Black & White Movies

Sci-fi

Lost in the Stratosphere (1934)
3/5 (1)

“Lost in the Stratosphere” is a science-fiction film from 1934 directed by Melville W. Brown. The movie follows a group of scientists who embark on a high-altitude balloon flight in order to conduct experiments on cosmic rays. However, their mission goes awry when they get caught in a storm and end up drifting off course, eventually crash-landing on an uncharted island.

The scientists quickly discover that the island is home to a highly advanced civilization, which has been cut off from the rest of the world for centuries. The inhabitants of the island are initially wary of the newcomers, but they eventually welcome them and show them their impressive technological advancements, including a highly advanced transportation system and a ray gun that can disintegrate anything it targets.

However, the scientists soon realize that the island’s leaders are using their technology for nefarious purposes. They plan to use their ray gun to destroy the rest of the world and establish themselves as rulers. The scientists must work together to stop them and find a way to escape the island and return to civilization.

Throughout the movie, there are several exciting action sequences, including a battle between the scientists and the island’s soldiers, as well as a thrilling chase through the island’s underground tunnels. In the end, the scientists are able to stop the island’s leaders and escape back to civilization, where they are hailed as heroes for their brave actions.

Directors:
Melville W. Brown

Writer:
Tristram Tupper, Albert DeMond

Stars:
William Cagney, Edward J. Nugent, June Collyer

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When Worlds Collide (1951)
4.33/5 (3)

“When Worlds Collide” is a science-fiction movie released in 1951, directed by Rudolph Maté, based on a novel of the same name written by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer. The movie follows the story of two planets, Bellus and Zyra, that are on a collision course with Earth. Scientists predict that the collision will result in the destruction of Earth and the extinction of all life on the planet.

Dr. Cole Hendron (played by Larry Keating), a scientist, and his assistant, Dr. Tony Drake (played by Richard Derr), are part of a team that is trying to build a spaceship to transport a small group of people to Zyra, the other planet that is on a collision course with Earth. They plan to evacuate as many people as they can to save them from the impending disaster.

After a lot of hard work, the spaceship is finally built, and the team selects a group of people who will be taken to Zyra. The group includes Hendron, Drake, Hendron’s daughter Joyce (played by Barbara Rush), millionaire Sidney Stanton (played by John Hoyt), and his secretary, among others.

The spaceship takes off just as the collision between the planets begins. They face several challenges during the journey, including a malfunction that causes a loss of oxygen and a difficult landing on Zyra. However, they finally manage to land safely on the new planet and start building a new civilization.

The movie ends with a sense of hope, as the survivors look forward to rebuilding their lives on Zyra and starting a new era for humankind.

“When Worlds Collide” was considered a groundbreaking film at the time of its release, as it was one of the first movies to explore the possibility of space travel and the colonization of other planets. It remains a classic of the science-fiction genre to this day.

Directors:
Rudolph Maté

Writer:
Sydney Boehm, Edwin Balmer, Philip Wylie

Stars:
Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen

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This Island Earth (1955)
3/5 (1)

“This Island Earth” is a science-fiction film released in 1955, directed by Joseph M. Newman and produced by William Alland. The film follows the story of Dr. Cal Meacham (Rex Reason), a brilliant scientist who is recruited by a mysterious organization called “Electronic Service Associates” to work on a top-secret project.

Dr. Meacham and his colleagues, including fellow scientist Dr. Ruth Adams (Faith Domergue), are transported to a remote laboratory where they are tasked with building a device that can generate unlimited energy. However, as they work on the project, they begin to realize that their employers may not be who they seem, and that there is more to the project than they were led to believe.

Dr. Meacham is contacted by a mysterious alien named Exeter (Jeff Morrow), who reveals that he and his people are in a desperate struggle for survival against an alien race known as the “Metalunans”. Exeter recruits Dr. Meacham and Dr. Adams to help him save his people by providing them with the technology to defeat the Metalunans.

The three of them embark on a dangerous journey to the alien planet, where they face a series of challenges and obstacles as they try to help Exeter and his people. They must use their scientific knowledge and expertise to outsmart the Metalunans and find a way to save themselves and Exeter’s people from certain doom.

“This Island Earth” is a classic sci-fi film that explores the themes of technology, intergalactic travel, and the struggle for survival against a hostile and technologically advanced enemy. The film’s special effects, including the alien technology and the futuristic sets, were groundbreaking for their time and have influenced many films in the genre that followed.

Directors:
Joseph M. Newman, Jack Arnold

Writer:
Raymond F. Jones, Franklin Coen, George Callahan

Stars:
Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason

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Earth vs the Flying Saucers (1956)
4/5 (1)

“Earth vs the Flying Saucers” is a science-fiction film released in 1956, directed by Fred F. Sears and produced by Charles H. Schneer. The film follows the story of Dr. Russell Marvin (Hugh Marlowe), a scientist who is working on a new project involving satellites in space.

However, one day, a flying saucer crashes into the headquarters of the project, and Dr. Marvin and his team are shocked to discover that the alien spacecraft is controlled by extraterrestrial beings who have come to Earth with hostile intentions.

As the aliens begin to attack major cities around the world, Dr. Marvin and his wife Carol (Joan Taylor), who is also a scientist, work together to figure out a way to stop them. They discover that the aliens are vulnerable to sound waves and develop a weapon to counter their attacks.

The film follows the epic battle between Earth’s forces and the alien invaders as they clash in a series of intense battles. Dr. Marvin and his team use their knowledge and ingenuity to come up with new strategies and tactics to defeat the aliens and save humanity from destruction.

“Earth vs the Flying Saucers” is a classic sci-fi film that explores the fear and paranoia of an alien invasion and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. The film’s special effects, including the flying saucers and the destruction they cause, were groundbreaking at the time of its release and have inspired many films in the genre that followed.

Directors:
Fred F. Sears

Writer:
Bernard Gordon, George Worthing Yates, Curt Siodmak

Stars:
Hugh Marlowe, Joan Taylor, Donald Curtis

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Unknown World (1951)
3/5 (1)

“Unknown World” is a science-fiction adventure film released in 1951, directed by Terry O. Morse, and produced by Edward L. Alperson. The story follows a team of scientists and experts who embark on a dangerous expedition to the Earth’s core to find a new energy source that could save humanity from an impending energy crisis.

The team includes Dr. Jeremiah Morley (Victor Kilian), a geologist; Professor Etienne Roget (Bruce Kellogg), a nuclear physicist; Dr. Max A. Bauer (Otto Waldis), a medical doctor; and Wright Thompson (Tom Handley), a businessman who is funding the mission.

The group drills a tunnel deep into the Earth’s crust using a new, experimental technology that allows them to withstand the extreme heat and pressure. After encountering various obstacles and setbacks, they finally reach the Earth’s core and discover a vast, underground world filled with strange creatures and glowing minerals.

As they explore this unknown world, they discover that the energy source they were looking for is not viable, but they stumble upon another discovery that could change the course of human history. However, they soon realize that they are not alone in this strange world, and they must fight for their survival against the dangerous creatures and forces that inhabit it.

The team faces various challenges and dangers during their expedition, and they must work together to overcome them and find a way back to the surface. “Unknown World” is an exciting adventure film that explores the limits of human knowledge and the dangers of exploration into the unknown.

Directors:
Terry O. Morse

Writer:
Millard Kaufman, Dalton Trumbo

Stars:
Bruce Kellogg, Otto Waldis, Jim Bannon

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The Man in the White Suit (1951)
4/5 (1)

“The Man in the White Suit” is a British satirical comedy film released in 1951. The movie tells the story of Sidney Stratton, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who creates a revolutionary new fabric that never gets dirty or wears out.

At first, Sidney’s invention is hailed as a miracle, and he becomes a celebrity. However, he soon discovers that his invention threatens the economic interests of the textile industry, and he is targeted by both the management and the labor unions.

Despite their efforts to stop him, Sidney remains committed to his invention, believing that it will bring great benefits to society. He is eventually forced to go into hiding, but he is rescued by a sympathetic factory owner who sees the potential in his invention.

In the end, Sidney’s invention is hailed as a success, but he is left disillusioned by the greed and corruption he encountered in the industry.

“The Man in the White Suit” is notable for its satirical take on capitalism and the tensions between innovation and vested interests. It also features strong performances by its cast, including Alec Guinness as Sidney Stratton, and has become a classic of British cinema.

Directors:
Alexander Mackendrick

Writer:
Roger MacDougall, John Dighton, Alexander Mackendrick

Stars:
Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker

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The Giant Claw (1957)
3/5 (1)

“The Giant Claw” is a science fiction film released in 1957. The movie tells the story of a giant, prehistoric bird-like creature that terrorizes North America.

The creature, which is said to be from an anti-matter galaxy, attacks planes and causes widespread destruction. A group of scientists, including the protagonist Dr. Karol Noymann and his love interest Sally Caldwell, work to find a way to stop the creature before it destroys humanity.

Through their research, the scientists discover that the creature is impervious to conventional weapons and can only be defeated with a special anti-matter weapon. They also learn that the creature is being controlled by a force from another dimension.

The scientists manage to build the anti-matter weapon and use it to destroy the creature, which is revealed to be a giant bird with a metal beak. The force controlling the bird is also destroyed, and humanity is saved from further destruction.

“The Giant Claw” is known for its comically unrealistic special effects, particularly in its depiction of the giant bird creature. Despite this, it has become a cult classic among fans of the genre and is noted for its unintentional humor.

Directors:
Fred F. Sears

Writer:
Samuel Newman, Paul Gangelin

Stars:
Jeff Morrow, Mara Corday, Morris Ankrum

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The Flying Saucer (1950)
3/5 (1)

“The Flying Saucer” is a science fiction film released in 1950. The movie tells the story of a group of people who witness the crash landing of a flying saucer in the wilderness of Montana.

As news of the crash spreads, various groups become interested in the saucer, including the military, foreign spies, and a group of scientists. The protagonist, a news reporter named Martin, becomes embroiled in the investigation and sets out to uncover the truth behind the mysterious craft.

Through his investigation, Martin learns that the flying saucer is actually a Soviet secret weapon, developed by a rogue scientist who plans to use it to attack the United States. With the help of a group of patriotic Americans, Martin is able to stop the scientist and prevent the attack.

“The Flying Saucer” was one of the first science fiction films to depict an alien invasion of Earth, and it was also notable for its political subtext. At the time of its release, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were high, and the movie played on fears of communist infiltration and espionage.

While the film’s special effects and production values are somewhat dated by modern standards, it remains an interesting historical artifact of the early science fiction genre.

Directors:
Mikel Conrad

Writer:
Mikel Conrad, Howard Irving Young

Stars:
Mikel Conrad, Pat Garrison, Hantz von Teuffen

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Destination Moon (1950)
4/5 (1)

“Destination Moon” is a science fiction film released in 1950. The movie tells the story of a group of scientists and engineers who build and launch the first rocket to the moon.

The mission faces a number of challenges, including a shortage of funds, technical difficulties, and government interference. However, the team perseveres, and they eventually manage to build and launch their rocket.

The crew, led by Dr. Charles Cargraves, includes his assistant Jim Barnes, engineer Joe Sweeney, and millionaire entrepreneur Jim Barnes. Once they reach the moon, they face further challenges, such as a malfunctioning airlock and a lack of oxygen.

Despite these obstacles, the team is able to explore the moon’s surface and make important scientific discoveries. They also manage to return safely to Earth, where they are celebrated as heroes.

“Destination Moon” was notable for its realistic depiction of space travel, and it was one of the first science fiction films to take a serious approach to the subject. It also tackled themes such as the importance of scientific exploration and the potential benefits of space travel.

The film’s success paved the way for other science fiction movies and TV shows, and it remains a classic of the genre.

Directors:
Irving Pichel

Writer:
Alford Van Ronke, Robert A. Heinlein, James O’Hanlon

Stars:
John Archer, Warner Anderson, Tom Powers

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Rocketship X-M (1950)
3/5 (1)

“Rocketship X-M” is a science fiction film released in 1950. The movie follows the journey of four astronauts – Col. Floyd Graham, Dr. Lisa Van Horn, Maj. William Corrigan, and Harry Chamberlain – as they embark on a mission to explore the planet Mars.

The mission is not without its challenges, as the rocketship encounters unexpected obstacles along the way, including a magnetic storm that causes them to lose communication with Earth. They also find themselves on an unintended course and crash land on what they believe to be Mars, but soon discover is actually a post-apocalyptic Earth.

As they explore the ruins of the civilization that once existed on the planet, the astronauts come to realize the devastating consequences of a nuclear war. They also discover that the survivors have regressed to a primitive society and are struggling to rebuild.

The crew eventually decides to return to Earth, but they face another obstacle – they do not have enough fuel to make it back. As they contemplate their fate, they come to the realization that their sacrifice could be a lesson for humanity, a warning of the dangers of war and nuclear weapons.

“Rocketship X-M” is a classic science fiction film that explores the themes of exploration, survival, and the consequences of nuclear war. It was notable for its realistic depiction of space travel, and its influence can be seen in later science fiction films and television shows.

Directors:
Kurt Neumann

Writer:
Orville H. Hampton, Kurt Neumann, Dalton Trumbo

Stars:
Lloyd Bridges, Osa Massen, John Emery

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Red Planet Mars (1952)
3/5 (1)

“Red Planet Mars” is a science fiction film released in 1952. The movie begins with news that a team of scientists has detected strange radio signals emanating from the planet Mars. The signals seem to indicate that Martians have discovered God, and they have become a more peaceful and advanced society as a result.

Dr. Jim Barker, a scientist played by Peter Graves, becomes obsessed with deciphering the Martian signals. He and his wife, played by Andrea King, work tirelessly to decode the messages, even as they face opposition from the government and religious leaders who fear the implications of the Martians’ apparent discovery of God.

As the movie progresses, it becomes clear that the Martian signals are actually a hoax, perpetrated by a Soviet scientist who has been broadcasting the signals from a secret base in the Arctic. The Soviet scientist is eventually captured by American agents, and the truth behind the signals is revealed.

In the end, the movie raises questions about the nature of faith and the dangers of blind belief. It suggests that while belief in God can be a positive force, it can also be used to manipulate and control people. Overall, “Red Planet Mars” is a thought-provoking and entertaining science fiction film that continues to be popular with fans of the genre.

Directors:
Harry Horner

Writer:
John L. Balderston, Anthony Veiller, John Hoare

Stars:
Peter Graves, Andrea King, Herbert Berghof

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The Man Who Could Cheat Death (1959)
3/5 (1)

“The Man Who Could Cheat Death” is a British horror film released in 1959, directed by Terence Fisher and starring Anton Diffring, Hazel Court, and Christopher Lee. The film is based on a play by Barré Lyndon and tells the story of a man who has discovered the secret to eternal youth.

The film’s protagonist is Dr. Georges Bonnet (Anton Diffring), a brilliant surgeon who has discovered a way to halt the aging process. He has been alive for over a century but looks and acts like a man in his forties. However, to maintain his youth, Bonnet must undergo a secret medical procedure every ten years, using glands from human victims.

Bonnet is pursued by a young artist named Janine (Hazel Court), who has fallen in love with him. However, Bonnet sees her only as a potential donor for his next procedure. When Bonnet’s former lover, a fellow scientist, discovers his secret, she threatens to expose him to the authorities.

Bonnet must take drastic measures to protect his secret and eliminate anyone who threatens to expose him. This leads to a series of murders and a final confrontation with the police, who are closing in on him.

The film is known for its atmospheric visuals and performances, especially that of Anton Diffring as the enigmatic and sinister Bonnet. It explores themes of mortality, obsession, and the price of immortality. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, “The Man Who Could Cheat Death” has since gained a cult following among fans of classic horror cinema.

Directors:
Terence Fisher

Writer:
Jimmy Sangster, Barré Lyndon

Stars:
Anton Diffring, Hazel Court, Christopher Lee

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The Amazing Transparent Man (1960)
4/5 (2)

“The Amazing Transparent Man” is a 1960 science fiction film directed by Edgar G. Ulmer. The movie tells the story of a convicted criminal named Joey Faust (played by Douglas Kennedy), who is broken out of prison by a mysterious scientist named Dr. Peter Ulof (played by Ivan Triesault).

Ulof offers Faust a deal: in exchange for his help with a top-secret experiment, he will give Faust his freedom and a share of the profits. Faust agrees, not realizing that Ulof’s experiment involves turning him invisible.

With his newfound invisibility, Faust becomes the perfect tool for Ulof’s plan to steal a top-secret formula from a government laboratory. Faust is initially hesitant, but Ulof uses mind control to force him to do his bidding.

As the theft is carried out, Faust begins to realize the true extent of Ulof’s evil plan. Ulof plans to use the formula to create an army of invisible soldiers, which he will use to take over the world. Faust decides to turn against Ulof and stop him from carrying out his plan.

The climax of the movie features a showdown between Faust and Ulof, with Faust using his invisibility to outsmart Ulof and destroy his laboratory. In the end, Faust is captured by the authorities but is offered a chance at redemption by helping the government develop a countermeasure against Ulof’s invisibility formula.

“The Amazing Transparent Man” is a low-budget film with cheesy special effects, but it has become a cult classic among science fiction fans. The movie explores themes of power, greed, and morality, as Faust must navigate his way through a world of corruption and manipulation.

Directors:
Edgar G. Ulmer

Writer:
Jack Lewis

Stars:
Marguerite Chapman, Douglas Kennedy, James Griffith

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Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla (1952)
3/5 (1)

“Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla” is a low-budget comedy film from 1952, directed by William Beaudine. The film follows two nightclub performers, Duke Mitchell and Sammy Petrillo, who are stranded on a tropical island after their plane crashes. They soon discover that the island is inhabited by a mad scientist, Dr. Zabor (played by Bela Lugosi), who has been experimenting on animals to turn them into humans.

Dr. Zabor mistakes Duke for a famous scientist he has been waiting for and decides to use him in his experiments. Meanwhile, Sammy falls in love with Nona, a native girl who has been turned into a gorilla by Dr. Zabor’s experiments. The rest of the film follows the duo’s attempts to escape the island and foil Dr. Zabor’s evil plans.

The film is known for its bizarre plot, cheesy special effects, and amateurish acting. Despite being panned by critics upon its release, it has gained a cult following over the years and is often cited as an example of “so bad it’s good” cinema.

Directors:
William Beaudine

Writer:
Tim Ryan, Leo ‘Ukie’ Sherin, Edmond Seward

Stars:
Bela Lugosi, Duke Mitchell, Sammy Petrillo

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Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women (1967)
3/5 (1)

“Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women” is a science fiction film from 1967 directed by Peter Bogdanovich. The movie follows the story of a group of astronauts who land on Venus, only to discover that the planet is populated by prehistoric creatures and a tribe of beautiful women.

The astronauts explore the planet and encounter a variety of strange and dangerous creatures, including giant carnivorous plants, pterodactyls, and a menacing sea serpent. They also meet the tribe of women, who worship a goddess named Taana and communicate telepathically.

As the astronauts try to find a way off the planet, they become embroiled in a conflict between the women and a group of male explorers who have landed on the planet. The male explorers, led by the ruthless Captain Tucker (played by Mamie Van Doren), are determined to exploit the women and claim the planet for their own.

The film explores themes of gender and power, as well as the dangers of colonialism and exploitation. The special effects and production values are typical of low-budget science fiction films of the era, but the film has gained a cult following for its campy charm and entertaining storyline.

In the end, the astronauts are able to escape the planet with the help of the women and their telepathic abilities. The film concludes with a warning about the need for respect and cooperation between different groups and the importance of protecting and preserving nature.

Directors:
Peter Bogdanovich

Writer:
Henry Ney

Stars:
Mamie Van Doren, Mary Marr, Paige Lee

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Black & White Series

Series List A-Z

Top Rated Moveis

1 Great Expectations (1946)
5/5 (1)
2 Strike (1925)
5/5 (1)
3 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
5/5 (1)
4 Intolerance (1916)
5/5 (1)
5 The Phantom Carriage (1921)
5/5 (1)
6 Charade (1953)
5/5 (1)
7 His Girl Friday (1940)
5/5 (1)
8 Rebecca (1940)
5/5 (1)
9 The Intruder (1962)
5/5 (1)
10 Arizona Gunfighter (1937)
5/5 (1)