician etc to consider the impact of their actions, and to decide if what the want to say, needs to be said, is even worth saying...

      If they have the courage of their convictions, then they are free to say what they wish, and to face up to the consequences personally.

      If you want to be able to do as you please, without any consequence, you're advocating dictatorship.

      If you want everyone to be able to do as they please, and to hell with the consequences, you're advocating anarchy.

      • Elinor says:

        Sorry to disagree but if artists have to constantly second guess the possible impact of their art on a sector of the public, then they are subjecting themselves to an inhibiting factor that limits their freedom to create. If I was offended by the crucifix in urine (and i was deeply offended), does that mean that I have the right to express my hurt feelings with violence? And if someone reacts violently are you really going to say that the artist is not only responsible but could have predicted the possibility of a violent reaction and further should have tried to mold his art into something that is acceptable to everyone and to which nobody is going to react negatively? Sorry - i dont buy it. Advocating dictatorship is to allow the government or a segment of the public to dictate what an artist can and cannot do. The first amendment does not allow us to "do as we please", it prevents dictators from telling us what we can and cannot create, how we can worship, who we can freely associate with. I do not advocate for anarchy, only for the US constitution.

    • daniel says:

      what if such bloody movie will be made on Holocaut....
      actually jewih and american cant see peace in the world they just violence.

    • Lorraine McCann says:

      I totally agree with your comments .

  • carly thrower says:

    amazing. lol that a breaking story brings such powerful and and emotive response from you all i dont know the whole story and am deeply saddened that such response has been evoked all over the world due to this film whoever the person responsible fot the directing of it was i have this to say religon is the peace invador it gives individuals the excuse to become a gang member and hate anyone who doesnt belong in their gang ...even when they feel their actions are wrong they use religion to justify them.

  • Morpheus13 says:

    I wonder what all the fuzzz is about,Ill say FUCK OFF WITH ALL ORGANIZED RELIGIONS,...they're only good for war!!! God,or Allah,..YES, Relegion: NOOOOO!

  • malik says:

    you know you people are so much uncivilized that u even dnt know about purity of your blood relation how can u understand any religion Islam is peace and we never want to hurt any one but we dnt want that any one hurt us and if he do you will see more results try to be in yours limits and for american and for america you will see the results as you r facing

  • god's angel says:

    what a curse! Those who neglect the lord's words gonna neglect by HIM for sure. This is HIS game. He is the GAMER. Abusing HIS one of the prophets won't bring any kinda peace for you. See now your heart is Beeping high!

  • princes says:

    think before abusing ...the holy prophet and the things which are showed in this movie are great U.S.A SCANDLES ur own daughters are doing such things showing their every thing ...we are muslim prod to be a muslim and muhammad p.b.u.h umaah..show ur imurites to other not to muslims

  • xdrool says:

    fuck israel

  • xdrool says:

    i'm islam..you not islam??fuck all

  • COLLINS says:

    MUSLIMS OUGHT TO GROW UP.THEY SHOULD KNOW THAT GOD DOES NOT NEED THEM TO FIGHT HIS BATTLES FOR HIM.HE IS ALMIGHTY HE CAN TAKE OF THE FILM PRODUCER HIMSELF,LEAVE GOD TO FIGHT HIS BATTLES DONT FIGHT HIS FIGHT FOR HIM.

  • Muslimah says:

    Why do not you people grow up, You people are actually selfisha and coward, If you are insulted by somebody what are you gonna do, Exactly will slap and this is the matter of respect of Our Prophet Sallalaho Alihiwasalam ... Who is the most respectable man of this world the best man ever.
    You people actually are insane living as animals, as animals have wear nothing you do the same and exactly illiterate, blinds, deaf and dumb. So keep your damn mouth shut.
    We love Muhammad Salalaho Alihiwasalam more than everthing in this world after Allah and we will send you to the hell soon. Insha'ALLAH
    America can kill trillions of innocent people with no fault but now the time is for your end.
    See you can stop us now ,, To hell with you all mentally sick people and America

  • Muslimah says:

    Why do not you people grow up? You people are actually selfisha and coward, If you are insulted by somebody what are you gonna do, Exactly will slap and this is the matter of respect of Our Prophet Sallalaho Alihiwasalam ... Who is the most respectable man of this world the best man ever.
    You people actually are insane living as animals, as animals wear nothing you do the same and exactly illiterate, blinds, deaf and dumb. So keep your damn mouth shut.
    We love Muhammad Salalaho Alihiwasalam more than everthing in this world after Allah and we will send you to the hell soon. Insha'ALLAH
    America can kill trillions of innocent people with no fault but now the time is for your end.
    See who can stop us now ,, To hell with you all mentally sick people and America

  • must read.... says:

    ohhh cme on u guyss... islam teaches u peace not terrorism...... and kindly.. just 4 once read our books.. quran... and dan u will realize.... and all the terrorists caught in pakistan were spys.. believe me... of india .. israel.. and america.. dere weopens were even of these countries... and those muslims who were caught terrorists were dose whose families died in drone attacks.... and in other such wars as in afghnistan.. as dey had nothing left so dan used by such agencies... just imagine guys... on daily basis muslims r being killed in thousands.. eg in burma.. kashmir..palestine... and.....much more.... so dont u think muslims have right to ervenge...???? nad yes.. these are all dose ways tought by islam adopted by european countries... so dats wy day r on d way to success.. just open up history and read... and we muslims had a great past bt than we forgot the teaching of islam dats wy today we r in such condition...

  • ali ahmed says:

    As a muslim i have a strong belief on Hazrat Muhammed (PBUH) and the Juses as well that both were the messengers of God and both are highly respectable to me. I can not listen anything about the Muhammed (PBUH) or Juses which, in anyway, disgraces any of them. I m of the openion that not all charistians are to be blammed for this movie but it is a fact that it is a part of a mission which continiously plays with the sentiments of the muslims. I wish that i could reach the persons who are involved in making this movie and kill them one by one. There is no harm if I lost my life in accomplishing this task...

    • Yousuf says:

      Asak.. I dont understand wy you fraudster are always back of muslim world. Before pointing out ur one finger to ur opponent u forget to check where your rest fingers are at point. You dont know ABC Of this life n u say bad about the person who taught us the best way of life. Dont just utter wat comes to ur mouth. Use ur sense n think out of box as Prophet jesus himself assured the arrival of final prophet i.e Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w). Please dont creat unwanted riots. Thats All.

    • Yousuf says:

      Asak.. It hurts if u play wit emotions n truth. I just dont understand wy you fraudster are always back of muslim world. Before pointing out ur one finger to ur opponent u forget to check where your rest fingers are at point. You dont know ABC Of this life n u say bad about the person who taught us the best way of life. Dont just utter wat comes to ur mouth. Use ur sense n think out of box as Prophet jesus himself assured the arrival of final prophet i.e Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w). Please dont creat unwanted riots. Thats All.

  • Josh says:

    America and christianity will rule the world soon so muslims take this time to be agitated.You are blaming america as the bad guy but the real bad guy who is ploting your anihilation is in your..He just visited jordan.

  • Jake says:

    Wow. This is nuts. You try not to judge a whole people based on the actions of a few, but there really haven't been any Muslims coming on this board promoting any peace and condemning violence. This is really blowing my mind.

    These people are crazy and are doing everything they can to make the whole world hate them.

  • muzaffar says:

    may be non muslims r not awared about that your father michal h hart has written book named
    (100 most influential peoples in the history of world )
    prophit muhammed pbuh was number one in all aspect of life .
    if ur intellegence is ruiened then u beleve in this film innocence of muslim.

  • pork mauhammad says:

    This movie is really awsome. Muhammad was mentally ill , he was a mass murderer, he was a pedophile, he was a robber, he was a coward. And every muslim are a potential terrorist.

  • sakidi doank says:

    astagfirullah al-adzim..
    itu melecehkan agama islam..

  • TH says:

    Tough we call ourselves literate, cultured, and sensible people but above comments don’t really show that. Respecting others is among the very first lessons being taught to humans but seems like we don’t really want to learn it.
    Many of the above comments are so disrespectful for a person who is being highly admired by millions of people on the globe!
    For those who call others as terrorists, illiterate, mentally ill, and all of that crap, they first need to look at themselves and need to LEARN that how civilized and literate people talk about others…

  • muslim says:

    amercia is totallt big dog

  • muslim says:

    america dog, american goverment is also bitch. muslim zindabad. america murda-bad. this meesage for all the american big dog.

  • REZA says:

    Is muslim angry ? of course they are, but they wouldn't harm anyone. that was the fact, believe me muslim in the world isn't going down but grow and grow until they fill up the earth. end then just a time for you all to see that ISLAM is the real guidance for you all. Or try to pray to your God to show what religions are the best ? then you will come to ISLAM with peace and happiness all over your body.

  • Ashfaq says:

    This is baste red Jews, manufactured story, prepared and been published. This is against facts, realities, rituals of that time. As all Jews were killed in Medina & Khyber, due their conspiracies, therefore, in every era, the Harami Jews manipulated such stories, just to incite the Muslims emotions. This is baseless story, has no values at all. Hitler Germany, Mussolini of Italy, Russia have completely crushed them. Not a single Jew is there. This is whore son of USA, who backing of this, otherwise, Jews are nothing at all