Sci-fi

Indestructible Man (1956)

3/5 (1)

“Indestructible Man” is a science fiction and horror film from 1956 directed by Jack Pollexfen. The movie follows the story of a notorious criminal named Butcher Benton (played by Lon Chaney Jr.) who is sentenced to death for his crimes.

However, before his execution, a group of scientists experiment with a new serum that is supposed to make a person indestructible. They inject the serum into Butcher Benton’s body, hoping to study the effects.

Butcher Benton survives the execution and returns from the dead as an indestructible monster with superhuman strength. He sets out to exact revenge on those who wronged him, including the people who testified against him at his trial and the scientists who experimented on him.

The film explores themes of science and the consequences of tampering with nature. 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, Butcher Benton is ultimately defeated when the scientists use their knowledge of the serum to weaken him and bring him down. The film concludes with a warning about the dangers of playing God and the need for caution in scientific experimentation.

Directors:
Jack Pollexfen

Writer:
Vy Russell, Sue Dwiggins

Stars:
Lon Chaney Jr., Max Showalter, Marian Carr

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The Brain That Wouldnt Die (1962)

3/5 (1)

“The Brain That Wouldn’t Die” is a science fiction and horror film from 1962 directed by Joseph Green. The movie follows the story of a brilliant scientist named Dr. Bill Cortner (played by Jason Evers) who is obsessed with the idea of transplanting human brains into new bodies.

After a car accident that kills his fiancée, Jan Compton (played by Virginia Leith), Dr. Cortner decides to use her head to experiment with his brain transplant theory. He keeps her head alive in a laboratory, while searching for a new body to attach it to.

Dr. Cortner’s experiments become increasingly gruesome and unethical as he uses his assistant to lure women into his laboratory for potential body donors. Meanwhile, Jan’s head becomes increasingly unstable and develops telepathic powers.

The film explores themes of science and ethics, as well as the dangers of obsession and unchecked ambition. 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, Jan’s head begs Dr. Cortner to let her die, and she uses her telepathic powers to cause a fire that destroys the laboratory and kills them both. The film ends with a warning about the dangers of tampering with nature and the consequences of scientific arrogance.

Directors:
Joseph Green

Writer:
Joseph Green, Rex Carlton

Stars:
Jason Evers, Virginia Leith, Anthony La Penna

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The Yesterday Machine (1963)

3/5 (1)

“The Yesterday Machine” is a science fiction film from 1963 directed by Russ Marker. The movie follows the story of a group of scientists who have invented a time machine, which they hope to use to travel back in time to prevent World War II.

However, their plans are derailed when a group of Nazi spies led by Major White (played by James Britton) steal the time machine and use it to travel back in time to the Civil War era. Their goal is to change the outcome of the war and establish a new Nazi regime in America.

The scientists must work together with a local sheriff (played by Tim Holt) to retrieve the time machine and stop the Nazi spies. They encounter numerous challenges along the way, including a group of Confederate soldiers who mistake them for Union spies, and a Native American tribe that is hostile to outsiders.

The movie explores themes of time travel, history, and the consequences of altering past events. 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 scientists are able to retrieve the time machine and prevent the Nazi spies from changing history. The film concludes with the scientists discussing the potential dangers of time travel and the need for caution in the face of such power.

Directors:
Russ Marker

Writer:
Russ Marker

Stars:
Tim Holt, James Britton, Ann Pellegrino

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Atom Age Vampire (1960)

3/5 (1)

“Atom Age Vampire” is a black and white Italian horror movie from 1960 directed by Anton Giulio Majano. The movie follows the story of a young exotic dancer named Jeanette Moreneau (played by Susanne Loret) who is horribly disfigured in a car accident. Desperate to restore her beauty, she seeks the help of a scientist named Dr. Levin (played by Alberto Lupo) who has been experimenting with a revolutionary new serum that can regenerate damaged tissue.

Initially, the treatment seems to be successful, and Jeanette’s beauty is restored. However, it soon becomes apparent that the serum has a dangerous side effect – it turns the recipient into a vampire-like creature that feeds on the blood of others to maintain its youth and beauty.

Dr. Levin becomes increasingly obsessed with Jeanette, and despite her protests, he continues to administer the serum, turning her into a monster. The situation spirals out of control as Jeanette becomes increasingly unstable and violent, and the police become involved in the search for the killer.

The movie has a tragic ending as Jeanette realizes the terrible fate that awaits her and begs Dr. Levin to end her suffering. The film explores themes of vanity, obsession, and the dangers of playing with science and nature. Despite its low-budget production values and somewhat campy special effects, “Atom Age Vampire” remains a cult classic of the horror genre.

Directors:
Anton Giulio Majano

Writer:
Piero Monviso, Gino De Santis, Alberto Bevilacqua

Stars:
Alberto Lupo, Susanne Loret, Sergio Fantoni

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Killers from Space (1954)

3/5 (1)

“Killers from Space” is a science fiction B-movie released in 1954, directed by W. Lee Wilder and starring Peter Graves as Dr. Douglas Martin, a nuclear scientist who is involved in a secret government project to test a new atomic bomb.

During the test, Martin’s plane crashes and he is presumed dead. However, he is later found alive and suffering from amnesia. As he tries to piece together what happened to him, he begins to experience strange visions of alien beings who seem to be controlling his actions.

With the help of a fellow scientist, Martin uncovers a plot by the aliens to invade Earth and take over the planet. The aliens, who are revealed to be from the planet Astron Delta, have been secretly using the atomic bomb tests to create a radiation shield that will allow them to survive on Earth.

Martin and his colleagues work to stop the aliens and destroy their radiation shield, culminating in a final showdown between Martin and the alien leader. In the end, the aliens are defeated and Martin regains his memory, but not before a thrilling battle between humans and extraterrestrial beings.

Overall, “Killers from Space” is a typical 1950s science fiction movie that plays on Cold War-era fears of nuclear annihilation and invasion by foreign powers. Despite its low budget and cheesy special effects, the film has become a cult classic among fans of vintage sci-fi cinema.

Directors:
W. Lee Wilder

Writer:
William Raynor, Myles Wilder

Stars:
Peter Graves, James Seay, Steve Pendleton

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Cat Women of the Moon (1953)

3/5 (1)

“Cat-Women of the Moon” is a 1953 science fiction movie directed by Arthur Hilton. The movie follows a group of astronauts who travel to the moon in search of a valuable new mineral called “lunarium.” However, their mission is complicated when they discover a hidden civilization of cat-like women who have lived on the moon for thousands of years.

The astronauts are led by Laird Grainger (Sonny Tufts) and his girlfriend, Helen Salinger (Marie Windsor). Also on the mission are Kip Reissner (Victor Jory), Doug Smith (William Phipps), and Walt Walters (Douglas Fowley). When they arrive on the moon, they find the cat-women’s city and are quickly captured by the women, who plan to keep the astronauts as their mates.

The cat-women are led by the beautiful but dangerous Alpha (Carol Brewster), who is intrigued by the presence of the human astronauts. As the astronauts try to escape, they are forced to navigate treacherous lunar landscapes, deal with internal conflicts, and battle the cat-women’s advanced technology.

In the end, the astronauts are able to escape with their lives and the valuable lunarium they came to find. The cat-women are left behind, but not before Alpha expresses a desire to someday visit Earth and meet the human men who fascinated her.

“Cat-Women of the Moon” is a classic example of the science fiction movies of the 1950s, with its focus on space exploration and alien encounters. While its special effects and production values may seem dated by modern standards, the movie is remembered fondly by fans of the genre for its campy charm and iconic imagery.

Directors:
Arthur Hilton

Writer:
Roy Hamilton, Jack Rabin, Al Zimbalist

Stars:
Sonny Tufts, Victor Jory, Marie Windsor

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Bride Of The Monster (1955)

3/5 (1)

“Bride of the Monster” is a 1955 horror/science fiction movie directed by Ed Wood, Jr. The movie stars Bela Lugosi as Dr. Eric Vornoff, a mad scientist who lives in a secluded mansion with his assistant, Lobo (Tor Johnson). Vornoff is obsessed with creating a race of superhumans, and he has been experimenting with atomic energy to achieve this goal.

When a reporter named Janet Lawton (Loretta King) and her partner, Dick Craig (Tony McCoy), investigate the disappearance of several people near Vornoff’s mansion, they stumble upon his secret laboratory. Vornoff captures Janet and plans to use her in his experiments, but Dick and the local police mount a rescue operation.

In the final confrontation, Vornoff uses his atomic energy machine to create a giant octopus-like creature, which he hopes will be his ultimate creation. However, the experiment goes awry, and the creature goes on a rampage, destroying Vornoff’s mansion and killing Lobo. Vornoff himself is killed by the creature, which is eventually destroyed by Dick and the police.

Despite its low budget and often criticized production values, “Bride of the Monster” has become a cult classic, due in part to Bela Lugosi’s iconic performance as the mad scientist. The movie is also notable for being one of the last films Lugosi made before his death in 1956.

Directors:
Edward D. Wood Jr.

Writer:
Edward D. Wood Jr., Alex Gordon

Stars:
Stars
Bela Lugosi, Tor Johnson, Tony McCoy

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The Wasp Woman (1960)

3/5 (1)

“The Wasp Woman” is a 1960 science fiction horror film directed by Roger Corman. The story follows Janice Starlin (played by Susan Cabot), the aging CEO of a cosmetics company who is desperate to maintain her youth and beauty. After trying numerous treatments with no success, she turns to Dr. Eric Zinthrop (played by Michael Mark), a scientist who has been working on a serum derived from wasp enzymes that can reverse the aging process.

Despite warnings from Zinthrop about the serum’s potential side effects, Janice decides to use it and is thrilled with the results. However, as time passes, she begins to experience strange side effects and transforms into a wasp-like creature, becoming increasingly aggressive and dangerous. Meanwhile, Zinthrop goes missing, and the police start investigating the disappearances of several people who had crossed paths with Janice.

As Janice’s transformation progresses, her staff at the cosmetics company becomes increasingly afraid of her, and she becomes isolated and paranoid. Eventually, she attacks and kills several people before being hunted down and killed by the police. The film ends with Zinthrop’s assistant, Mary Dennison (played by Barboura Morris), destroying the wasp serum and vowing never to let anyone else suffer the same fate as Janice.

Overall, “The Wasp Woman” is a classic B-movie horror film that explores the dangers of obsession and vanity. Despite its low budget and cheesy special effects, the film has gained a cult following over the years and is considered a cult classic.

Directors:
Roger Corman

Writer:
Leo Gordon, Kinta Zertuche

Stars:
Susan Cabot, Anthony Eisley, Barboura Morris

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Ghost Patrol (1936)

3/5 (1)

“Ghost Patrol” is a 1936 comedy-mystery film directed by Sam Newfield. The story follows a group of amateur radio enthusiasts who stumble upon a plot by gangsters to steal a valuable invention.

The film’s protagonist is Jerry Davis, played by Tim McCoy, a radio engineer who is part of a group of amateur radio enthusiasts known as the “Ghost Patrol.” The group spends their time experimenting with radio technology and communicating with each other through their radio sets.

One day, Jerry and his friends overhear a conversation between a group of gangsters who are planning to steal a new invention from a scientist named Dr. Bentley. The invention is a device that can detect and neutralize deadly gases, making it a valuable weapon in the wrong hands.

Jerry and his friends decide to investigate and, with the help of a reporter named Jean, played by Claudia Dell, they set out to stop the gangsters and save Dr. Bentley’s invention.

As they work to unravel the mystery, the Ghost Patrol encounters numerous obstacles, including a treacherous mountain road and a gang of thugs who are determined to stop them. They also discover that one of their own members may be working with the gangsters.

In the end, the Ghost Patrol succeeds in foiling the gangsters’ plans and recovering Dr. Bentley’s invention. The film concludes with Jerry and Jean falling in love and the Ghost Patrol continuing their adventures in the world of amateur radio.

Overall, “Ghost Patrol” is a lighthearted and entertaining film that combines elements of comedy, mystery, and action. It celebrates the ingenuity and resourcefulness of amateur radio enthusiasts while also providing a thrilling and suspenseful storyline.

Directors:
Sam Newfield

Writer:
Wyndham Gittens

Stars:
Tim McCoy, Claudia Dell, Walter Miller

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The Monster Maker (1944)

3/5 (1)

“The Monster Maker” is a 1944 horror film directed by Sam Newfield. The story revolves around a brilliant but twisted scientist named Dr. Igor Markoff, played by J. Carrol Naish, who has developed a serum that can transform healthy humans into hideous monsters.

Markoff uses his serum to turn his unsuspecting victims into monsters, which he then displays in his traveling carnival as part of his sideshow act. His ultimate goal is to create a monster army that he can use to take over the world.

The film’s protagonist is a talented surgeon named Dr. Donald Blake, played by Ralph Morgan, who becomes suspicious of Markoff’s activities and decides to investigate. With the help of a reporter named Pat, played by Wanda McKay, Blake sets out to stop Markoff and save his latest victim, a young girl named Laurie.

As Blake and Pat dig deeper into Markoff’s past, they discover that he is driven by a desire for revenge against the medical community that rejected his unorthodox methods. They also learn that Markoff himself is suffering from a deadly illness and is using his serum to try to find a cure.

The climax of the film involves a showdown between Blake and Markoff, with the fate of Laurie and the world hanging in the balance. In the end, Markoff is killed and his serum destroyed, but not before he manages to turn himself into a monster and wreak havoc on the carnival.

Overall, “The Monster Maker” is a classic horror film that explores themes of scientific experimentation, revenge, and the dangers of playing God. It is a chilling reminder of the power of human ambition and the consequences that can result when that ambition is taken too far.

Directors:
Sam Newfield

Writer:
Larry Williams, Pierre Gendron, Martin Mooney

Stars:
J. Carrol Naish, Ralph Morgan, Tala Birell

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First Spaceship on Venus (1960)

3/5 (1)

“First Spaceship on Venus” is a 1960 East German-Polish science fiction film directed by Kurt Maetzig. The film is based on the 1951 novel “The Astronauts” by Stanislaw Lem.

The story begins when a mysterious message is discovered on Venus, stating that the planet is in danger from a runaway chain reaction caused by a nuclear war on Earth. An international team of scientists is assembled to travel to Venus and try to stop the chain reaction before it destroys the planet.

The team includes representatives from the United States, Soviet Union, Japan, and other countries. They travel to Venus on the spaceship “Kosmokrator” and encounter many dangers along the way, including meteor showers and the deadly radiation of the Van Allen belt.

When they arrive on Venus, the team discovers a complex underground network of tunnels and structures. They also encounter strange alien creatures and witness the aftermath of the long-dead Venusian civilization.

As they explore the planet, the team learns that the chain reaction threat was actually a false alarm caused by a malfunction in the Venusian monitoring system. However, they also discover that the Venusians had sent a warning message to Earth thousands of years ago, which was ignored by humans.

The film ends with the team returning to Earth, having learned a valuable lesson about the dangers of nuclear war and the importance of communication between different civilizations.

Overall, “First Spaceship on Venus” is an intriguing and thought-provoking science fiction film that explores themes of interstellar communication, nuclear war, and the limits of human knowledge.

Directors:
Kurt Maetzig

Writer:
Stanislaw Lem, Jan Fethke, Wolfgang Kohlhaase

Stars:
Yôko Tani, Oldrich Lukes, Ignacy Machowski

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The Corpse Vanishes (1942)

3/5 (1)

“The Corpse Vanishes” is a 1942 horror film directed by Wallace Fox and produced by Sam Katzman. The movie features Bela Lugosi as Dr. Lorenz, a mad scientist who is killing young brides to obtain a rare substance from their glands in order to keep his aging wife youthful.

The movie begins with a journalist, Patricia Hunter (played by Luana Walters), attending the wedding of a young society girl. During the ceremony, the bride suddenly collapses and dies, leaving everyone in shock. Patricia suspects that something sinister is going on and decides to investigate.

She discovers that several young brides have died mysteriously and that each of them had been wearing a particular type of orchid. She also learns that Dr. Lorenz has been present at each of the weddings and that he has a connection to a cosmetics company that uses the rare substance he extracts from the brides’ glands in their products.

Patricia and her boyfriend, Dr. Foster (played by Tristram Coffin), team up to stop Dr. Lorenz and save the life of the next bride on his list. They go undercover as a couple getting married and lure Dr. Lorenz into their trap.

In the end, Dr. Lorenz is killed in a fiery explosion and his wife, who had been kept alive by the gland substance, ages rapidly and dies. Patricia and Dr. Foster are left to enjoy their happy ending.

Overall, “The Corpse Vanishes” is a classic horror film that showcases Lugosi’s talents as a villainous mad scientist. It’s a must-see for fans of old-school horror movies.

Directors:
Wallace Fox

Writer:
Sam Robins, Gerald Schnitzer, Harvey Gates

Stars:
Bela Lugosi, Luana Walters, Tristram Coffin

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Things to Come (1936)

3/5 (1)

“Things to Come” is a 1936 science fiction film directed by William Cameron Menzies and based on the novel “The Shape of Things to Come” by H.G. Wells.

The film is set in the future, beginning in the year 1940, where a global war has broken out and destroyed much of civilization. The film follows the story of John Cabal (Raymond Massey), a visionary scientist who believes that the only hope for humanity is to rebuild society from the ground up.

Over the course of the film, we see the development of new technologies and political systems as humanity rebuilds itself. We see the rise of a technocratic society called “Wings Over the World,” which seeks to unite the world under one government and eliminate war.

However, not everyone is happy with this new society, and a rebellion breaks out led by a man named Theotocopulos (Cedric Hardwicke). The conflict between the rebels and the Wings Over the World government becomes the focal point of the film’s final act.

“Things to Come” is a groundbreaking film for its time, featuring impressive special effects and a bold vision of the future. It explores complex themes such as the role of technology in society, the dangers of war and the importance of scientific progress. While the film’s pacing can be slow at times, its powerful message and stunning visuals make it a must-see for fans of science fiction and dystopian stories.

Directors:
William Cameron Menzies

Writer:
H.G. Wells

Stars:
Raymond Massey, Edward Chapman, Ralph Richardson

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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)

4/5 (1)

“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is a silent film adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel of the same name. The film was directed by John S. Robertson and stars John Barrymore in the dual roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde.

The story follows Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist who is working on a potion that can separate a person’s good and evil tendencies. Despite warnings from his friends and colleagues, Jekyll drinks the potion and transforms into the monstrous Mr. Hyde, a brutal and violent man who indulges in his darkest desires.

As Jekyll becomes more and more addicted to the sensation of transforming into Hyde, he loses control over his transformation and begins to fear that he may never be able to return to his original self. Meanwhile, Hyde’s actions become increasingly reckless and dangerous, putting Jekyll’s reputation and relationships at risk.

In the end, Jekyll’s attempts to separate his good and evil selves prove to be a fatal mistake, as he is unable to control his transformations and ultimately destroys himself. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving into one’s darker impulses and the importance of maintaining a sense of balance and control in one’s life.

Directors:
John S. Robertson

Writer:
Robert Louis Stevenson, Clara Beranger, Thomas Russell Sullivan

Stars:
John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield, Brandon Hurst

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The Phantom Planet (1961)

3/5 (1)

“The Phantom Planet” is a 1961 science fiction film directed by William Marshall and starring Dean Fredericks, Coleen Gray, and Anthony Dexter.

The story follows an astronaut named Captain Frank Chapman (played by Dean Fredericks), who is on a mission to investigate a mysterious asteroid that has been spotted near Earth. However, while on the mission, Chapman’s spacecraft encounters a strange force that causes it to crash-land on the asteroid. Chapman emerges from the wreckage to find himself on a miniature planet with a breathable atmosphere and a race of tiny people who are at war with a race of giants.

Chapman soon learns that he has been reduced in size and that the planet is being bombarded by deadly radiation. In order to save himself and the tiny people who have befriended him, Chapman must find a way to escape the planet and return to Earth. Along the way, he battles the giant aliens and tries to unravel the secrets of the planet and its strange inhabitants.

“The Phantom Planet” is notable for its low budget and its use of special effects, which include miniature models and green screen technology. The film also features a memorable musical score by prolific composer Ronald Stein. While not a critical success at the time of its release, “The Phantom Planet” has since become a cult classic, known for its quirky characters, imaginative storyline, and cheesy special effects.

Directors:
William Marshall

Writer:
William Telaak, Fred De Gorter, Fred Gebhardt

Stars:
Dean Fredericks, Coleen Gray, Anthony Dexter

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