Here we are again with another entry in my “Alien Invasion Films of the 50’s” series, this time covering a classic from 1956 called EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS! This is an interesting film in that has a typical 50’s fun feel to it made all the better by the amazing special effects by animation master Ray Harryhausen! This is actually the first time Harryhausen animated something other than a living creature showing how creative and versatile he was.
As I write this everyone is in full swing Christmas mode which is perfect as what I present to you is the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for individual in your life who also happens to be a Dark Shadows fan. Growing up I never watched the original Dan Curtis television series and have yet to attempt to watch it now. It does though have a very loyal following and I am sure it will be around for a very long time. This past year showed the release of Tim Burton’s interpretation of the classic soap opera starring one of his regulars, Johnny Depp.
Not long after the premiere of Tim Burton’s DARK SHADOWS, we shared the insights of Dr. Destruction (a life long fan of the show) which you can revisit HERE. Destruction wasn’t the only one eager to share his two cents as horror hostess, Penny Dreadful, also posted her own blog on the subject (see HERE). I suddenly found myself wishing I could sit down with the two of them (metaphorically speaking) and have them answer a few questions regarding their immense fandom of the show. And here’s what happened…
When I was five, I was drawn in by the “Dark Shadows” TV show. Initially it might of been because there was a child on the show (David Collins) who reminded me of Bill Mumy from one of my other favorite programs, “Lost in Space.” Whatever it was that drew me in, I was completely fascinated by Barnabas Collins along with the overall weirdness of the show that would ultimately stay with me my entire life.
Terror from Beyond the Dave 