Robert Clarke
John Lawrence
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While watching for a planet that may collide with earth, scientists stationed in Scotland are approached by a visitor from outer space.
Top Billed Cast
| Release Date | 1951-04-27 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 1h 10m |
| Directors | Edgar G. Ulmer, John L. Russell, Lester D. Guthrie |
| Producers | Jack Pollexfen, Aubrey Wisberg |
| Writers | Aubrey Wisberg, Jack Pollexfen |
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 Chard