| The Beast with a Million eyes | |
|---|---|
 film poster by Albert Kallis |
|
| Directed by | David Kramarsky |
| Produced by | David Kramarsky, Charles Hanawalt |
| Written by | Tom Filer |
| Starring | Paul Birch Lorna Thayer Dona Cole |
| Music by | John Bickford |
| Cinematography | Everett Baker |
| Editing by | Jack Killifer |
| Distributed by | American Releasing Corporation |
| Release date(s) | 1955 |
| Running time | 75 minutes |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $33,000[1][2] |
The Beast with a Million Eyes is a science-fiction movie about an alien able to see through the eyes of the many creatures he takes control of. It was produced and directed by David Kramarsky, although some sources say that it was co-directed by Lou Place[3] and co-produced by Roger Corman and Samuel Z. Arkoff.[3][4] The movie was released in 1955 by American Releasing Corporation that later became American International Pictures. In 2007 Metro-Goldwyn Mayer distributed this motion picture as part of its Midnight Movies catalog on a double-feature DVD shared with The Phantom from 10,000 Leagues. Filming took place in Indio and the Coachella Valley, California.[5]
Contents |
Plot [edit]
The isolated Kelley family struggle with their small farm in a bleak landscape. A mysterious plane crash happens nearby. Then wild and domesticated animals and finally their handyman turn on the family and attack. It turns out a space alien (the beast of the title) has taken over the minds of the lesser animals (the 1,000,000 eyes of the title), working its way up to controlling humans as part of a plan to conquer the world. In the end, the family bond together, unite against the alien and their love conquers all.
Cast [edit]
- Paul Birch (Allan Kelley)
- Lorna Thayer (Carol Kelley)
- Dona Cole (Sandy Kelley)
- Dick Sargent (as Richard Sargeant)(Larry)
- Leonard Tarver ('Him')
- Bruce Whitmore (voice only) (The Beast)
- Chester Conklin (Old Man Webber)
Production [edit]
The film was a non-union movie originally entitled The Unseen with Lou Place to direct. After one day's filming the union threatened to shut down the film unless everyone signed with the Guild Roger Corman, who was producing, took over the film as director and replaced the cinematographer with Floyd Crosby.[1]
Notes [edit]
- ^ a b Mark McGee, Faster and Furiouser: The Revised and Fattened Fable of American International Pictures, McFarland, 1996 p24-27
- ^ The dime-store way to make movies-and money By Aljean Harmetz. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 04 Aug 1974: 202.
- ^ a b http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048991/fullcredits#directors
- ^ Harris M. Lentz, III - Science Fiction, Horror & Fantasy Film and Television Credits vol. 1, McFarland Press, 1983, pages 608, 629
- ^ The Beast with a Million Eyes at the American Film Institute Catalog
External links [edit]
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