This Island Earth
Screenplay:
Franklin CoenCinematography:
Clifford StineCast:
Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason, Lance Fuller, Russell Johnson, Douglas Spencer, Coleman Francis, Richard Deacon, Robert B. Williams, Edward Hearn (more)Plots(1)
When atomic scientist Dr. Meacham (Rex Reason) is chosen to take part in a top-secret research experiment in a remote lab, he quickly discovers that he is really involved in an evil scheme by alien Metalunans to take over Earth. After he and the gorgeous Dr. Adams (Faith Domergue) make their escape shortly before the lab explodes, they are whisked away in a flying saucer to Metaluna, where they are blamed for the destruction. Will interstellar negotiation save the day or will the scientists be forced to take part in a treacherous battle to the death? Featuring incredible special effects that were 2 1/2 years in the making, this is one adventure that you have to see to believe! (Shock Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (2)
Another one of those many charmingly naive Hollywood science fiction films from the golden era of the genre in the 1950s. The inhabitants of planet Metaluna invade Earth and, with the help of alien scientists, want to discover a new source of energy to help their planet avoid extinction. One of the scientists, Dr.Meacham, along with a promising female scientist, discovers the aliens' nefarious plans to take over Earth, and is abducted to Metaluna... Nothing much happens for the first 45 minutes, it's mostly conversational, but the kidnapping of the scientists really gets the film going. There are some really good visual effects scenes (for the time, of course): laser beams, a look inside a flying saucer, a hybernation cubicle, X-ray cuts through bodies, a small hint of a space battle, a look at the surface and the inside of Metaluna, charmingly naive futuristic buildings, drawings, models, frequent use of interludes. Aliens are distinguished from humans by their high foreheads and white wigs. There's even a fight with mutants. Everything is so incredibly silly and naive, but that's the beauty of it!
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An awesome sci-fi with excellent, simple yet great effects, and it has a nice B-movie story that works and keeps you engaged. There are good characters, and even though they are archetypes, it doesn't matter at all because they will entertain you. And when it comes to masks, it's absolutely fantastic. A beautifully naive B-movie, of which many were made during that time, but not all were so pleasantly crafted.
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