Revisiting 50s Sci Fi Classic 'This Island Earth'

Redmanwriter

May 18

Julien Neaves, Sci Fi Head Writer

I have not dropped a 50s Sci Fi review since Arachnids Attack! in September last year, and that is way too long. And therefore, for this article we will be returning to that golden age of science fiction with the 1955 film This Island Earth directed by Joseph M. Newman and sci fi maestro Jack Arnold (It Came from Outer Space, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Tarantula and The Incredible Shrinking Man).

The film follows two scientists recruited by extraterrestrials to help save their war-ravaged planet which is on the brink of destruction. This Island Earth was highly praised upon its initial release but how well does it hold up almost seven decades later? With a big-headed SPOILER ALERT let's dive on in:

This highly advanced technology is called 'time face'

There is quite a lot to like about this gem of 50s Sci Fi. Jeff Morrow steals the show as the thoughtful, wise but mysterious alien Exeter. This is definitely one of the most intriguing and memorable alien performances of the era, right up there with Michael Rennie's Klaatu in The Day the Earth Stood Still. Cal Meacham is a likeable lead as the charming, curious and alliterative scientist Rex Reason. And he has a breezy chemistry with Faith Domergue as his love interest and fellow scientist Ruth Adams. Russell Johnson (almost a decade before his iconic role as The Professor in Gilligan's Island) also does solid work as scientist Steve Carlson who believes Exeter and his friends may not be as friendly as they seem.

The visuals effects here are outstanding, especially for the time. From planes glowing green, to laser beams to interstellar vessels, This Island Earth is quite the SFX treat. The set design is even better, with the alien planet Metaluna feeling both tangible and otherworldly. And the towering, insect-like mutant has to be one of the coolest and creepiest looking alien creatures ever. The scenes with him with wonderfully intense and exciting. I have to get my hands on a model of this dude. The film also makes an effort to explain its space travel and the difference in the two planets, which gave it a level of cerebral depth often missing in 50s Sci Fi.

Hi. I'm Bob from accounting. Nice to meet you

The story here is a refreshing change from the usual "aliens want to take over Earth" trope and there is a sense of awe and intrigue that carries throughout. But the plot is not without its holes, though. Firstly, why does no one comment on Exeter and his friend Brack having strangely enlarged heads. It is pretty obvious, but nobody says anything. It is very strange. Also very strange is Brack trying to blast Rex, Ruth and Carlson when they were attempting to escape. Even if he was toying with them, he was risking killing the only hope of saving his embattled planet. Maybe if he was a rogue agent for the Zagon (the enemies of those on Metaluna) seeking to sabotage the mission then that would track. But as it is, that's pretty dumb and unusually cruel for a highly intelligent species.

And speaking of the alien's planet, our two human scientists arrive to save them and have to flee like 10 minutes later as Metaluna starts getting blasted into oblivion. With all their advanced technology and knowledge, could the aliens not predict how much time they had left before the Zagon would destroy their planet? If they did predict it, why even bother going through the trouble of bringing the scientists there? Yeah, it makes very little sense.

And if you look over there, you can see your planet Earth. That craphole

I have a few other issues with the film as well. I found the scenes with the "interocitor" went on way too long and had little bearing on the plot afterwards. Some of the sound effects were so loud and grating I had to lower my phone. And I wish we got more of Metaluna as that is easily the best part of the film.

Issues aside, This Island Earth still holds up very well all these decades later and is deserving of its classic status. Pouring one out for my big-headed boy Exeter.

Editor Jules' Score: 7.5 out of 10

Are you a fan of This Island Earth? Sound off in the comments. And you can check out more 50s Sci Fi goodness from Robot Mango Reviews below:

Julien "Editor Jules" Neaves is a TARDIS-flying, Force-using Trekkie whose bedroom stories were by the Cryptkeeper, learned to be a superhero from Marvel, but dreams of being Batman. I love promoting Caribbean film (Cariwood), creating board games and I am an aspiring author. I say things like "13 flavours of awesome sauce". Read more.