Amazon.com essential video: Something's wrong in the town of Santa Mira, California. At first, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) is unconcerned when the townsfolk accuse their loved ones of acting like emotionless imposters. But soon the evidence is overwhelming--Santa Mira has been invaded by alien 'pods' that are capable of replicating humans and taking possession of their identities. It's up to McCarthy to spread the word of warning, battling the alien invasion at the risk of his own life. Considered one of the best science fiction films of the 1950s and '60s, this classic paranoid thriller was widely interpreted as a criticism of the McCarthy era (that's Senator Joseph, not actor Kevin), which was characterized by anticommunist witch-hunts and fear of the dreaded blacklist. Some hailed it as an attack on the oppressive power of government as Big Brother. However viewers interpret it, this original 1956 version of Invaders of the Body Snatchers (based on Jack Finney's serialized novel The Body Snatchers) remains a milestone movie in its genre, directed by Don Siegel with an inventive intensity that continues to pack an entertaining wallop. Look closely and you'll find future director Sam Peckinpah (an uncredited cowriter of this film) making a cameo appearance as a meter reader! --Jeff Shannon
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Rating: - One of the all time greats
Invasion of the Body Snatchers is one of my all time favorite Horror, Sci-Fi pictures of all time and one of the best of the genre from the 50s. I just love the concept of the movie and everything here works to near perfection. While not as scary or suspenseful today as it once was, Invasion of the Body Snatchers actually holds up rather well and while dated in spots again holds up rather well overall.
The screenplay by Daniel Mainwarning is rock solid with a great bunch of characters; I really liked all the characters and the two leads were excellent. The script has some good light moments and delivers with the chills.
Director Don Siegel who's done such classics as Dirty Harry and The Shootist delivers another classic here. His scenes are well paced and at times chilling. While there are some moments that are a bit slow but never boring. Siegel creates some excellent atmosphere and tension ... Read More
Rating: - Nightmare on Planet Earth
Fete of Death
At or, at least, near the top of the list of the scariest movies I have ever seen, this is the first and by far the best version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Don Siegel's direction is sparse and pulls no punches. It is aided by a tense score, but it's the story more than anything else that stands out in this film.
Paranoia is rampant throughout this terrifying sci-fi tale. The scariest scene occurs when Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter, who are the only two humans left in Santa Mira, flee the pod people and take refuge in an abandoned mine just outside of town. Hidden under some wooden planks that cover a trench that they are lying in, McCarthy and Wynter successfully evade their pursuers. Later, after the pod people have left the cave, McCarthy relaxes with relief for the first time since his nightmare began, languidly kisses Wynter, and, to his horror, realizes the true nature ... Read More
Rating: - Aint Nuthin Like the Real Thing
After countless remakes, you just have to give it to the original. No grand special effects, just pure creepiness and paranoia. The 1950's were a time when family values and conformity were standard so what could be more perfect than everyone thinking exactly the same? Be sure and watch the interview with Kevin McCarthy and then after the movie look around you. Has your usually hysterical friend been a lot calmer than usual, do you wonder if it's really them?
Rating: - Invasion of the body snatchers
Why doesn't hollywood make good old fashion horror movies like this anymore, without the blood and guts.
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- One of the all time greats
- Invasion of the body snatchers
