The Man from Planet X

1951

1h 10m

IMDb RATING

5.8/10

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Science Fiction

Thriller

Horror

While watching for a planet that may collide with earth, scientists stationed in Scotland are approached by a visitor from outer space.

Directors

Edgar G. Ulmer

Writers

Aubrey Wisberg(writer by)

Jack Pollexfen(writer by)

Stars

Robert Clarke

Margaret Field

Raymond Bond

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Top cast

John Lawrence

Enid Elliot

Prof. Elliot

Dr. Mears

Tommy the Constable

Inspector Porter

Dr. Robert Blane

The Man from Planet X

Tom Daly

Donal, a searcher

June Jeffery

Wife of Missing Man

Directors

Edgar G. Ulmer

Writers

Aubrey Wisberg(writer by)

Jack Pollexfen(writer by)

All cast & crew

Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Knowledge would only bring more fear in a world already filled with it. A planet is orbiting dangerously close to planet Earth and a mysterious spaceship has landed on the Scottish Moors... Friend or Foe? Breaking it down you find that The Man from Planet X is a standard sci-fi movie that would often be bettered the longer the 1950s boom of sci-fi films continued. However, this is in no way a bad thing given the guile and craft that went into making it a picture of worth. Edgar G. Ulmer and his crew are armed with a $100 budget (exageration of course, but you understand I'm sure) and almost make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Working with old sets that were used on Joan of Arc (1948), the pic is a lesson in low budget film making of note. Ulmer brings a plethora of fog and mists to cloak the sets, while he shoots his cast in low lights and shadows to ensure his sci-fi tale never has a chance to be found out as a cheapie. As it happens the story is decent enough. Alien visitor from a dying planet needs something, but what? He can't communicate vocally and of course the humans meeting the visitor have different agendas. There's some suspense, a little bit of nutty science, and even some sexual flirtations. All in all a good solid sci-fi picture, one that showcases the unheralded skills of its director. And not even a papier-mâché headed alien can under value that fact. 7/10

John Chard24 May, 2015