The Man From Planet X (1951)

Daring reporter John Lawrence (Robert Clarke) narrates this gripping tale of an alien's attempt to take over a tiny village in Scotland. As the story opens, Lawrence is visiting his old friend, Professor Elliot, who's made the startling discovery of a new planet that is approaching Earth at breakneck speed. Soon Elliot's lovely daughter, Enid, has spotted a mysterious craft in the middle of the moor. Lawrence and Elliot decide to investigate, inexplicably allowing the clearly evil Dr. Mears to assist. Lost the plot? Not to worry! The Man from Planet X cheerfully helps slower viewers by offering expository dialogue as frequently as humanly possible. "Look!" says Elliot, "It seems as if he's trying to turn that knob to the right, but doesn't have the strength or coordination," as the alien tries to turn the knob to the right, but doesn't have the strength or coordination. All seems lost as the alien begins using telepathy to control the local villagers. Luckily for the Earth, the alien's superior mind-control powers are not matched with superior common sense--he never bothers to give his slaves such crucial commands as "Don't tell the enemy my entire plan!" or "Let me know if any outsiders show up!" or "By the way, don't follow the commands of anybody but me!" A guaranteed hoot of an evening. --Ali Davis Amazon.com

OOOOH, that's a scary movie.

Isn't that what Joe Flaherty used to say on SCTV? Well it sure was when I was nine! When that alien peeked out of the space ship window at my first movie love - Margaret Field, I freaked out. Ms. Field, by the way, is Sally Field's (yup that Sally Field) mother - a little movie trivia I haven't seen reported yet, and another reason to view the movie.

That and it's fun. September 7, 2008

A Real Suprise!

A more interesting plot than one typically finds in this genre. Characters are generally more interesting. I find the female lead to be inadequate, tending to be overstated in several important scenes. The use of an obviously home built 6 inch Newtonian reflecting telescope assembled with plumbing fixtures didn't add to the credibility of the film. Generally entertaining, well written and directed, and for the most part, well acted. Well worth the price. August 16, 2008

It's true!

Well, that "title" got your attention, didn't it?

I remember seeing part of this when I was about 11. I always wanted it. So I've looked for it on those sci-fi collection sets, you know, every paper mache horror short of Godzilla, abominable snowmen, every attempt to scare the pre-adolescent, most of which had special effects budgets of around $5. But I could never find it. Then, while in Florida last Christmas, at a video store, some told me it was "out of print." (I think that's the phrase I heard. Was I dreaming? Or nightmaring???)

Well, I finally got it, and, sure enough, the Scottish accents are worse than I remember them. But the fine special effect live up to my expectations!

Oh, one of the actors, William Schallert, was in an old "Star Trek" episode, "The Trouble with Tribbles." That makes it worth is, doesn't it?

The story line was pretty standard 1950s sci fi: the guy's invading us and wants to take over us innocent earthlings. But it had a little of a "moral":If we'd treated this creature nicely, who knows what wonderful things we may have learned from such an advanced species!

I won't want to give away too much of the "plot." Just enjoy it, and don't anticipate staying awake too late fearing an invasion from a plastic-faced alien who can't even smile! June 7, 2008

I learn something from this Sci-Fi film.

I was 11 years old, but I had wondered "how would you talk to someone from an advanced race if you had no common language". This film was not the best of sci-fi flicks, but it was the first film, that explained how you would do it. I learned something that day, that would stay with me forever. It is worth watching at least once. March 15, 2008

Classic Sci-fi

Three of the most wonderful alien invasion movies of all time were made in 1950's. "The Day The Earth Stood Still," "Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers," and, "The Man From Planet X." Each of these films are dvd must haves. "The Man From Planet X" is a film response among others to social issues as well as the public interest and fears of numerous ufo sightings during that time period i.e. "UFOs Buzz the White House" and of course Roswell. The same thing has been going on for the past several years. Kecksburg Incident, Phoenix Lights...Signs, Independence Day, Close Encounters of the Third Kind...Whatever the case, I was extremely pleased with my purchase. It was delivered within 3 days of purchase. April 30, 2007

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