This Island Earth

                         

                                                                 Overview

Now we’re getting somewhere. This Island Earth (1955) is one of those few films you hear about that gets stuck between two separate film categories. Fans of the old 50’s alien films often put this movie in the classic category. Most mainstream moviegoers and critics, however, usually pan this one. During this decade, independent filmmakers and others were really looking to cash in on the country’s new fascination with extraterrestrials. Stories of people getting abducted really took off during the 50’s, as did other paranoia’s. One of which particularly was the fear of Communist spies snooping the US, which caused a national uproar. This arguably helped to stir interests in movies that featured foreign invaders living in society. I don’t really mean to give this film such a dramatic backdrop, but it helps to put things in perspective. 

                                             Plot Line

The film begins with a scientist Cal Meacham (Rex Reason) taking off in a jet from Washington DC, on his way to the laboratory. When trying to land, however, his jet loses control and starts shining a bright green. Eventually, he regains control and lands. His research assistant, Joe Wilson (Robert Nichols) also saw the odd occurrence, but both decide to keep quiet for the time being. Later, while waiting to receive parts for his laboratory, they instead receive a mysterious shipment of crates. Inside them are thousands of pieces designed to build a machine called an interocitor. Once built, Meacham and Wilson receive a message from a man called Exeter (Jeff Morrow). He offers Meacham the opportunity to be a part of a large research team, which he claims is dedicated to the field of science. With little details or hard facts present, he nonetheless takes Exeter up on his offer. The next day, a plane picks him up, though without any visible pilots on board. Once landed, Meacham is greeted by Dr. Ruth Adams. Both were once in a relationship, although Adams feigns ignorance of their ever knowing one another. Meacham later meets the other scientists, as well as Exeter and his own assistant, Brack. Their appearance causes suspicion, for both men have identically-enlarged foreheads, along with white hair. Also strange is the fact that Exeter expresses no knowledge of Mozart during a dinner gathering. Eventually, the two scientists, along with another named Steve Carlson (Russell Johnson) meet up in private to discuss the mysterious nature of the two men. Realizing that something is wrong, they try to flee the premises. While driving away though, a laser beam shoots at them from the sky. Eventually, Carlson is killed, and the other two are captured on board a flying saucer. The other scientists in the building are also killed. Exeter tries to convince them that his goals are peaceful (the mass killings notwithstanding). At first, Meacham resists, but is forced to go along with the aliens. Exeter explains that their help is required to save his race against the Zagons, another alien group. Once reaching the planet, however, the Monitor (the alien leader) orders their minds to be wiped. After leaving, Exeter helps them escape. Along the way, the trio is attacked by a Mutant guard, which injures Exeter. Beating back the creature, they escape on board the saucer, and leave the planet. As they leave, they watch Exeter’s planet vaporized. The mutant, however, has boarded the ship. It tries to kill Adams, but the pressure from the journey finally kills it. Returning back to Earth, the couple returns home. Exeter however is badly injured, and his ship is low on fuel. The film concludes with him crashing the saucer into the ocean.

                                               Overview

Like I said, this movie is a shade of gray. It holds a 71% with Rotten Tomatoes, and the acting is overall decent. The special effects are also a plus for a film in this genre. However, you finish the film feeling like you wanted a little more. Much time is spent on characters providing tons of exposition for the audience, which often is pretty tedious. There are a few battle scenes towards the end, when the aliens are attacking Metaluna. The Mutant of course a guy in a rubber suit, no stop motion or anything is used. But it doesn’t look too bad. What makes This Island Earth so divisive is that while most regard this movie as a classic, the crew of Mystery Science Theater disagreed. They chose to lampoon this film in their own film version of the TV series. Actually it was through the MST3K movie that I first saw This Island Earth. It’s definitely not the worst movie they took on, but at the same time, there’s a reason why they chose it. The movie is cliché, even by 50’s standards. Some scenes, such as the lab scene, go on with seemingly little purpose. Lots of boring dialogue will likely put audiences to sleep.

 I give this one a 5 out of 10.

                                     1955 Movie Trailer