IT CONQUERED THE WORLD

Graves, Garland, Van Cleef

IT CONQUERED THE WORLD (1956). Produced and directed by Roger Corman. Colorized version. 

Scientist Paul Nelson (Peter Graves of Killers from Space) helped put a satellite in orbit, and when it briefly disappears, his best friend and fellow scientist Tom Anderson (Lee Van Cleef of Machete) insists that a creature from Venus is now aboard it and heading for Earth. Anderson is convinced that the alien is benevolent and will bring about a golden age where foolish emotions are unnecessary. Tom's wife, Claire (Beverly Garland of Gunslinger), thinks her husband is nuts, and Paul argues about the alien's alleged good intentions. Especially when after landing and taking refuge in a cave, the creature blocks all energy and electricity and sends out flying, bat-like animals that briefly attach themselves to certain people's necks and sap their free will -- one of the victims is Paul's wife, Joan (Sally Fraser). Claire finally gets a rifle and decides to take matters into her own hands ...  

The crazed Venusian creature on a rampage

There are an awful lot of things you could quibble about with It Conquered the World, but while the movie is often absurd it is also absorbing. As usual Beverly Garland walks off with the acting honors, although Lee Van Cleef isn't too far behind her with his intense portrayal of a rather naive and delusional scientist. Graves and Fraser are a cut below them, but are adequate. (They have hardly any reaction to a plane crash that occurs virtually on top of them.) Dick Miller and Jonathan Haze are cast as comic relief soldiers and add nothing to the picture, unfortunately. Roger Corman keeps things moving at a brisk pace although the climax is a little dragged out. The Venusian creature may look a little silly and has very limited movement, but Corman manages to get across its malevolence and homicidal intent anyway. The highlight of the film is Garland's impassioned verbal and physical attack on the alien. An uncredited remake was Zontar, the Thing from Venus. 

Verdict: Whatever its flaws, this is a creepy Corman classic. ***.