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Robert Clarke | ... | |
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Patricia Manning | ... |
Ann Russell
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Nan Peterson | ... |
Trudy Osborne
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Patrick Whyte | ... |
Dr. Frederick Buckell
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Fred La Porta | ... |
Dr. Jacob Hoffman
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Peter Similuk | ... |
George Messorio
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William White | ... |
Police Lt. Peterson
(as Bill Hampton)
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Robert Garry | ... |
Dr. Stern
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Donna King | ... |
Suzy's Mother
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Xandra Conkling | ... |
Suzy
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Del Courtney | ... |
Radio Deejay
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Richard Cassarino | ... |
Barfly /
Man on Beach with Kids /
Policeman
(as Cass Richards)
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Helen Joseph |
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Darryl Westbrook |
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Bill Currie |
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After exposure to radiation, an atomic research scientist finds himself changing into a murderous, lizard-like creature every time he is exposed to sunlight. Written by Ray Hamel <hamel@primate.wisc.edu>
Memorable independently produced 50s monster fare has Clarke (who sci-fi fans will remember from the equally memorable "The Man From Planet X") as a scientist whose exposure to radioactive isotopes causes him to become a monster whenever exposed to the sun. The film is extraordinary in that its focus is on the effect the transformation has on Clarke's character, emotionally and morally; his excessive drinking and his search for nightlife exemplify this. Having been forced by his vampire-like condition to avoid the sun and the "good girl" he knows in town, he has no option but to live the other way. By taking a floozy out for a moonlit walk (she seems really surprised when he says he actually wants to take a walk, perhaps expecting a mere pickup) he shows how he wants to make his night world into a respectable one, but can't (the sun again turns him into the demon).
Good makeup, nice performances in the B-mode all around. If you're a fan of these kind of movies, this is the movie you're looking for -- one of the best of its kind.