Bloodlust in Outer Space! Tonight on Svengoolie

This Island Earth 

1955 | B&W | 87 Minutes | 2:00:1 | NR | Horror  | Mono | Universal Pictures

Director: Joseph M. Newman

Writer: Raymond F. Jones


Stars:

Jeff Morrow,
Faith Domergue
Rex Reason

Dr. Meacham is chosen along with others by the inhabitants of the planet Metaluna to do research that will help save their dying planet. However, an evil scheme is uncovered by the suspecting Dr. Meacham when he discovers the Metalunan's plan to take over Earth. Dr. Meacham then escapes an exploding Metalunan built Earth lab along with Dr. Adams only to be kidnapped while flying away in a small plane. A flying saucer wisks both the scientists off to Metaluna where they are held accountable for blowing up the Metalunan Earth lab during their escape. They later escape there with the help of Exeter the friendly Metalunan. Metaluna then self destructs and the Doctors make it safely back to Earth, which is saved from Metalunan invasion.


Can't wait to see this B movie classic! Did you know There was a sequel to this film in the works in 1956. Screenwriter Franklin Coen and producer William Alland submitted a script titled "Aliens In The Skies" to Universal Pictures, and for a short time it was announced as in "pre-production development" at the studio. However, the studio boss, Edward Muhl, shot down their proposal when he looked over the proposed budget for the film, to be shot in Technicolor and CinemaScope, and to co-star Rex Reason and Faith Domergue reprising their roles, to be released in 1957. It was too expensive, he said. Muhl's idea of a science-fiction movie in the 1950s was a cheaply-made B-movie with a monster in it for the kids.

The film also was shown in drive-in theaters in the US in the summer of 1960 on a double bill with Forbidden Planet. It was also re-issued in theaters in America in July 1964.

Next Week Werewolf in London!
Part of the Count Down To Halloween Day 20