Antsy biologist Sam Conrad (well played to the fretful hilt by Roddy McDowall) and mission commander Mark Marcusson (a solid performance by Paul Comi) crash land their space ship on Mars. Marcusson dies in the crash, thereby leaving Conrad as the lone survivor who eventually discovers human-like beings on Mars.
Director Mitchell Leisen relates the absorbing story at a brisk pace and maintains an appropriately somber mood throughout. Susan Oliver lends sturdy support as fetching Martian seductress Teenya. Rod Serling's biting script makes a bitterly cynical point on how other lifeforms could be just like human beings in ways that aren't necessarily good and positive. The surprise grim ending packs a devastating punch. A worthwhile show.
Director Mitchell Leisen relates the absorbing story at a brisk pace and maintains an appropriately somber mood throughout. Susan Oliver lends sturdy support as fetching Martian seductress Teenya. Rod Serling's biting script makes a bitterly cynical point on how other lifeforms could be just like human beings in ways that aren't necessarily good and positive. The surprise grim ending packs a devastating punch. A worthwhile show.