NIGHT OF THE BLOOD BEAST

Ed Nelson and Michael Emmet

NIGHT OF THE BLOOD BEAST (1958). Director: Bernard L. Kowalski. Produced by Gene Corman. Executive Producer: Roger Corman. 

Major John Corcoran (Michael Emmet) has flown deeper into outer space than anyone before. Unfortunately, when his rocket lands back on earth he appears to be dead. Along with his heartbroken fiancee, Dr. Julie Benson (Angela Greene), his body is taken back to a make-shift lab by Dr. Wyman (Tyler McVey of Teenage Thunder), Dave Randall (Ed Nelson of Attack of the Crab Monsters), Steve Dunlap (John Baer), and Donna Bixby (Georgianna Carter). But in the lab they discover that John's blood pressure is normal and he doesn't quite seem to be deceased. There's something strange about his blood, and there appear to be organisms using his body for a breeding ground. John eventually revives, even as the monstrous parent of said organisms -- a bear-like creature with claws and a parrot-like head -- breaks in and causes havoc. 

John Baer and Angela Greene

Night of the Blood Beast isn't as well known as other Roger Corman productions, but I believe it has been seen by many filmmakers who were undeniably influenced by it. (The creatures inside John's chest remind one of Alien). The actors all play with conviction, and show the fear and upsetment, indeed depression, that they would be feeling under the circumstances. They also have to deal with the dilemma of wondering if the alien is benign, despite his gruesome murdering of one of their number, or as dangerous to the human race as an initially sympathetic John comes to believe. The creature itself, a stunt man (Ross Sturlin) who must have been sweating like crazy under the costume, is effective enough for this low-budget outing. 

Michael Emmet

Aside from Ed Nelson, none of the others became part of executive producer Corman's stock company. Gorgianna Carter had only two more credits after this, although Angela Greene had over a hundred credits overall. Tyler McVey had over 200 credits! John Baer starred on the TV series Terry and the Pirates and also amassed quite a few credits. An amusing aspect of Night of the Blood Beast is the outlandish notion that only a mere handful of people -- and not one of whom is a physicist or rocket scientist -- are on hand when the rocket crashes back to earth! The other scientific aspects of the script are also a bit fantastic. But the movie is still creepy, atmospheric, and fun. Michael Emmet also had a good part in director Kowalski's Attack of the Giant Leeches; he was actually a good actor. 

Verdict: I confess I have a higher opinion of this movie than most people. ***.