Monster of Terror (1965)
"Die, Monster, Die!" (original title)

A young man visits his fiancé's estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that have turned the plants in ... See full summary »

Director:

Daniel Haller

Writers:

Jerry Sohl (screenplay), H.P. Lovecraft (from "The Colour Out of Space")

Stars:

Boris Karloff, Nick Adams, Freda Jackson

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Boris Karloff	...	Nahum Witley
Nick Adams	...	Stephen Reinhart
Freda Jackson	...	Letitia Witley
Suzan Farmer	...	Susan Witley
Terence de Marney	...	Merwyn
Patrick Magee	...	Dr. Henderson
Paul Farrell	...	Jason
Leslie Dwyer	...	Potter
Harold Goodwin	...	Taxi Driver (UK version)
Sydney Bromley	...	Pierce
Billy Milton	...	Henry
Sheila Raynor	...	Miss Bailey (UK version)

Storyline

A young man visits his fiancé's estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that have turned the plants in his greenhouse to giants. When his own wife falls victim to this mysterious power, the old man takes it upon himself to destroy the glowing object with disastrous results.

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Plot Keywords:

wheelchair bound | greenhouse | mansion | father daughter relationship | taxi | 

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Taglines:

FANTASTIC ...FRIGHTENING - TWO UNEARTLY, SPINE TINGLING ADVENTURES (all USA combo double-feature ads-all caps(

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Genres:

Mystery | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Official Sites:

MGM Studios [us]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 October 1965 (USA)

Also Known As:

Colour Out of Space

Filming Locations:

Shere, Surrey, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alta Vista Productions, American International Pictures (AIP)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min 75 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Pathécolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the first directing job for veteran art director/production designer Daniel Haller , which began filming February 15 1965.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Taxi Driver: Morning!
Stephen Reinhart: Morning. Taxi?

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Connections

References The Invisible Ray (1936)

User Reviews

Boris gives us his all

AIP decided to try cashing in on Lovecraft rather than Poe this time around.What we get is an above average movie that is hampered by its budget.

Nick Adams plays Stephen Reinhart who arrives in the small english town of Arkham.When he tries various means to travel to the Witley estate he is rebuffed by the townsfolk and has to walk.We're treated to some decent matte shots of a desolate countryside.

Arriving at the estate the young man is met by Nahum Witley (Boris Karloff).He is pointedly told to leave.Sticking to his guns Steve informs the man that he was invited by Mrs Witley.Of course Susan (Witley's daughter) rushes down to clear up some confusion.

Here we learn that there are some weird goings on involving everyone at the house. A maid has disappeared,weird screams are heard at night and Mrs Witley hides behind curtains.A real miasma lurks in this house. Nahum has a strange secret in the basement that seems to be killing everyone who comes in contact with it.

Rather than go further into the plot which is really basic there are a few things that lift this above your standard haunted (for lack of a better word) house story.This movie just reeks with atmosphere.It is very opressive and claustrophobic.The sets are wonderful and nicely done on the cheap.Boris Karloff gives his usual wonderful performance. Nick Adams actually holds his own here.

On the downside the special effects are very limited due to the budget. A minor quibble.Patrick Magee shows up for a role that will leave you scratching your head wondering what that was all about.

Definitely worth a look if you catch it on AMC or find the dvd cheaply.