They Came from Beyond Space (1967)

User Rating:

4.0/10   

Director:

Freddie Francis

Writers:

Joseph Millard (novel)
Milton Subotsky (writer)

Release Date:

May 1967 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Sci-Fi

Plot:

Scientists investigating an unusual meteor shower in a rural field are possessed by an alien force bent on an ulterior purpose.

Plot Keywords:

Alien | Space | V Formation | Meteorite | Plague

US TV Schedule:

Mon. July 20

6:00 AM

TCM

Cast

Robert Hutton	...	Dr. Curtis Temple
Jennifer Jayne	...	Lee Mason
Zia Mohyeddin	...	Farge
Bernard Kay	...	Richard Arden
Michael Gough	...	Master of the Moon
Geoffrey Wallace	...	Alan Mullane
Maurice Good	...	Agent Stillwell
Luanshya Greer	...	Female Gas Station Attendant
John Harvey	...	Bill Trethowan
Diana King	...	Mrs. Trethowan
Paul Bacon	...	Dr. Rogers
Christopher Banks	...	Doctor on Street
Dermot Cathie	...	Peterson
Norman Claridge	...	Dr. Frederick Andrews
James Donnelly	...	Farm Gate Guard

Runtime:

85 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Twickenham Film Studios, St Margarets, Twickenham, Middlesex, England, UK

Company:

Amicus Productions

Quotes:

Lee Mason: Sentiment! I will not have sentiment interfering with our vital work!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Night Slaves (1970) (TV)

Possessed by aliens - better than average quirky Brit 60s sci-fi

Robert Hutton plays an American scientist working on a SETI project in the U. K. with a small team of assistants. He is called out to investigate the arrival of several 'meteors' which apparently hit the earth in formation. Hutton can not go, however, because he is recovering from brain surgery associated with a car accident. Soon enough, we discover that the alien vehicles house energy beings of great age who are, of course, able to possess any human they contact - except Hutton - who is protected by the silver plate in his head.

Like most 60s films of the sci fi genre, this has a fair number of logical discontinuities and other minor blemishes, and is far from a classic. However, I found it entertaining and, occasionally, thoughtful. The cinematography, script and acting are all standard, but not above average, and the pace of the film is mostly OK. The two major problems with this film are the repetitive and sometimes redundant innumerable attempts to infiltrate the alien base of operations by Hunter's character and the interesting, but irritatingly over-used minimalist-dissonant modern jazz soundtrack.

What I liked about this film is the way it plays with identity and ethics. There are times, before you learn the true motive of the aliens, that you feel sympathetic to them, regardless of their vicarious enslavement of human beings, and there are several hints dropped throughout the film concerning what is actually going on, but not so many that you will find the film predictable. Unlike similarly themed films (BodySnatchers etc), They Came From Beyond Space relies less on action, shock, and terror, and more on cleverness. Unfortunately, the film does not realize its potential in terms of thoughtfulness - since it never really opens up the issues it raises concerning enslavement, vicarious existence, sacrifice to the greater good and identity. To its credit though, the film does end on a satisfyingly smart note.

If you're a sci fi fan, you will likely enjoy this film, but I should note that you should expect little in the way of truly original material from it.