This Island Earth (1955):  A fun sci-fi flick still worth seeing

In many ways, William Alland’s This Island Earth seems like just another 1950s sci-fi movie, and probably not the greatest one.  At the same time, some of us will always love the whole scientist vs. aliens (vs. other aliens, vs. mutants) dynamic.  Personally, I also appreciate when sci-fi promotes women as being as bold and adventurous as men.

In this case, it would be the character of Ruth Adams (Faith Domergue), but another example would be Wilma Deering as portrayed by Constance Moore in the 1930s Buck Rogers serial.  Really, the only flaw with Ruth might be that she comes across as perhaps two cold and emotionless at times (Let’s face it:  In a lot of sci-fi/thriller/horror depictions, women are either extremely hysterical or almost devoid of emotion).

This Island Earth has plenty of classic sci-fi elements, such as human scientists building something despite knowing nothing about the device.  They don’t know if the “interocitor” is a doomsday device or a new kind of diesel engine, but they seem eager to follow the instructions for building it anyway.  It has many different applications, from being an incredible power source to allowing communications between great distances (and probably home renovation and TV/VCR repair).  Of course, the story does more than test equipment out.

Where does ‘This Island Earth’ take us?

Where do our good doctors, Ruth and Cal (Rex Reason) end up?  Obviously, science fiction can take characters to many places.  One can get sucked into a time-travel vortex, into outer space, or both.  Well, these characters don’t go noticeably back in time or into the future, but end up on a wild ride nonetheless.  And yes, their interactions with aliens threaten to create a chain reaction that could turn the world into a mess.

There’s a story involving aliens (from planet Metaluna) who need human assistance to survive attacks from the hostile Zagons, but their leader (called “The Monitor,” and played by Douglas Spencer) messes things up by kidnapping now-warmed Ruth and Cal.  In villainous tradition, The Monitor wants to employ mind-control technology on the two humans and to conquer Earth.

To complicate things, we know The Monitor isn’t merely trying to change the course of history but has survival on his mind.  This adds a light layer of complexity to the situation, although The Monitor still isn’t the most sympathetic villain to ever grace the silver screen.

There is also a heroic alien named Exeter (Jeff Morrow), who shows that not all aliens are like The Monitor.  It’s always valuable to have characters like this, who act as a voice of reason against those with devious plans.  In fact, by the film’s end, it’s pretty hard not to like Exeter, who basically represents meaningful, actionable rebellion where it counts the most.  Also, one shouldn’t forget the presence of Neutron the cat, played by Orangey (a marmalade tabby cat who also appeared in things like The Diary of Anne Frank, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, My Favorite Martian, Mission Impossible, and the 1960s Batman TV series).

Final thoughts

All these years later, This Island Earth is still out there, both in terms of availability and being fantastical.  I think it approaches the scientists as ordinary folks with special knowledge who end up in an extraordinary situation.

It’s not the most action-oriented sci-fi flick ever made, but we do get to see an occasional brief struggle.  In other words, This Island Earth probably would satisfy the action-hungry needs of the present moviegoing public, in general, provided they can appreciate a movie made in the 1950s (not everyone can).

So, if you are to watch This Island Earth for the first time, keep in mind that the film’s sort of a well-meaning relic.  This simple knowledge ought to temper any hostile reaction.  Also, from a basic philosophical standpoint, this is yet another sci-fi movie suggesting that a scientific team’s research gets them into trouble, as mankind gets too cocky and confident (or too big for its britches).

Lastly, there’s also an implication that violence begets violence, or that individuals will want to fight those attempting to dominate them.  Obviously, that’s a theme one can find in many other sci-fi flicks involving hostile aliens, including that great guilty pleasure flick Independence Day (still a fun movie, though some would hesitate to admit it).

What are your thoughts on This Island Earth?  Invade us in the comments!