This Island Earth (1955)

An atomic scientist (Rex Reason) is chosen to take part in a top secret research experiment in a remote area in Georgia. But he soon becomes suspicious of the motives of the people behind the experiments, a suspicion shared by his beautiful colleague (Faith Domergue). Based on the novel by Raymond F. Jones and directed by Joseph M. Newman (THE BIG CIRCUS) and an uncredited Jack Arnold (IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE). One of the seminal science fiction movies of the 1950s features an intriguing screenplay and state of the art (for its era) special effects. For the majority of its running time, it manages to remain relatively sane so one can forgive the things that don't work like the silly looking bug creature who makes an appearance near the film's end. The film's intentions are closer to THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL than, say, EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS. Alas, the film's budget restricted the Metaluna sequences were intended to be more detailed. It's not the kind of film where the acting matters much but Jeff Morrow brings a certain gravitas in his portrayal of the alien scientist in control of the experimental laboratory. With Russell Johnson and Lance Fuller.