The Angry Red Planet (1959)

One of only two survivors from a Martian expedition is so traumatized she doesn't remember the circumstances of the trip.

Director:

Ib Melchior

Writers:

Ib Melchior (screenplay), Sidney W. Pink (screenplay) (as Sid Pink)

Stars:

Gerald Mohr, Nora Hayden, Les Tremayne

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gerald Mohr	...	Col. Thomas O'Bannion
Nora Hayden	...	Dr. Iris 'Irish' Ryan
Les Tremayne	...	Prof. Theodore Gettell
Jack Kruschen	...	CWO Sam Jacobs
Paul Hahn	...	Maj. Gen. George Treegar
J. Edward McKinley	...	Prof. Paul Weiner
Tom Daly	...	Dr. Frank Gordon
Don Lamond	...	TV Newscaster / Narrator / Martian (voice)
Edward Innes	...	Brig. Gen. Alan Prescott
Gordon Barnes	...	Maj. Lyman Ross
Jack Haddock	...	Lt. Col. Davis
Brandy Bryan	...	Nurse Hayes
Joan Patrick	...	Nurse Dixon (as Joan Fitzpatrick)
Duke Norton	...	Dr. Muller
William Remick	...	Dr. Hawley (as Wm. Remick)

Storyline

The first spaceship to Mars, presumed lost, is found in space and brought back to Earth by remote control. Only two from an initial crew of four are still alive, but one is unconscious due to an attached alien growth, while the other is traumatized, blocking out all memory of what happened. In hopes to save the unconscious crewman, the amnesiac is interrogated back into remembering. Those in charge thereby learn of the terrible dangers awaiting anyone venturing into the spooky, ruddy stillness of the very alien Martian ecosystem.

---

Plot Keywords:

martian | psychotronic film | no title at beginning | bare chested male | hairy chest | 

---

Taglines:

Sights beyond belief! (Ad cuts).

---

Genres:

Adventure | Horror | Sci-Fi

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The 40-foot alien monster was actually a marionette about 15 inches high. It was essentially a combination of a rat, bat, spider, and crab.

---

Goofs

Les Tremayne clearly states that have deliberately landed on the equatorial area of Mars because that area is most likely to have life. Later Jack Khruschen, clearly contradicting that geography, asks where the polar caps are.

---

Quotes

CWO Sam Jacobs: If Martians are out there they must be invisible.

---

Crazy Credits

The main title, cast and credits do not appear until the end of the film.

---

Connections

Featured in Trailer Cinema (1992)

User Reviews

A Fun B-Movie

This is definitely one movie I grew up watching when I was a kid. The acting may be bad and the science may be convoluted, but it is still a fun ride. You know you are going to have a good B movie when Les Tremayne, who was in so many B's during the 60's, is one of the stars. Also, did you ever notice that the mail crew members were in wing tips? At least they flew in space in style. Also, the character of Dr. Ryan is supposed to have earned respect with her degree, but she is constantly referred to as the girl, but then again, this was the early sixties and what good b-flick doesn't have a female scientist that is all business until she's in peril and then she becomes the typical damsel in distress. This film isn't great, but it definitely is fun.

Details

Official Sites:

MGM Studios [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 November 1959 (USA)

Also Known As:

Invasion of Mars

Filming Locations:

Hal Roach Studios - 8822 Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$190,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sino Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1