This Island Earth

Release Date: June 1, 1955
Starring: Jeff Morrow as Exeter
Faith Domergue as Dr. Ruth Adams
Rex Reason as Dr. Cal Meacham
Producer: William Alland
Director: Joseph M. Newman
Music: Joseph Gershenson
Cinematography: Clifford Stine
Editing: Virgil Vogel
Distributor: Universal Pictures International
Time: color 87 mins.







Purchase This Island Earth (DVD) at the TCM store.







Interesting Tidbits

This Island Earth the film is based on the novel of the same name written by Raymond F. Jones. The movie was one of the first major science fiction movies to be photograhed in technicolor.

When it was released, This Island Earth was praised by many crtics for its spectacular color and cutting-edge special effects.

This film also has the distinction of being one of the last movies filmed using the three-strip technicolor process.

The Plot

The first half of the film closely follows the plot of the novel, then diverges to a much simpler version that leaves out the more "intellectual" aspects.

Dr. Cal Meacham, a noted scientist, receives an unusual substitute for electronic condensers that he ordered. He receives instruction and parts to build a complex communication device called an interocitor. Although neither Meacham nor his assistant Joe Wilson have heard of an interocitor, they immediately begin constructing it. When finished, a mysterious man named Exeter appears on the interocitor's screen and tells Meacham he has passed the test. His ability to build the interocitor demonstrates that he is gifted enough to be part of Exeter's special research project.

Dr. Cal Meacham, a noted scientist, receives an unusual substitute for electronic condensers that he ordered. He receives instruction and parts to build a complex communication device called an interocitor. Although neither Meacham nor his assistant Joe Wilson have heard of an interocitor, they immediately begin constructing it. When finished, a mysterious man named Exeter appears on the interocitor's screen and tells Meacham he has passed the test. His ability to build the interocitor demonstrates that he is gifted enough to be part of Exeter's special research project.

Dr. Cal Meacham, a noted scientist, receives an unusual substitute for electronic condensers that he ordered. He receives instruction and parts to build a complex communication device called an interocitor. Although neither Meacham nor his assistant Joe Wilson have heard of an interocitor, they immediately begin constructing it. When finished, a mysterious man named Exeter appears on the interocitor's screen and tells Meacham he has passed the test. His ability to build the interocitor demonstrates that he is gifted enough to be part of Exeter's special research project.

After a mind-bending journey, they arrive to find the planet under full bombardment and falling quickly to the enemy. Metalunan society is breaking down and there is little hope. Their leader, The Monitor, reveals that the Metalunans intend to relocate to Earth and insists that Meacham and Adams be subjected to a Thought Transference Chamber in order to subjugate their free will so they cannot object. Exeter believes this to be immoral and misguided since it constrains their ability to help the Metalunans. Exeter decides to help Cal and Ruth escape, thus revolting against his own kind, before they enter the brain-reprogramming facility.

Exeter is badly injured by a Mutant while the three escape from Metaluna prior to the final destruction of the planet,transforming it into a new star,to light other worlds. The Mutant also boards the craft, but dies as a result of pressure differences on the journey back to Earth.

As they enter Earth's atmosphere, Exeter sends Cal and Ruth on their way in their small plane, but he himself is dying and the ship is nearly depleted of energy. With no other options, Exeter uses the craft's remaining power to fly it out to sea and crash.
Source: Wikipedia.com.