Directed by Joseph M. Newman (with uncredited contributions from Jack Arnold) and produced by Universal-International, This Island Earth is a landmark 1950s science fiction film based on the 1952 novel by Raymond F. Jones. Released during the golden age of atomic-era cinema, it blends Cold War paranoia with interstellar intrigue, and is remembered for its vivid Technicolor visuals and ambitious effects.
Plot Summary
Physicist Dr. Cal Meacham (Rex Reason) receives mysterious electronic components that allow him to build an advanced device called an interocitor. Once assembled, the machine connects him with Exeter (Jeff Morrow), a humanoid alien who invites Cal to join a secret scientific research project. Cal accepts and is flown to a remote facility, where he reunites with former colleague Dr. Ruth Adams (Faith Domergue).
As Cal and Ruth grow suspicious of their hosts, they discover that Exeter and his people are from the planet Metaluna, which is under siege by the warlike Zagons. The scientists are being recruited to help save Metaluna, but the planet is already collapsing. Cal and Ruth are taken to Metaluna, where they witness its destruction and narrowly escape back to Earth—leaving Exeter to sacrifice himself in a final act of nobility.
Cast Highlights
- Rex Reason as Dr. Cal Meacham
- Faith Domergue as Dr. Ruth Adams
- Jeff Morrow as Exeter
- Lance Fuller as Brack
- Russell Johnson as Dr. Steve Carlson
- Douglas Spencer as The Monitor
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- The film was shot in full-frame (1.37:1) but carefully composed to allow widescreen projection at 2:1, anticipating the rise of formats like Technirama
- The iconic Metaluna Mutant costume originally had matching legs, but due to technical issues, the creature was forced to wear trousers—much to the embarrassment of the cast
- The Earth miniature used in the effects was later repurposed for Universal’s “Earth in Space” fanfare logo
- Actors Jeff Morrow and Rex Reason reportedly cringed during the premiere when the mutant appeared onscreen, feeling it undermined the film’s tone
- The interocitor prop became a cult symbol, later referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie, which lampooned the film in 1996
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