Cosmic Monsters (1958)

Scientists are working on some sort of magnetic ray that changes the molecular structure of metals, and it might be interfering with televisions at the local pub. Funding was in danger of being cut until the military recognized the tactical benefit. A strange visitor appears to inform them of a greater danger.

Originally titled “The Strange World of Planet X”, it was renamed for American audiences. Neither title hits the mark. But it has many of the tropes of 50’s sci-fi: an obsessed scientist, unintended consequences, giant bugs, and a budding romance.

Our lead is Forrest Tucker whom people my age may remember as Sergeant O’Rourke from F-Troop. A better actor than many in this tier of film but he lacked leading man good looks. He was believable as a lab assistant only because his duties were limited to turning dials when Dr. Obsessive barked at him.

50’s gender politics are revealed when an injured lab assistant is replaced by a woman. Our hero spouts the expected misogyny but is surprised to discover she is both attractive and qualified. I don’t ding it for this because it subverts the stereotype rather than confirm it. She is played by French actress Gaby André, but her accent was deemed too thick so they dubbed her with an English actress. It was very noticeable.

Like all 50’s sci-fi B films, the science is garbage. I won’t go into it. It was, however, surprisingly gory by 1950’s standards. Not as talkie as some UK films but it does border on having too many secondary characters for a drive-in audience to follow. Dumb as it is, it's well executed, does a lot with a limited budget, and is quite engaging. All in all, it wasn’t half bad. AMRU 3.5.

"Yea, I know the type. Frustrated angular spinster. Very dedicated to her calling. Without a sense of humor, bossy, and infuriatingly right every time."