There are a handful of fine films that have never been released on tape or disk. Sometimes they show up on the few independent TV stations around the country that still have access to the old collections of movies that used to circulate in the days before cable. Nearly lost films, except in the memories of people who saw them at drive-ins or on TV before the current age of homogenous viewing. Unearthly Stranger is a perfect example of this kind of film. Not the masterpiece that Invasion of the Body Snatchers is, Unearthly Stranger is still a wonderful science fiction story with trappings of the paranoia that characterizes Body Snatchers, I Married a Monster, and other, earlier, SF films. Stranger was a throwback when it was new, and that may be why it was pretty much ignored when it was released. With DVD releases of an awful lot of true garbage, there really is no excuse for the continued neglect of this stylish, almost lost movie.
36 Reviews
Growing Up With The Twilight Zone & The Outer Limits Primes One For This
AudioFileZ18 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
If you grew up on The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, and you liked these, it's not a stretch that you'll find Unearthly Stranger to your liking.
This is a Brit B-Movie of the times, the early sixties when the actual talk of UFOs and possible aliens, more or less, began permeating pop culture. By keeping the story compact, using a cast that plays it serious with a bit of intelligence no matter how slightly bare bones the story it mostly works in it's modest scope.
There are some elements to this film that at the time must have seemed tremendously far- fetched, quite unbelievable? It's interesting that many of these elements became more accepted, in fact they've only expanded with time. One of is the element of remote viewing which is alluded as his having something to do with the secret project being studied. The others would be hybrid aliens and some kind of extraterrestrial shut-down of electrically controlled things. Anyone who has read up on more modern UFOs know of cars being disabled, nuclear weapon systems being taken mysteriously off line, and even mysterious unexplainable sounds in whole communities. All of that is already in this movie strangely enough. I'd say it's out there without being too out there at all. At the time I imagine it seemed quite weird. Pretty good in hindsight.
This is a Brit B-Movie of the times, the early sixties when the actual talk of UFOs and possible aliens, more or less, began permeating pop culture. By keeping the story compact, using a cast that plays it serious with a bit of intelligence no matter how slightly bare bones the story it mostly works in it's modest scope.
There are some elements to this film that at the time must have seemed tremendously far- fetched, quite unbelievable? It's interesting that many of these elements became more accepted, in fact they've only expanded with time. One of is the element of remote viewing which is alluded as his having something to do with the secret project being studied. The others would be hybrid aliens and some kind of extraterrestrial shut-down of electrically controlled things. Anyone who has read up on more modern UFOs know of cars being disabled, nuclear weapon systems being taken mysteriously off line, and even mysterious unexplainable sounds in whole communities. All of that is already in this movie strangely enough. I'd say it's out there without being too out there at all. At the time I imagine it seemed quite weird. Pretty good in hindsight.
Unusual sci-fi thriller
g-hbe27 October 2018
We love digging up neglected low-budget sci-fi films and we really enjoyed this one. In some ways it is quite typical British sci-fi of its period, in other ways it is odd and unusual. It had a feel of an extended TV production, and reminded us of the soon-to-come Patrick Macnee & Diana Rigg series 'The Avengers', not surprising really as several names in the credits later showed up in that series. Overall, this film is an enjoyable entertainment, a cut above the B-movie fayre that characterises the early 60's.
A forgotten gem of suspense and intelligence
telepinus15253 October 2002
I remember the first time that I saw this SF chiller was at a local drive-in theater in the late 60's as the second feature. I don't remember what the first one was--that's how creepy "Unearthly Stranger" was for me. For a low-budget film it has everything: wit, intelligence, excellent acting, compelling direction, and for it's modest budget more than adequate (minimalist) use of special effects. I've seen it a few times since on t.v., and just recently acquired a second or third generation copy on ebay. I was waiting for the scene where the professor's wife ( whom we already know is a tad unusual) goes for a walk into town and loiters near the public schoolyard, where the nine-to twelve-year-olds are playing. While standing there, the children, one by one, begin to take notice of her, and in a mass, start backing away from her...well, if you haven't seen it, what follows is worth the price of viewing by itself. A bit of info: many years ago a friend told me that this film was actually inspired by the SF novel "To Walk The Night" by William Sloane, originally published in 1938. When I finally got a copy, I was surprised how the closely the plotline of "Unearthly Stranger" hews to Sloane's novel. Hard to understand why the producers would fail to give credit where credit's due...at any rate, find a copy where you can, and pray for it's release on DVD!
Interesting British SF effort
Stevieboy66621 February 2019
Just watched this on Talking Pictures TV, here in the UK, an independent channel that is always screening little known or forgotten movie gems. Unearthly Strangers being a good example. It starts off with one of the main characters running up a superb spiral staircase, had this been filmed in colour instead of black and white the effect would not have been anywhere near as good. But talking of effects, in regards to the aliens they are practically non existent. The only give away signs are that they don't blink, nor do they suffer burns when handling hot casserole dishes without wearing gloves! Acting is good. Gabriella Licudi is gorgeous. The film is very reliant on dialogue and may bore some viewers but the final scene is genuinely chilling and worth waiting for.
The thinking man's alien.
mark.waltz9 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Fans of the 1988 "Baron Munchausen" will be delighted to see John Neville 30 years before as a scientist who marries a beautiful woman who isn't quite what she seems. Gabriella Licudi is sweet and devoted, the perfect wife, but tears temporarily burn her skin which exposes her for being something other worldly, and she fears what will happen when she begins to learn something about human emotions. Men clutch their chests in severe agonizing pain before collapsing with the shock of horror on their face when they die. His bosses realize that his work is what has attracted the presence of some kind of extraordinary intelligent alien life and are forced to move him onto non-top secret projects which brings the anger out of those who have sent Licudi.
I must admit that at first glance I thought that I would be bored by this talkie seemingly over intelligent British science fiction film, but it is so well done and very understanding of the fact that it's something different that the screenwriter takes care to ensure that the viewer can make heads and tails out of what is going on. There are some really interesting supporting performances among the small cast including Philip Stone, Patrick Newell and Jean Marsh where everyone has a bit of surprise in their character. The ending scene really gives some good final questions for the viewer to think about when the movie is all over.
I must admit that at first glance I thought that I would be bored by this talkie seemingly over intelligent British science fiction film, but it is so well done and very understanding of the fact that it's something different that the screenwriter takes care to ensure that the viewer can make heads and tails out of what is going on. There are some really interesting supporting performances among the small cast including Philip Stone, Patrick Newell and Jean Marsh where everyone has a bit of surprise in their character. The ending scene really gives some good final questions for the viewer to think about when the movie is all over.
Low budget but highly effective
malcolmgsw18 December 2018
Shows what can be done on a small budget and almost miniscule special effects.The storyline is typical of the fifties but well told regardless.Phillip Stone,here in his first film is very good.I remember him batting for the London Theatres cricket XI against my old boys side.Anyway an excellent film well worth seeing.
Not scary but effective
laawoo18 May 2019
One of the most shamefully neglected sci-fi sleepers of all time!
bella-630 March 1999
To call this modest British film low budget is the worst kind of misrepresentation: the budget on creativity and skill at work here surpasses that found in most multi-million dollar productions.
Filmed in stark black-and-white with virtually no visual effects, "Unearthly Stranger" relies on sheer dramatic power to tell its story of an alien plan to sabotage Earth's developing ability for space travel. The film is written and directed with care and performed with a conviction that brings across the suspense and humanity of this story in a way rarely seen in the genre.
Many of the filmmakers would soon be working on TV's "The Avengers", including producer Albert Fennell and director John Krish. Fans of that series will also recognize many familiar faces among the cast. The strongest performances come from John Neville, distinguished stage actor and teacher, and the almost-unknown and very beautiful Gabriella Licudi who, in the title role, brings the concept of interplanetary communications to an entirely new level.
The odd man out in this production is certainly scenarist Rex Carlton. On the basis of this film, it is almost inconceivable that he is the same man responsible for the lurid "Brain That Wouldn't Die" and "Blood of Dracula's Castle", among others. One is tempted to give credit to Jeffrey Stone, who penned the original screen story. But this is a claim that's impossible to support, because Stone was involved as a writer on no other films. So, one can only say that none of Carlton's other screen work would ever approach the level of this, his most subtle and affecting accomplishment.
It is well worth tracking down for any fan of fine science fiction or, indeed, any fan of quality filmmaking.
Filmed in stark black-and-white with virtually no visual effects, "Unearthly Stranger" relies on sheer dramatic power to tell its story of an alien plan to sabotage Earth's developing ability for space travel. The film is written and directed with care and performed with a conviction that brings across the suspense and humanity of this story in a way rarely seen in the genre.
Many of the filmmakers would soon be working on TV's "The Avengers", including producer Albert Fennell and director John Krish. Fans of that series will also recognize many familiar faces among the cast. The strongest performances come from John Neville, distinguished stage actor and teacher, and the almost-unknown and very beautiful Gabriella Licudi who, in the title role, brings the concept of interplanetary communications to an entirely new level.
The odd man out in this production is certainly scenarist Rex Carlton. On the basis of this film, it is almost inconceivable that he is the same man responsible for the lurid "Brain That Wouldn't Die" and "Blood of Dracula's Castle", among others. One is tempted to give credit to Jeffrey Stone, who penned the original screen story. But this is a claim that's impossible to support, because Stone was involved as a writer on no other films. So, one can only say that none of Carlton's other screen work would ever approach the level of this, his most subtle and affecting accomplishment.
It is well worth tracking down for any fan of fine science fiction or, indeed, any fan of quality filmmaking.
Neither very original nor particularly well thought-out
jamesrupert201427 March 2021
As yet another film featuring 'aliens mimicking humans to derail our space program' (which in this case seems to involve some kind of 'astral projection'), this slow-moving sci-fi mystery doesn't offer much new other than an interesting 'twist' in the final shot. The never-seen 'duplication' process doesn't make much sense - the boffins (Dr. Mark Davidson (John Neville) and Prof. John Lancaster (Philip Stone)) knowingly discuss how an astral-traveller would have to create a body physiologically compatible with the new environment, yet the aliens don't have a heartbeat, which would be essential for their human form to function. The aliens also supposedly don't blink or close their eyes when they sleep, which is explained away as being due to their mental focus slipping (or something to that effect). They also seem to have acidic tears, which makes no sense but is poetic in context. The film has a nice, moody look and some good performances, especially rotund Patrick Newell, who seems to have fun with his sweet-eating security officer character, but is far too 'talky' and slow-moving. There is insufficient story to fill even its brief 78 min run-time so we get a lot of pseudo-scientific discussions and circular squabbles about Mark's oddly behaving wife Julie (Gabriella Licudi) (Mark initially brings up her strange, unblinking eyes and lack of a pulse, then inexplicably gets irate when Lancaster eventually believes him and postulates that she is an alien). On the plus side, the cinematography is effective and the shots of nervous schoolchildren backing away from a saddened Julie are very well done. All in all, one of the weaker of the sober sci-fi films to come out of England in the 1960s, which is unfortunate, as with some tightening of the script and fine-tuning of the premise (especially with respect to the aliens' 'tells'), it could have been a reasonably entertaining, albeit not overly novel, low-budget paranoia-film.
Sci-fi on a low budget.
rstef127 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Looks like I'll be the sole voice of dissent in these reviews. I was not thrilled by this film the way the other reviewers were. It is done on a very low budget and it hampers the effectiveness.
Only 5 main actors and an equal amount of sets give the film a claustrophobic feeling, heightened by the director filming the actors in close-up in almost every scene. The budgetary restrictions may have required this, but it gets tiresome early on, with the movie resembling a tv show. Camerawork is flatly done and becomes repetitive due to the lack of sets and obvious speed with which this must have been shot. In one scene a character shuts the door behind him. It bounces open and another actor in the scene must sidle over to close it.
The premise for the film, being able to visit far off worlds with your mind and actually physically inhabit those worlds is preposterous if you spend any time really thinking about it.
The lead actor overacts most of the movie, and shouts a lot of his lines, which becomes annoying quickly. There's little action throughout which leaves a lot of endless talking, with the viewers far ahead of the actors. There is little suspense to be generated when we know exactly what is going on early in the movie. A good twist in the final scene helps somewhat, but I was half asleep by that point.
While it's not exactly a classic, I would recommend seeing I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE rather than this.
Only 5 main actors and an equal amount of sets give the film a claustrophobic feeling, heightened by the director filming the actors in close-up in almost every scene. The budgetary restrictions may have required this, but it gets tiresome early on, with the movie resembling a tv show. Camerawork is flatly done and becomes repetitive due to the lack of sets and obvious speed with which this must have been shot. In one scene a character shuts the door behind him. It bounces open and another actor in the scene must sidle over to close it.
The premise for the film, being able to visit far off worlds with your mind and actually physically inhabit those worlds is preposterous if you spend any time really thinking about it.
The lead actor overacts most of the movie, and shouts a lot of his lines, which becomes annoying quickly. There's little action throughout which leaves a lot of endless talking, with the viewers far ahead of the actors. There is little suspense to be generated when we know exactly what is going on early in the movie. A good twist in the final scene helps somewhat, but I was half asleep by that point.
While it's not exactly a classic, I would recommend seeing I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE rather than this.
The Greatest "Outer Limits" Episode That Never Was
Sturgeon544 December 2005
Even though I'm a fan of obscure movies, it's amazing to me that I even heard of this movie, much less find a copy, but I consider it worth the effort. The stark minimalism technique makes this like a slightly extended episode of an anthology series like "The Twilight Zone" (and the running time is still quite short at 75 minutes). The one word I think that best describes this movie is "competent." In other words, the filmmakers knew exactly what they were doing; they had to, I suppose, working with what seems an almost non-existent budget. They knew how to elicit an emotional reaction of claustrophobia from the audience - something few filmmakers can do exceptionally well in the sci-fi genre - Ridley Scott's "Alien" is one other film that comes to mind. Every bizarre angular shot composition, every set piece, every facial close-up, every soundtrack cue, is blended seamlessly to make the viewer sweat.
For science fiction, this movie is very unique - even for a typically-cerebral British sci-fi production. There are no slimy aliens to look at, no space craft, and no robots. Instead, like the storyline itself, all the suspense comes from the viewer's own imagination. If you can find it, I highly recommend seeing this at night. The only other movie I can think of which demonstrates such continuous suspense with scant resources is Edgar G. Ulmer's 1945 film noir "Detour." I almost think they should show this as a primer to film students on how to make a film successfully with little or no money.
For science fiction, this movie is very unique - even for a typically-cerebral British sci-fi production. There are no slimy aliens to look at, no space craft, and no robots. Instead, like the storyline itself, all the suspense comes from the viewer's own imagination. If you can find it, I highly recommend seeing this at night. The only other movie I can think of which demonstrates such continuous suspense with scant resources is Edgar G. Ulmer's 1945 film noir "Detour." I almost think they should show this as a primer to film students on how to make a film successfully with little or no money.
Very good...though far from perfect.
planktonrules11 October 2023
I noticed that the reviews for "Unearthly Stranger" are almost uniformly good, and I do agree that it's a very good and atmospheric sci-fi horror film. But while very good, the film is essentially a reworking of the plot from an earlier film, "I Married a Monster From Outer Space", and the film has one serious plot problem that hinders it just a bit.
Dr. Mark Davidson is a man working on a top secret space project in Britain. He soon learns that several top scientists working on similar projects in the USSR and USA have died weird and unexplainable deaths...their brains literally exploded! So it's obvious SOME force is trying to stop their work, though who or what is uncertain. Eventually, Mark begins to suspect that his lovely new wife is an alien as she neither blinks nor has a heartbeat when she's sleeping!
While I love the music and look of the film, I found it odd that Mark suspects his wife of being an alien and even tells his boss this...and yet soon after begins defending her and insisting she's human. This, to me, looked as if the story was poorly edited or the plot changed as they filmed it. It is a real shame, as without this, I might even give this low budget sleeper a 9...as it's otherwise an intelligent and compelling picture.
Dr. Mark Davidson is a man working on a top secret space project in Britain. He soon learns that several top scientists working on similar projects in the USSR and USA have died weird and unexplainable deaths...their brains literally exploded! So it's obvious SOME force is trying to stop their work, though who or what is uncertain. Eventually, Mark begins to suspect that his lovely new wife is an alien as she neither blinks nor has a heartbeat when she's sleeping!
While I love the music and look of the film, I found it odd that Mark suspects his wife of being an alien and even tells his boss this...and yet soon after begins defending her and insisting she's human. This, to me, looked as if the story was poorly edited or the plot changed as they filmed it. It is a real shame, as without this, I might even give this low budget sleeper a 9...as it's otherwise an intelligent and compelling picture.
Whole movie is a flashback
Angel_Peter3 May 2017
I think the idea of the movie was good and the and interesting. But that all the movie practically is one long flashback told by Dr. Mark Davidson who we see in panic in the start does take some of the excitement out of the movie. It is a bit like reading the last chapter in a book first to see if you want to read the rest.
That said I think the idea was good enough and I could live without knowing how, why, and who. The actors did a fine job too. The movie is not fast paced and it is talky. I did not mind it being talky but would have liked more filling as there was a clear hint where it would end.
All in all I do not regret watching it. I have seen both much better and much worse sci-fi.
I would recommend to sci-fi lovers that care more about story than special effects and do not mind that the movie is a bit talky.
That said I think the idea was good enough and I could live without knowing how, why, and who. The actors did a fine job too. The movie is not fast paced and it is talky. I did not mind it being talky but would have liked more filling as there was a clear hint where it would end.
All in all I do not regret watching it. I have seen both much better and much worse sci-fi.
I would recommend to sci-fi lovers that care more about story than special effects and do not mind that the movie is a bit talky.
A little Gem!
kensworld-135-30597518 August 2011
This is a film that is well worth watching, and is in danger of being forgotten. I suspect this is because for whatever reason, it has been completely overlooked by not being issued either on video or DVD. I know that there ARE copies to be had, but these are usually from questionable sources and are of inferior quality. The only time I have seen a decent copy is when it has been shown on TV. Certainly, if I was to compile a list of films that have been neglected and are overdue for release, this would way up there on top. Sci-fi films are not usually my bag, but this film holds your interest all the way, and has fine performances from all concerned.
Overlooked and underrated
ebeckstr-119 September 2021
If you enjoy 1950s and '60s British science fiction you will probably like this one. For some reason it rarely appears alongside lists that include X the Unknown, Devil Girl from Mars, Village of the Damned, and the Quatermass movies. As is typical of these movies, Unearthly Stranger is deliberately paced, and and those unfamiliar with this brand of British sci-fi horror will consider it talky and even boring. There are very few special effects and it is concept rather than action-driven; and yet I found it compelling and very entertaining. (Fyi, despite it having been overlooked over the decades there is a decent region 2 Blu-ray available if you have a region free player.)
Obscure nugget
adverts13 February 2024
Wonderful sci-fi thriller that managed to slip past me for too many years. An interesting story with interesting little details that keep you locked in...and keep you guessing. Some exciting camerawork as well. Performances are good throughout with "the Major" being a standout. The friendship between the two male leads, Davidson and Lancaster, is a little off. Lancaster is more than a bit of an ass, but maybe I can chalk that up to the time and place the film was made. Sure, the main premise is old fashioned sci-fi nonsense, but if you've stumbled onto this film...you came here knowing what to expect. Recommended.
Gem of a paranoid SF from the 50s
stevelomas-6940115 March 2020
"B" budget delivers "A"-plus thrills
JohnHowardReid31 December 2006
Despite its current unavailability, Unearthly Stranger enjoys a considerable cult following among dedicated sci-fi fansand no wonder! Admittedly very low budget, but nonetheless highly entertaining, this movie represents science fiction horror at its very best. True, the basic idea seems at first a trifle ridiculous, but it's developed with such logic, precision and acumen employing sharply dramatic dialogue and intriguing situations, it quickly becomes both meaningful and acceptable. In fact the suspense was so electrifying, my palms were sweating, my hair prickling. I wanted to get up and turn the lights on, but I couldn't move. My eyes were riveted to the screen.
The cast is small, but this concentration enhances rather than dispels atmosphere. All the acting comes across as uniformly excellent, with every performer contributing outstanding work.
Director Krish is obviously a television graduate, yet here the close-ups are not only strikingly handled and dramatically most effective but used with both imagination and economy. Krish actually knows when to use close-ups and when to fall back on long shots and medium angles. Believe me, this is a rare quality among television men!
The cast is small, but this concentration enhances rather than dispels atmosphere. All the acting comes across as uniformly excellent, with every performer contributing outstanding work.
Director Krish is obviously a television graduate, yet here the close-ups are not only strikingly handled and dramatically most effective but used with both imagination and economy. Krish actually knows when to use close-ups and when to fall back on long shots and medium angles. Believe me, this is a rare quality among television men!
Yes and no.
bombersflyup3 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Unearthly Stranger has an intriguing X-Files-esk plot, however plagued by Twilight Zone-esk belabouring and no visuals.
Starring John Neville of the X-Files. The characterization's good throughout, including the jolly fat man always carrying around his candy. You've got the frequently used illusion not working on children. An alien loving the simple pleasures of being human or wanting to, like the episode "The Unnatural" or the film "Under the Skin." I like these aspects, the problem's that "it could be" his wife... over and over. Davidson's the one to notice these things in the first place and wanted his colleague to see it, yet now how dare he make such accusations. There's just too many irrelevant scenes, given the circumstances. There needs to be some action.
Starring John Neville of the X-Files. The characterization's good throughout, including the jolly fat man always carrying around his candy. You've got the frequently used illusion not working on children. An alien loving the simple pleasures of being human or wanting to, like the episode "The Unnatural" or the film "Under the Skin." I like these aspects, the problem's that "it could be" his wife... over and over. Davidson's the one to notice these things in the first place and wanted his colleague to see it, yet now how dare he make such accusations. There's just too many irrelevant scenes, given the circumstances. There needs to be some action.
UNEARTHLY STRANGER (John Krish, 1963) ***1/2
Bunuel197622 October 2008
This film's basic premise isn't dissimilar to that for I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE (1958), so that I deliberately watched them on consecutive days. However, while I liked the latter well enough, UNEARTHLY STRANGER proved something else entirely; it also stands as a testament to how different American and British film-makers treat the same theme the former usually take a common man's view of things, while the former tend to adopt an intellectual (and, therefore, more intriguing) approach.
Anyway, I knew beforehand of the film's reputation as a minor classic of sci-fi cinema which is why I decided to acquire it in the first place (though I almost had to make do without it, as it took quite a while to get the DivX copy to work properly!), but I was genuinely surprised by the result. This, in fact, has to be the most satisfying 'B' movie I've watched in a long time! Above all, it's marked by a literate and intelligent script, imaginative monochrome photography (by NIGHT OF THE EAGLE [1962]'s Reg Wyer) and a splendid second-tier cast. John Neville perhaps best-known for his starring role much later in Terry Gilliam's THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN (1989) is an atypical hero, character actor Philip Stone surely has his most significant role otherwise some might remember him as Malcolm McDowell's meek father in Stanley Kubrick's A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971), Gabriella Licudi whose mix of exotic looks and sweet-natured countenance suggest the inherent ambiguity of her character and, playing other key figures, Patrick Newell and Jean Marsh.
The story is told in flashback and bookended by the violent deaths of two officials involved in a space program which immediately draws one into the proceedings; in retrospect, though I was aware of the identity of the titular figure, it was interesting that the director opted to reveal it in the character's very first appearance! The unexpected denouement, too, was a brilliant touch taking care to provide one more devastating and downbeat twist to a tale which had already reached a satisfactory climax (the idea that aliens are already among us and in large numbers was rarely this chillingly presented, though it could well be a case of collective hysteria on the part of an understandably distraught Neville and Stone!). The earlier scene, then, in which Licudi herself displays a similar sensation of confusion and loneliness (through her own weird effect upon a group of schoolchildren) probably constitutes one of the more sublimely mysterious passages in all of sci-fi cinema! Even if the production's low-budget is betrayed by the fact that the aliens' true selves are never shown (being restricted merely to subtle indicators of flaws in their human 'form', which then simply disintegrates in death!), it's not much of a liability since such appearances are usually disappointing anyway. That said, the ruse of having a swishing sound ("like telephone wires in the wind") anticipate their presence while on the prowl is a clever and more-than-adequate substitute.
In the end, considering the fuzzy video quality and the constantly distorted soundtrack of the print I watched, UNEARTHLY STRANGER's unavailability on an official DVD (though, being an independent feature, I concede that its rights may not be so clear-cut after all this time) is not merely baffling but criminal given that fans of the genre are being deprived from enjoying a veritable gem!
Anyway, I knew beforehand of the film's reputation as a minor classic of sci-fi cinema which is why I decided to acquire it in the first place (though I almost had to make do without it, as it took quite a while to get the DivX copy to work properly!), but I was genuinely surprised by the result. This, in fact, has to be the most satisfying 'B' movie I've watched in a long time! Above all, it's marked by a literate and intelligent script, imaginative monochrome photography (by NIGHT OF THE EAGLE [1962]'s Reg Wyer) and a splendid second-tier cast. John Neville perhaps best-known for his starring role much later in Terry Gilliam's THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN (1989) is an atypical hero, character actor Philip Stone surely has his most significant role otherwise some might remember him as Malcolm McDowell's meek father in Stanley Kubrick's A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971), Gabriella Licudi whose mix of exotic looks and sweet-natured countenance suggest the inherent ambiguity of her character and, playing other key figures, Patrick Newell and Jean Marsh.
The story is told in flashback and bookended by the violent deaths of two officials involved in a space program which immediately draws one into the proceedings; in retrospect, though I was aware of the identity of the titular figure, it was interesting that the director opted to reveal it in the character's very first appearance! The unexpected denouement, too, was a brilliant touch taking care to provide one more devastating and downbeat twist to a tale which had already reached a satisfactory climax (the idea that aliens are already among us and in large numbers was rarely this chillingly presented, though it could well be a case of collective hysteria on the part of an understandably distraught Neville and Stone!). The earlier scene, then, in which Licudi herself displays a similar sensation of confusion and loneliness (through her own weird effect upon a group of schoolchildren) probably constitutes one of the more sublimely mysterious passages in all of sci-fi cinema! Even if the production's low-budget is betrayed by the fact that the aliens' true selves are never shown (being restricted merely to subtle indicators of flaws in their human 'form', which then simply disintegrates in death!), it's not much of a liability since such appearances are usually disappointing anyway. That said, the ruse of having a swishing sound ("like telephone wires in the wind") anticipate their presence while on the prowl is a clever and more-than-adequate substitute.
In the end, considering the fuzzy video quality and the constantly distorted soundtrack of the print I watched, UNEARTHLY STRANGER's unavailability on an official DVD (though, being an independent feature, I concede that its rights may not be so clear-cut after all this time) is not merely baffling but criminal given that fans of the genre are being deprived from enjoying a veritable gem!
Intellectual sci-fi
Leofwine_draca31 July 2023
UNEARTHLY STRANGER is one of those low budget British sci-fi chillers that propped up bigger films during the mid 1960s. This one has cool cover art that promises a lot, but sadly it turns out to be a more intellectual film in which the concepts are discussed but never realised on screen. John Neville, who I think a lot of, plays a pioneering scientist who investigates the strange death of a colleague and soon learns that aliens may walk among us. It's nice to see Philip Stone, of THE SHINING fame, being given a prominent role as his colleague. Sadly, despite the short running time this does go on a bit which makes it somewhat laborious to sit through, although it does evoke a certain level of tension.
Effective British Suspense-Chiller
gengar8436 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
When you see this film, your first remembrance will be, "dark." As in low lighting. Inexplicably, this adds to the suspense, much the same way that Val Lewton successfully utilized shadow to cover for his lack of budget, in such nuggets as "The Leopard Man" and "Curse of the Cat Creature." The second thing about "Unearthly Stranger" is that it joins the ranks of such British gems as "Dead of Night" (1945) and the Quatermass series for its dialogue alone. The story itself is fairly unique-- scientists are attempting to achieve the power to transport their "essences" to other planets via mind concentration alone, and aliens from other planets are looking to stop this advancement by offing all scientists at work on this. The perspective is from a newly-married scientist, a la "I Married a Monster From Outer Space," but without that film's harrowing melodrama. Effects are minimal here, reflecting both the low budget and the British method of story-telling, so FX fans will be disappointed, but acting students will be pleased with the non-hysterical range displayed. All in all, a worthwhile watch.
Small scale but memorable and intelligent.
heathblair1 September 2000
A fairly slender story is provided with meat thanks to naturalistic dialogue delivered by a good cast. All the principle performers bring real commitment and humanity to their roles but, for me, it is Phillip Stone who stands out. His role as the doubting scientist who slowly realizes that his and his colleagues' work has come under hostile alien scrutiny is given great credibility by this underrated actor (underrated except by Stanley Kubrick who featured him in no less than three out of his thirteen films). The love story element is quite touching and is played for keeps by John Neville and Gabriella Licudi.
Memorably eerie things to watch out for are the unblinking aliens and a piping hot casserole casually removed from an oven without gloves!
This film makes a good companion piece to Invasion (1966), another low-key British sci-fi film which doesn't sacrifice character exposition to special effects and camp stylistics.
Memorably eerie things to watch out for are the unblinking aliens and a piping hot casserole casually removed from an oven without gloves!
This film makes a good companion piece to Invasion (1966), another low-key British sci-fi film which doesn't sacrifice character exposition to special effects and camp stylistics.
Not based on Sloane's novel at all
galaxie-215 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Not a review of this excellent film but, rather, a correction to a few statements made by others...
Some people consider UNEARTHLY STRANGER to be an uncredited rip-off of a 1936 science-fiction novel written by William M. Sloane III entitled TO WALK THE NIGHT. After hearing about that, I obtained a copy of Sloane's novel and read it in detail. I can assure you that, while one concept in the movie bears a "slight" similarity to Sloane's book, the overall story and form of execution in UNEARTHLY STRANGER are very different and would not present any grounds for an accusation of plagiarism on the part of the filmmakers. (If this could be interpreted as such, then many writers would have sued THE TWILIGHT ZONE for using similar ideas from their stories and had it pulled off the air.)
In UNEARTHLY STRANGER, the scientist's wife is an alien taking physical form by means of mental projection. In TO WALK THE NIGHT, the body of a young retarded woman is possessed by an alien's mind. That, beyond the use of a spiral staircase in an utterly different kind of location and maybe the use of a kind of ethereal fire to destroy evidence, is the only major similarity between the two stories--but it is tangential at best.
Also, UNEARTHLY STRANGER is *not* based on a story written by actor Jeffrey Stone. The film's writing credits read "Based on an IDEA by Jeffrey Stone". To us writers, that identifies a huge difference. Furthermore, there is no published record anywhere of a story called BEYOND THE STARS by Jeffrey Stone.
Many people familiar with Rex Carlton's work believe him incapable of writing such an intelligent script as the one found in UNEARTHLY STRANGER. But Carlton actually was associated with higher quality films earlier in his career (late 1940's & early 1950's), so one can only presume that the initial screenplay for UNEARTHLY STRANGER is still dominantly his work (though it obviously received uncredited polishing by the British filmmakers prior to shooting).
Some people consider UNEARTHLY STRANGER to be an uncredited rip-off of a 1936 science-fiction novel written by William M. Sloane III entitled TO WALK THE NIGHT. After hearing about that, I obtained a copy of Sloane's novel and read it in detail. I can assure you that, while one concept in the movie bears a "slight" similarity to Sloane's book, the overall story and form of execution in UNEARTHLY STRANGER are very different and would not present any grounds for an accusation of plagiarism on the part of the filmmakers. (If this could be interpreted as such, then many writers would have sued THE TWILIGHT ZONE for using similar ideas from their stories and had it pulled off the air.)
In UNEARTHLY STRANGER, the scientist's wife is an alien taking physical form by means of mental projection. In TO WALK THE NIGHT, the body of a young retarded woman is possessed by an alien's mind. That, beyond the use of a spiral staircase in an utterly different kind of location and maybe the use of a kind of ethereal fire to destroy evidence, is the only major similarity between the two stories--but it is tangential at best.
Also, UNEARTHLY STRANGER is *not* based on a story written by actor Jeffrey Stone. The film's writing credits read "Based on an IDEA by Jeffrey Stone". To us writers, that identifies a huge difference. Furthermore, there is no published record anywhere of a story called BEYOND THE STARS by Jeffrey Stone.
Many people familiar with Rex Carlton's work believe him incapable of writing such an intelligent script as the one found in UNEARTHLY STRANGER. But Carlton actually was associated with higher quality films earlier in his career (late 1940's & early 1950's), so one can only presume that the initial screenplay for UNEARTHLY STRANGER is still dominantly his work (though it obviously received uncredited polishing by the British filmmakers prior to shooting).
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