Teenagers From Outer Space (1959) - campy teensploitation entertainment

A flying saucer lands on Earth as alien scouts search for planets where they can raise Gargons, lobster-like creatures used as a reserve food supply on their distant world. One crewman, Thor (Bryan Grant), casually vaporizes a dog named Sparky with a ray weapon. Another alien, Derek (David Love), discovers the dog’s tag and realizes Earth is inhabited by intelligent beings. Horrified at the idea of releasing Gargons on a populated world, he argues the planet should be spared. The others refuse. Their society forbids families and compassion, and they consider themselves a superior race. Derek reveals he has read an ancient book circulated by a secret rebellion describing more humane traditions. The Captain (Harvey B. Dunn) and Thor quickly overpower him and decide he will be returned home for execution.

During the confusion Derek escapes. The Gargon they brought to test Earth soon recovers from the atmosphere and grows dangerous. Learning Derek is secretly the son of their planet’s Leader, the Captain orders Thor to hunt him down and kill anyone who interferes.

Following the address on the dog tag, Derek meets Betty Morgan (Dawn Anderson) and her Grandpa Morgan (Harvey B. Dunn), who unknowingly rent him a room. Betty’s reporter friend Joe Rogers (Tom Graeff) grows curious when mysterious skeletons appear. Derek shows Betty the landing site and explains Thor’s weapon and the alien plan. Determined to help him stop the invasion, Betty joins Derek while Thor hunts them, killing witnesses such as Alice Woodward (Helen Sage) and Professor Simpson (Gene Sterling).

Thor is wounded by the police but kidnaps Derek and Betty while seeking medical aid, revealing Derek’s true parentage. After a chase Thor crashes a stolen car over a cliff and is captured. Meanwhile the Gargon escapes its cave, grows enormous after devouring a policeman, and begins rampaging toward town. Derek finds Thor’s raygun in the wreck but it is damaged. Using electricity from overhead power lines, he manages to energize it long enough to destroy the monster.
Soon an invasion fleet appears in Earth’s orbit. Pretending to betray humanity, Derek retrieves Thor and forces Joe to drive him to the landing site while Betty trusts his plan. When the saucers descend Derek meets the Captain and his father, claiming regret and offering to guide the fleet down. Instead he seals himself inside a craft and pilots it into the descending armada, destroying the invasion and sacrificing himself to save Earth.

A 1959 American Black & White independent science fiction cult film (aka "The Boy From Out of This World", "The Boy from Outer Space" and "The Ray Gun Terror") written, produced & directed by Tom Graeff, cinematography by Tom Graeff, starring David Love, Dawn Bender (as Dawn Anderson), Bryan Grant, Harvey B. Dunn, Tom Graeff (as Tom Lockyear), King Moody, Ralph Lowe, Bill DeLand, Billy Bridges, Sonia Torgeson, Jim MacGeorge, Frederick Welch, Helen Sage, Gene Sterling, Sol Resnick, Don Chambers, Carl Dickensen, Ursula Hansen, and James Conklin. Released by Warner Bros. Pictures.

The film score used stock music, which had been composed by William Loose and Fred Steiner. The same stock music has been recycled in countless B-Movies, like "Red Zone Cuba" (1966), "The Killer Shrews" (1959) and most notably "Night of the Living Dead" (1968).

King Moody (1929-2001), born Robert "King" Moody in New York City, was an American actor, best known for playing Shtarker in the television series "Get Smart" (NBC-TV 1965-69 & CBS-TV 1969-70) and for his portrayal as the original Ronald McDonald in the McDonald's commercials from 1969 to 1985.

Thomas Lockyear Graeff 1929-1970), born in Ray, Arizona, was an American actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, film editor and cinematographer. Graeff attended the UCLA Theater Arts Program, where he studied film making and theater. In 1956, Graeff was hired as Roger Corman's assistant on "Not of This Earth". He also played a small role. When filming wrapped, Graeff decided to pen a science-fiction feature of his own and look for funding. Securing a modest budget from actor Gene Sterling, and British actor Bryan Pearson (stage name Bryan Grant), put up $5,000 in exchange for playing the villain, Thor, and casting his wife Ursula Pearson in a small role. In 1960 Graeff filed to have his name legally changed to Jesus Christ II. After opposition by the Christian Defense League, the petition was denied. After this incident and a subsequent arrest for disrupting a church service, Graeff vanished from Hollywood. He returned and worked as an editor on David L. Hewitt's ultra low-budget film "The Wizard of Mars" (1964). It was his final film credit.

A teensploitation B-Movie staged at the level of a high-school play, Much of the charm lies in the vim and vigor that reinforces its patent absurdity. Surprisingly watchable, campy entertainment. Full of unintended laughs. If you enjoy bad cinema, this offbeat movie is worth a look.

Видео Teenagers From Outer Space (1959) - campy teensploitation entertainment канала Donald P. Borchers