They Came from Beyond Space (1967)

Scientists investigating an unusual meteor shower in a rural field are possessed by an alien force bent on an ulterior purpose.

Director:

Freddie Francis

Writers:

Milton Subotsky (screenplay), Joseph Millard (novel)

Stars:

Robert Hutton, Jennifer Jayne, Zia Mohyeddin

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Hutton	...	Dr. Curtis Temple
Jennifer Jayne	...	Lee Mason
Zia Mohyeddin	...	Farge
Bernard Kay	...	Richard Arden
Michael Gough	...	Master of the Moon
Maurice Good	...	Stilwell
John Harvey	...	Bill Trethowan
Hedger Wallace	...	Alan Mullane (as Geoffrey Wallace)
Luanshya Greer	...	Girl Attendant
Diana King	...	Mrs. Trethowan
Paul Bacon	...	Dr. Rogers
Christopher Banks	...	Doctor - Street
Dermot Cathie	...	Peterson
Norman Claridge	...	Dr. Frederick Andrews
James Donnelly	...	Guard

Storyline

Astronomers investigate a mysterious meteorite shower in a rural English farm field. The rocks which fell, landed in a V-formation. Dr. Richard Arden, preeminent in the field of extraterrestrial study, is not permitted to accompany his colleagues, including his girlfriend Lee Mason, because he is still recovering from the effects of a recent motor accident. The scientists are summarily taken over by some alien force, and others in the area are dying from a mysterious "crimson plague," which covers their bodies with drops of blood. Temple seems the only person immune to both maladies, so if he can discover the reason for this immunity, he may yet foil the alien plan to take earthlings back to the moon for their own sinister purposes.

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Plot Keywords:

silver | psychotronic film | low budget sci fi movie | alien | farm | 

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Taglines:

The Battle for Power Has Begun

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Genres:

Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the laboratory where they cast the silver cage stands a big clear plastic (or glass) gun. This is the same prop used as the main device in The Projected Man (1966).

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Goofs

After Dr Curtis Temple is first captured by the invaders there are many close ups of his cell door, where you can clearly see the pencil lines the set makers used to position the 'rivets'.

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Quotes

Dr. Curtis Temple: Why that's impossible! No propulsion system on Earth could possibly send a rocket to the Moon and back in 24 hours.
Richard Arden: The system we employ was not created on Earth.

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Alternate Versions

When originally released theatrically in the UK, the BBFC made cuts to secure a 'A' rating. All cuts were waived in 2012 when the film was granted a 'PG' certificate for its premiere DVD release (actually released 17 October 2011).

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Connections

Featured in The Schlocky Horror Picture Show: They Came from Beyond Space (1967) (2010)

User Reviews

Lovely '60s Sci-Fi

I think both the '50s and '60s were a golden age for Sci-Fi films and after Roswell, it seemed everyone was having a try at 'alien invasion' films. Okay, this film isn't going to set the World alight with its plot, acting, music, or anything else but it's still a delightful watch for fans of the genre, either as a nostalgic look back at Sixties Britain, or for those interested in the history of such films. Incidentally, being a big fan of TV and film from that time, probably as I grew up with it, I kept recognising classic sound effects, many of which probably also 'served' in other movies and ITC TV series of the time.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

May 1967 (USA)

Also Known As:

They Came from Beyond Space

Filming Locations:

Cookham, Berkshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Amicus Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1