The Mole People (1956)

A party of archaeologists discovers the remnants of a mutant five-millennia-old Sumerian civilization living beneath a glacier atop a mountain in Mesopotamia.

Director:

Virgil W. Vogel (as Virgil Vogel)

Writer:

László Görög (as Laszlo Gorog)

Stars:

John Agar, Cynthia Patrick, Hugh Beaumont

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Agar	...	Dr. Roger Bentley
Cynthia Patrick	...	Adad
Hugh Beaumont	...	Dr. Jud Bellamin
Alan Napier	...	Elinu, the High Priest
Nestor Paiva	...	Prof. Etienne Lafarge
Phil Chambers	...	Dr. Paul Stuart
Rodd Redwing	...	Nazar
Robin Hughes	...	First Officer
Frank Baxter	...	Self (in introduction) (as Dr. Frank C. Baxter)

Storyline

On an archaeological dig in Asia, Dr. Roger Bentley finds a cuneiform tablet referring to an ancient society, the Shadow Dynasty, that was destroyed. An earthquake soon after reveals an ancient artifact and the scientists discover the ruins of an ancient temple world on a remote mountain site. It leads them to an underground world, lost in time, where people have adapted to low light. The High Priest Elinu doesn't welcome the presence of the new arrivals and wants them eliminated.

---

Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | pipe smoking | camp | albino | archaeologist | 

---

Taglines:

Terrifying monsters from a lost age!

---

Genres:

Adventure | Fantasy | Horror | Sci-Fi

---

Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Footage of the mole people was later used in The Wild World Of Batwoman as monsters created by a supervillain.

---

Goofs

Cynthia Patrick's character is called Adel, but named Adad in the end credits.

---

Quotes

Elinu, the High Priest: And that is not all. The king has shown weakness and poor judgement. He believes in the divinity of these intruders. Dealing with the divine is OUR office. If we abandon the smallest particle of it to outsiders, our position will soon come to naught.
Priest: But, are these outsiders not divine?
Elinu, the High Priest: No, they are mortal. Do they not eat when they are hungry? Do they not sleep when they are weary? When the guards attacked them, did not their faces show the fears of mortal men?
Priest: But, do they not possess the power ...
[...]

---

Crazy Credits

Opening Credits rise up from a hole in the ground.

---

Connections

Referenced in The Strain: Occultation (2014)

User Reviews

Great 1950s semi classic sci-fi monster movie.

I've seen this movie several times over the years. It's a real semi classic, great example of 50s sci-fi monster movies. You do get a good look at the actual mole monsters and see quite a bit of them. As good as the mole monsters are, they are only a small part of this film. It's also an adventure movie about exploring for a lost civilization. Most of the plot involves this civilization which also happens to include the Mole People. This is good stuff. The stuff that used to scare and entertain in the 50s. The thing is, if you've seen a decent amount of horror/sci-fi films from the 50s and early 60s and haven't found much that you liked, "The Mole People" is not for you. If you're a fan of 50s B movies, you'll love this one. It's a real must see.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

December 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Mole People

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

77 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1