THE FLAME BARRIER

Arthur Franz and Kathleen Crowley

THE FLAME BARRIER (1958). Director: Paul Landres.

Carol Dahlmann (Kathleen Crowley of The Rebel Set) is on a hunt for her husband, who disappeared while on an expedition in the jungle. A rocket that crashed to earth and may have important scientific information is considered irretrievably lost, but Dahlmann (Dan Gachman), a chemical magnate, used his own funds to try to find it -- he never came back. Now his wife importunes two brothers, Matt (Robert Brown) and Dave Hollister (Arthur Franz of New Orleans Uncensored), to guide her into the same territory where he disappeared before the rains come. Matt is handsome, charming and solicitous, while Dave -- whose ex-wife ran out on him -- is rude, obnoxious and hostile -- guess which brother Carol falls for? Dave wonders if Carol really loved her husband or if she just needs proof of his death so she can proceed with probate. 

Crowley with Robert Brown

The Flame Barrier is an interesting low-budget science fiction movie with an unusual monster, a lifeform that the rocket brought back to earth and which radiates a deadly destructive field that causes victims to burst into flame. If it isn't destroyed in time the entire world could be in trouble. The trek through the jungle is suspenseful and at times deliberately humorous and there is good interplay between the three main characters. With her sexy whiskey voice Kathleen Crowley, always a solid actress, makes the most of her confused but likable character, while Franz and Brown also score as two siblings with very different personalities. Although the production values generally remind one of a TV show, the film still manages to work up atmosphere, and there are effective moments concerning the somewhat shapeless, expanding lifeform and the fate of Dahlmann. There are illogical moments, but the screenplay offers some interesting concepts as well. Gerald Fried's music is a decided plus, offering a more flavorful background than the typical generic score. Brown and Crowley both did a lot of TV work in the fifties and sixties. 

Verdict: Entertaining and well-acted enough so that you don't miss the usual giant bugs or lizards. ***.