Scientists investigating an unusual meteor shower in rural England are possessed by an alien force with an ulterior motive. It's up to stalwart Dr. Curtis Temple (a solid and credible performance by Robert Hutton) to get to the bottom of things. Director Freddie Francis, working from an offbeat and engrossing script by Milton Subotsky, relates the quirky and involving story at a steady pace, makes good use of the desolate British countryside, and ably creates and sustains a compelling aura of eerie mystery. The sturdy acting from the competent cast holds everything together: Ravishing redhead Jennifer Jayne cuts an imposing figure as the steely Lee Mason, Zia Mohyeddin contributes an engaging portrayal as Temple's affable friend Farge, fetching blonde Luanshya Greer makes a memorably sexy impression as an enticing gas station attendant, and the always dependable Michael Gough has a neat small part as the Master of the Moon. The chintzy (not so) special effects possess a certain endearingly rinky-dink charm. Moreover, it's nice to see a science fiction feature in which the aliens are relatively benign instead of simply evil. Norman Warwick's vibrant cinematography provides a cool stylish look. James Stevens' swinging score hits the get-down groovy spot. A fun little flick.
Review of They Came from Beyond Space
