Peter Graves plays a scientist in San Diego, California who receives messages from Mars on his radio transmitter (sneakily intercepted by the Russians); initially, the decoded Martian messages about prolonged life and their unnecessary need for industrial mechanics throw America's population into a tailspin. However, it turns out Mars is a Christian planet, and their next communication with us, a regular "sermon on the mount", begins to ease tensions and starts a religious revival worldwide. Talky think-piece, adapted from a play, amusingly full of clean-cut, incredibly polite Americans and savage-acting Russkies. Not likely to please science-fiction fans who are used to propulsive action, though the b&w cinematography by Joseph Biroc is excellent and there are some interesting ideas and a last-act plot-twist. Released at a time when communist hysteria was running rampant in the U.S., the movie is brave enough to attempt a humanitarian tact--and naive enough to believe in what it preaches. A livelier cast might have made it more memorable, but check out Peter's big-screen TV! ** from ****
63 Reviews
Clever way to make contact with aliens
train4645 December 2003
I fondly remember the movie and particularly liked the conceit used to open communications with the aliens (the number sequence for pi). It was also thrilling to think that world peace could come about. On reseeing the movie over the years, and with the actual passing of the USSR and soviet communism, the movie doesn't really hold up. It's in the museum of propaganda films now. The closing screen was "The Beginning."
Bizarre and outlandish Sci-Fi movie with an anti-communist and pro-Christian message
ma-cortes18 December 2018
This old , offbeat and incredible Cold War relic deals with an American scientist discovering that a Radio voice transmission from Mars belongs to God . As the scientific (Peter Graves) and wife (Andrea King) contact Mars by radio and receive information that Mars is ruled by a godlike supreme being , causing a global revolution on Earth . The plot rolls out barmstorming happenings in which TV transmission from Mars origines unfortunate incidents and extraordinary distresses . As Revolution sweeps the Earth, including the Soviet Union. But there remains doubt about the messages being true , as an ex-Nazi claims he was duping the Americans .Here is the first contact between Earth and Mars! Out-Of-This-World excitement and suspense ! The World Torn Asunder By A Thret From Outer Space!
A main candidate for the strangest and nuttiest Science Fiction of all time with a surprising premise and plenty of twists , set-up and turns : An American scientist (Peter Graves) and his wife (Andrea King) are able to contact and communicate with Mars . But Mars results to be a utopia and that Earth's people can be saved if they return to the worship of God and other rare events . There follows a further bona fide transmission proclaiming that its leader is God himself , which stirs up a worldwide religious revival and a resolve for all to live in harmony . All of them cause shattering political, economic , and spiritual repercussions . This in an incoherent movie overburned with various messages about religion , politics , extraterrestrial life and science . The strange script involves a marriage of scientists , a mad doctor hoping to topple capitalism , religious riots against Stalin and communism and many other things . It stars the always agreeable Peter Graves . Peter drafted United States Air Force, he studied drama at the University of Minnesota and then headed to Hollywood, where he first appeared on television and later made his film debut in Rogue River (1951). Numerous film appearances followed, especially in Westerns . However, Graves is primarily recognized for his television work, particularly as Jim Phelps in Mission impossible (1966). He made movies of all kinds of genres , Sci-Fi, drama , Western , Warlike , comedy , such as : Stalag , Beneath the 12-mile reef , It conquered the world , Killers from space , The clonus horror , The court martial of Billy Mitchell , The winds of war , Sergeant Ryker , Cruise missile , Legend of the Sea Wolf , Scream of the Wolf, Texas across the river , The Guns and the Fury , The rebels , Survival run, Let's make up , The night of the hunter , The slipper and the rose , being especially known for his special appearances in : Airplane I and II and Men in Black 2 . Peter Graves died of a heart attack on March 14, 2010, just four days before his 84th birthday. His partenaire is the beautiful and attractive Andrea King , being her first screen appearance in the film entitled The Ramparts We Watch (1940). After signing with Warner Bros. and changing her professional name, Andrea's career took off very quickly, and she appeared in nine films in 18 months. The Warner Bros. studio photographers voted Andrea the most photogenic actress on the lot for the year 1945. Her first leading role came early on with Hotel Berlin (1945), following other films as The Very Thought of You , God Is My Co-Pilot , My Wild Irish Rose , Song of surrender , Darby's Rangers , Silent Fear , Dial 1119 , I Was a Shoplifter , The Lemon Drop Kid , The Mark of the Renegade and The world in his arms . They are accompanied by a good support cast , such as : Walter Sande , Marvin Miller , Willis Bouchey and an usual actor in Sci-Fi movies : Morris Ankrum .
Rare screenplay by Anthony Veiller and John Balderson based on the play : ¨Red Planet¨ by John Hoare and John Lloyd Balderson . It packs an atmospheric musical score by Merrick . As well as an evocative cinematography in black and white by the notorious cameraman Joseph F. Biroc who had a long career .This film from another age that was ahead of its time was regularly directed by Harry Horner . He formed an association with the noted production designer William Cameron Menzies and made a few films , such as : New faces of 1952 , Vicki , Man from Del Rio , The wild party , A life in the balance , Beware my lovely and this one . Rating : 5/10 , average but passable .
A main candidate for the strangest and nuttiest Science Fiction of all time with a surprising premise and plenty of twists , set-up and turns : An American scientist (Peter Graves) and his wife (Andrea King) are able to contact and communicate with Mars . But Mars results to be a utopia and that Earth's people can be saved if they return to the worship of God and other rare events . There follows a further bona fide transmission proclaiming that its leader is God himself , which stirs up a worldwide religious revival and a resolve for all to live in harmony . All of them cause shattering political, economic , and spiritual repercussions . This in an incoherent movie overburned with various messages about religion , politics , extraterrestrial life and science . The strange script involves a marriage of scientists , a mad doctor hoping to topple capitalism , religious riots against Stalin and communism and many other things . It stars the always agreeable Peter Graves . Peter drafted United States Air Force, he studied drama at the University of Minnesota and then headed to Hollywood, where he first appeared on television and later made his film debut in Rogue River (1951). Numerous film appearances followed, especially in Westerns . However, Graves is primarily recognized for his television work, particularly as Jim Phelps in Mission impossible (1966). He made movies of all kinds of genres , Sci-Fi, drama , Western , Warlike , comedy , such as : Stalag , Beneath the 12-mile reef , It conquered the world , Killers from space , The clonus horror , The court martial of Billy Mitchell , The winds of war , Sergeant Ryker , Cruise missile , Legend of the Sea Wolf , Scream of the Wolf, Texas across the river , The Guns and the Fury , The rebels , Survival run, Let's make up , The night of the hunter , The slipper and the rose , being especially known for his special appearances in : Airplane I and II and Men in Black 2 . Peter Graves died of a heart attack on March 14, 2010, just four days before his 84th birthday. His partenaire is the beautiful and attractive Andrea King , being her first screen appearance in the film entitled The Ramparts We Watch (1940). After signing with Warner Bros. and changing her professional name, Andrea's career took off very quickly, and she appeared in nine films in 18 months. The Warner Bros. studio photographers voted Andrea the most photogenic actress on the lot for the year 1945. Her first leading role came early on with Hotel Berlin (1945), following other films as The Very Thought of You , God Is My Co-Pilot , My Wild Irish Rose , Song of surrender , Darby's Rangers , Silent Fear , Dial 1119 , I Was a Shoplifter , The Lemon Drop Kid , The Mark of the Renegade and The world in his arms . They are accompanied by a good support cast , such as : Walter Sande , Marvin Miller , Willis Bouchey and an usual actor in Sci-Fi movies : Morris Ankrum .
Rare screenplay by Anthony Veiller and John Balderson based on the play : ¨Red Planet¨ by John Hoare and John Lloyd Balderson . It packs an atmospheric musical score by Merrick . As well as an evocative cinematography in black and white by the notorious cameraman Joseph F. Biroc who had a long career .This film from another age that was ahead of its time was regularly directed by Harry Horner . He formed an association with the noted production designer William Cameron Menzies and made a few films , such as : New faces of 1952 , Vicki , Man from Del Rio , The wild party , A life in the balance , Beware my lovely and this one . Rating : 5/10 , average but passable .
95% fiction, 5% science, 100% baloney
gjampol25 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
An American scientist of dubious qualifications builds a device for communicating with life on Mars. The centerpiece of his homemade lab is a "hydrogen valve," the plans for which he discovered in postwar Germany.
After sending a message to Mars, his TV monitor indicates that he has received a response. Several messages reveal that the Martians have an advanced civilization that can produce food and energy with only a fraction of the resources required on Earth.
Let's not quibble with the fact that there is no independent scientific verification of these Martian chats. Apparently, the world's leading scientists are conveniently asleep.
When the news get out, the world goes into a state of panic and economies collapse. Even the president of the United States comes under the spell of the Martian achievements. I hate to ruin the fantasy, but Earth has no trade with Mars and hundreds of Martian ships aren't descending on Earth to deliver, free of charge, the achievements that will supposedly put millions of Earthlings out of work.
While this is going on, the Communists are listening in and collaborating with the Nazi scientist who developed the hydrogen valve. Their goal is to pull the rug right out from under the West by creating chaos.
Even more startling is the news that the Martians are Christians, which leads to a worldwide revival of religion. Citizens of Communist countries are digging up religious paraphernalia and the Soviet government is replaced by the patriarch of Moscow. I suppose that the KGB and the Soviet Politburo are so awed that they have given up without a fight. One might suppose that Joseph Stalin has just erected a 75-foot cross over his Kremlin office. Yeah, right! Moreover, the fact that Biblical story of creation and dozens of prophesies have just been severely compromised doesn't raise the slightest peep from Bible scholars. They, along with the world's scientists, are asleep, too.
We discover at the end that the Nazi scientist has been perpetrating a hoax. The American scientist and his wife don't want the world to be let down by making the hoax public. Just as they are about to blow up the lab by lighting a cigarette while the lab is filled with hydrogen, a signal appears on the monitor that supposedly indicates that the Martians really are in contact with Earth.
However, because suicide is unacceptable, the Nazi fires a bullet at the TV, igniting an explosion. The world is thus saved being shaken from its delusions.
This film, born in an atmosphere of McCarthyism and Cold War hysteria, defines the word drivel. The only emotion it inspires in me is a feeling of contempt directed at those who are so desperate and naïve as to give it any credence.
After sending a message to Mars, his TV monitor indicates that he has received a response. Several messages reveal that the Martians have an advanced civilization that can produce food and energy with only a fraction of the resources required on Earth.
Let's not quibble with the fact that there is no independent scientific verification of these Martian chats. Apparently, the world's leading scientists are conveniently asleep.
When the news get out, the world goes into a state of panic and economies collapse. Even the president of the United States comes under the spell of the Martian achievements. I hate to ruin the fantasy, but Earth has no trade with Mars and hundreds of Martian ships aren't descending on Earth to deliver, free of charge, the achievements that will supposedly put millions of Earthlings out of work.
While this is going on, the Communists are listening in and collaborating with the Nazi scientist who developed the hydrogen valve. Their goal is to pull the rug right out from under the West by creating chaos.
Even more startling is the news that the Martians are Christians, which leads to a worldwide revival of religion. Citizens of Communist countries are digging up religious paraphernalia and the Soviet government is replaced by the patriarch of Moscow. I suppose that the KGB and the Soviet Politburo are so awed that they have given up without a fight. One might suppose that Joseph Stalin has just erected a 75-foot cross over his Kremlin office. Yeah, right! Moreover, the fact that Biblical story of creation and dozens of prophesies have just been severely compromised doesn't raise the slightest peep from Bible scholars. They, along with the world's scientists, are asleep, too.
We discover at the end that the Nazi scientist has been perpetrating a hoax. The American scientist and his wife don't want the world to be let down by making the hoax public. Just as they are about to blow up the lab by lighting a cigarette while the lab is filled with hydrogen, a signal appears on the monitor that supposedly indicates that the Martians really are in contact with Earth.
However, because suicide is unacceptable, the Nazi fires a bullet at the TV, igniting an explosion. The world is thus saved being shaken from its delusions.
This film, born in an atmosphere of McCarthyism and Cold War hysteria, defines the word drivel. The only emotion it inspires in me is a feeling of contempt directed at those who are so desperate and naïve as to give it any credence.
An intelligent story that's brave enough to be different.
David_Newcastle15 January 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Expect a real treat from one of the most intelligent sci-fi films of the 1950s -- although it gets little credit (largely because some people are uncomfortable with the overt Christian message). But first a word of warning: in this movie, nobody goes to Mars and no Martians invade the Earth. It's a moody and intense story about a research project at a mountain-top laboratory where husband and wife scientists (Peter Graves and Andrea King) succeed in making contact with intelligent beings on Mars . Neither the scientists nor the audience actually get to see the Martians. The messages exchanged by Earth and Mars are sent in the form of a complex code, displayed as flickering lines on a video monitor. Graves' transmitter was originally invented by an ex-Nazi scientist -- and unbeknownst to Graves, this same ex-Nazi scientist now occupies a secret Russian lab, located in the Andes mountains. The Russians want him to listen in on the Earth/Mars conversation, hoping to gain advanced scientific knowledge from the Martians. Oddly enough, the weird manner in which the messages are received is the film's chief strength. The eerie mood created by the blinking monitors enhances the alien nature of the unseen Martians. The scene in which the Martians send their first decoded message is electrifying. After a common language has been established, the Martians describe their highly advanced agricultural methods and energy-producing techniques. As a result, Earth's economy begins to collapse because people think the Martian super-science is going to make their jobs obsolete!
More importantly, the film's Christian message is presented boldly and clearly, through direct references to God and Christ. When the Martians send a message that suggests they are ruled directly by God, the news causes a world-wide religious upheaval. The atheistic government in Russia is overthrown and the Soviet satellite countries are released from communist rule. Several reviewers in past years have criticized the film as being naive for suggesting such possibilities. But the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1992 and the slow but steady revival of Christianity in Russia has vindicated RED PLANET MARS to some degree. Reviewers have also been confused by plot twists which lead them to believe the ex-Nazi scientist actually sent the `Martian' messages to trick the Americans. You'll have to pay careful attention to the plot to figure out who actually sent what. The laboratory set is extremely well designed, filled with intriguing gizmos reminiscent of the Krell lab in `Forbidden Planet'. The scientific terms and concepts used in the story are admirably accurate. The story is set in the `near future', so watch for technological innovations like flat screen TV's and remote controls, years ahead of their time in 1952. The climax is both unexpected and uplifting -- a triumph of good over evil. Give this one a fair chance and it will amaze and inspire you. Graves and King give dynamic performances. Herbert Berghof as the ex-Nazi scientist is excellent. Marvin Miller (voice of Robby the Robot) is a treat as the Russian KGB agent. Morris Ankrum's presence is both mandatory and welcome in any 1950s sci-fi film. Directory Harry Horner was born in Soviet Czechoslovakia, so he knows about communist suppression first hand. The prerecorded tape, available from Amazon.com is of excellent quality. If you like this film, check out `T
More importantly, the film's Christian message is presented boldly and clearly, through direct references to God and Christ. When the Martians send a message that suggests they are ruled directly by God, the news causes a world-wide religious upheaval. The atheistic government in Russia is overthrown and the Soviet satellite countries are released from communist rule. Several reviewers in past years have criticized the film as being naive for suggesting such possibilities. But the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1992 and the slow but steady revival of Christianity in Russia has vindicated RED PLANET MARS to some degree. Reviewers have also been confused by plot twists which lead them to believe the ex-Nazi scientist actually sent the `Martian' messages to trick the Americans. You'll have to pay careful attention to the plot to figure out who actually sent what. The laboratory set is extremely well designed, filled with intriguing gizmos reminiscent of the Krell lab in `Forbidden Planet'. The scientific terms and concepts used in the story are admirably accurate. The story is set in the `near future', so watch for technological innovations like flat screen TV's and remote controls, years ahead of their time in 1952. The climax is both unexpected and uplifting -- a triumph of good over evil. Give this one a fair chance and it will amaze and inspire you. Graves and King give dynamic performances. Herbert Berghof as the ex-Nazi scientist is excellent. Marvin Miller (voice of Robby the Robot) is a treat as the Russian KGB agent. Morris Ankrum's presence is both mandatory and welcome in any 1950s sci-fi film. Directory Harry Horner was born in Soviet Czechoslovakia, so he knows about communist suppression first hand. The prerecorded tape, available from Amazon.com is of excellent quality. If you like this film, check out `T
God, apparently, is a Martian.
robert-mulqueen1 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This could have been an interesting science fiction film : no special effects, no space ships, no flesh and blood monsters. It could have been a tale about contact with beings from another world. Instead, it was made as a Cold War pot boiler, complete with highly principled Americans with religious fervor and evil empire Russians who are not about to tolerate religious worship.
Was it just an accident that the character of the President of the U.S. bears a striking resemblance to Dwight Eisenhower? And the film was made in 1952...the year before Ike became president.
The story had real possibilities, including another scientist (than the Peter Graves character) who was involved in the contact with beings on Mars, which could have made for a thinking person's film about human-non-human communication. While there were very real fears and international conflict in 1952, the producers gave in to the Red Scare and made a period piece out of what could have been a thoughtful movie.
Was it just an accident that the character of the President of the U.S. bears a striking resemblance to Dwight Eisenhower? And the film was made in 1952...the year before Ike became president.
The story had real possibilities, including another scientist (than the Peter Graves character) who was involved in the contact with beings on Mars, which could have made for a thinking person's film about human-non-human communication. While there were very real fears and international conflict in 1952, the producers gave in to the Red Scare and made a period piece out of what could have been a thoughtful movie.
Someone Hs No Understanding Of Christianity And Marxism
Theo Robertson16 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Planet Earth has been receiving radio messages from its nearest neighbour Mars . Messages telling of a new type of technology means that fossil fuels will become redundant meaning that millions of jobs will be lost in the Western world . Are these messages genuine or is there another more Earthly power behind it ?
After seeing INVASION USA I found myself watching yet another American propaganda film from the same year . I was attracted to the title thinking it might be an obvious film where the red planet decides to enslave the countries of Western democracy because that's what reds do . This isn't how things developed but any sort of rugs being pulled out from under you or irony of the red planet not being communist at all is hardly a recommendation . I can understand the thinking behind INVASION USA and the points its making within its own twisted reality but this isn't the case with RED PLANET MARS
I don't know if I'm stupid or simply because I wasn't concentrating hard enough but I had difficulty paying attention to the plotting . It's not really a film that grabs your attention and is very static . I wasn't surprised in the slightest that this film was adapted from a stage play . One would have thought in that case it would be easy to follow since it's dialogue based but this isn't the case at all . Scientist Chris Cronyn receives messages from Mars and before he - and the audience - knows it religion is sweeping the world including the Soviet Union . The writers some entirely ignorant of religion and Marxism . Suppose we take on board the idea that our view of religion comes from a race from a higher civilisation . Ask yourself how does this explain life after death ? If a Martian lives 300 years then surely it'll die the same a human dies after 70 years . There will be no life after this one no matter what planet you're from . This is one of a number massive plot holes , and these plot holes even have the totally illogical nature of drawing attention to themselves such as the Soviet politburo asking themselves where are the Soviet population getting all their radios from ? Yeah I'd like to know too . I suppose this falls under the heading of plot connivance ?
Perhaps the most irritating thing is the ending and the way it's developed . For large sections of the film you're being led along that the Soviets are behind these messages and it's all a communist plot , so much so that the counter revolution in the Eastern bloc is just a staged event and the British ambassador is being used as a stooge the same way plenty of useful idiots were taken on tours to the USSR in the 1920s and 30s . The communist double dealing is reinforced at the end when a former Nazi now working for the communists turns up at the Cronyn's lab at the end . This villain despite being a former Nazi and communist reveals himself to be a Satan worshipper . Let me get this right ? He's not a Neo-pagan like the Nazis and he's not a Marxist atheist like all communists but he worships Satan ! . Like I said the writers haven't thought any of this through especially where religion or Marxism is concerned . One massive plot hole that jumps out and grabs you is that the Cronyns' and the villain are killed in a lab explosion with no witnesses but the final scene sees the American referring to their sacrifice to the United Nations . Either this unnamed president has second sight or this film has a really poor screenplay . Guess what one I'm putting my money on ? If you thought NOAH was a genuinely bad film you obviously haven't seen this one
After seeing INVASION USA I found myself watching yet another American propaganda film from the same year . I was attracted to the title thinking it might be an obvious film where the red planet decides to enslave the countries of Western democracy because that's what reds do . This isn't how things developed but any sort of rugs being pulled out from under you or irony of the red planet not being communist at all is hardly a recommendation . I can understand the thinking behind INVASION USA and the points its making within its own twisted reality but this isn't the case with RED PLANET MARS
I don't know if I'm stupid or simply because I wasn't concentrating hard enough but I had difficulty paying attention to the plotting . It's not really a film that grabs your attention and is very static . I wasn't surprised in the slightest that this film was adapted from a stage play . One would have thought in that case it would be easy to follow since it's dialogue based but this isn't the case at all . Scientist Chris Cronyn receives messages from Mars and before he - and the audience - knows it religion is sweeping the world including the Soviet Union . The writers some entirely ignorant of religion and Marxism . Suppose we take on board the idea that our view of religion comes from a race from a higher civilisation . Ask yourself how does this explain life after death ? If a Martian lives 300 years then surely it'll die the same a human dies after 70 years . There will be no life after this one no matter what planet you're from . This is one of a number massive plot holes , and these plot holes even have the totally illogical nature of drawing attention to themselves such as the Soviet politburo asking themselves where are the Soviet population getting all their radios from ? Yeah I'd like to know too . I suppose this falls under the heading of plot connivance ?
Perhaps the most irritating thing is the ending and the way it's developed . For large sections of the film you're being led along that the Soviets are behind these messages and it's all a communist plot , so much so that the counter revolution in the Eastern bloc is just a staged event and the British ambassador is being used as a stooge the same way plenty of useful idiots were taken on tours to the USSR in the 1920s and 30s . The communist double dealing is reinforced at the end when a former Nazi now working for the communists turns up at the Cronyn's lab at the end . This villain despite being a former Nazi and communist reveals himself to be a Satan worshipper . Let me get this right ? He's not a Neo-pagan like the Nazis and he's not a Marxist atheist like all communists but he worships Satan ! . Like I said the writers haven't thought any of this through especially where religion or Marxism is concerned . One massive plot hole that jumps out and grabs you is that the Cronyns' and the villain are killed in a lab explosion with no witnesses but the final scene sees the American referring to their sacrifice to the United Nations . Either this unnamed president has second sight or this film has a really poor screenplay . Guess what one I'm putting my money on ? If you thought NOAH was a genuinely bad film you obviously haven't seen this one
A thought provoking story, relying more on plot than FX
bux24 October 1998
I recall seeing this as a youngster and being really disappointed! No Flash Gordon, no rockets, space guns, not even any Martians. After viewing it again recently, I realize, there was a REAL story here. More fantasy then sci-fi, views more like "The Next Voice You Hear", another movie that dealt in the spirtuality of modern times. A great cast performs admirably and the unexpected conclusion make this one well worth a second look.
"This is a story not yet told..."
classicsoncall4 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I caught this one on Turner Classics on New Year's Day as part of their all day sci-fi programming of flicks from the 1950's. Unlike another offering, "The 27th Day", I had heard of "Red Planet Mars" before, but didn't know that it's subject matter tied America's fascination with Martian invasions together with the threat of Communism. The film has more than it's share of twists with a head scratcher or two among them, and what had me fascinated was the way it all seemed possible (within the context of the story) as the movie unfolded. However by the time it's all over, you've got to wonder why the outcome had to leave a couple of innocent kids orphans, and why above all that was made to look like a good thing.
Growing up in the 1950's recalls vivid memories of all the 'duck and cover' drills in parochial school, and the film rekindled those kinds of recollections of the 'red scare' days. Hearing the Soviet General state "We will build our world on the ruins of the West" brought to mind the image of Nikita Kruschev's 'We Will Bury You' rant at the United Nations a decade later. The movie even throws in a Nazi connection to the Soviets to further it's right wing paranoia theme. What comes off somewhat goofy is the Man of Mars/Man of Nazareth counterpoint to the enemies of freedom threat. It's about at this point where I can see uncommitted viewers dropping out.
Yet if you're willing to go the distance, "Red Planet Mars" can be a fascinating look at a period in the country's history, even if bewildering at times. The movie even takes a stab at a clever ending, as the final scene offers it's hope for humanity with the words "The Beginning".
One other thought bears mentioning, and only because of my timing in catching the movie. Seeing it on New Year's Day, one was already inundated with TV images of Gerald Ford who passed away on December 26th. In a somewhat unlikely coincidence, the character of The President in the movie, portrayed by Willis Bouchey, seemed to bear an unusually uncanny resemblance to the 38th President.
Growing up in the 1950's recalls vivid memories of all the 'duck and cover' drills in parochial school, and the film rekindled those kinds of recollections of the 'red scare' days. Hearing the Soviet General state "We will build our world on the ruins of the West" brought to mind the image of Nikita Kruschev's 'We Will Bury You' rant at the United Nations a decade later. The movie even throws in a Nazi connection to the Soviets to further it's right wing paranoia theme. What comes off somewhat goofy is the Man of Mars/Man of Nazareth counterpoint to the enemies of freedom threat. It's about at this point where I can see uncommitted viewers dropping out.
Yet if you're willing to go the distance, "Red Planet Mars" can be a fascinating look at a period in the country's history, even if bewildering at times. The movie even takes a stab at a clever ending, as the final scene offers it's hope for humanity with the words "The Beginning".
One other thought bears mentioning, and only because of my timing in catching the movie. Seeing it on New Year's Day, one was already inundated with TV images of Gerald Ford who passed away on December 26th. In a somewhat unlikely coincidence, the character of The President in the movie, portrayed by Willis Bouchey, seemed to bear an unusually uncanny resemblance to the 38th President.
A Pretty Bad Movie
Uriah4311 July 2014
After viewing photos of Mars from an observatory a scientist by the name of "Chris Cronyn" (Peter Graves) is convinced that there is intelligent life on it. To test his theory he sends radio messages using a special device called a "hydrogen valve" which was built by an evil Nazi scientist named "Dr. Franz Calder" (Herbert Berghof) who is now working for the Russians in a hidden laboratory somewhere in the Andes. However, when Chris is proved right and contact is indeed established the information he receives from the Martians ends up having a not too favorable impact upon the people of Earth. Now, as far as the overall movie is concerned I also had a not too favorable opinion of it as the attempt to combine science-fiction with religion didn't turn out too well. That's not to say that these two subjects cannot mutually coexist as some Christian movies are able to pull it off every now and then. But those types of movies are typically geared to a specific target audience which will appreciate the attempt. In this case the movie was intended for a general audience and the final product turned out to be a pretty bad movie. Definitely below average.
An engaging story with a provocative "think-about-it" ending.
cigarman-212 April 1999
I saw this as a teenager when Hurricane Donna was to strike Miami and the television stations put on round-the-clock programming. It's different from usual sci-fi, where "science" provides an incidental framework that increases the power of its spiritual undertone. The story is simple, but builds to a conclusion that implies that it is not "the end". The cast is great, and the film is easy to "get into". You are left with the feeling that what you have seen is more powerful than its easy progress led you to believe while you were viewing it. Personally, I put it among the best movies I've ever seen; certainly I never forgot it.
ABSOLUTELY BIZARRE AMALGAMATION OF THE RED-SCARE, RELIGION, AND SCI-FI
LeonLouisRicci9 September 2021
Completely Corny, Heavy Handed Attempt to Meld the Topical Communist Red Scare with Sci-Fi and an Over-the-Top Christian Religiosity.
Sombre, and seemingly Unaware of the Self-Conscious Sermon Like Dialog and Christian Witnessing that Permeates the Proceedings, Especially in the Second-Half.
It Starts with a Science-Fiction Template of a Communications Scientist Trying to Send and Receive Signals to and From the Red Planet.
The Interjection of a Russian Scientist Attempting the Same and the First-Half is Played rather Straight with the East-West Cold War.
Somewhere around the Middle the Movie Ratchets Up the Paranoia.
It goes way Out-There once Signals seem to be Received Regarding an Advance Knowledge of Futuristic Natural Resource Economy and the Ability to gain Abundance from very Little.
In the Third Act All Hell Breaks Loose Literally as Things become Ultra-Religious with Orthodox Imagery, Bible Verse, and a Satan Worshiper.
It's one of those that is Difficult to Describe and has to be Seen to be Believed.
Worth a Watch for just that Reason.
It is one that is so Out of Orbit from the Usual Stuff that it will Not be Forgotten.
Sombre, and seemingly Unaware of the Self-Conscious Sermon Like Dialog and Christian Witnessing that Permeates the Proceedings, Especially in the Second-Half.
It Starts with a Science-Fiction Template of a Communications Scientist Trying to Send and Receive Signals to and From the Red Planet.
The Interjection of a Russian Scientist Attempting the Same and the First-Half is Played rather Straight with the East-West Cold War.
Somewhere around the Middle the Movie Ratchets Up the Paranoia.
It goes way Out-There once Signals seem to be Received Regarding an Advance Knowledge of Futuristic Natural Resource Economy and the Ability to gain Abundance from very Little.
In the Third Act All Hell Breaks Loose Literally as Things become Ultra-Religious with Orthodox Imagery, Bible Verse, and a Satan Worshiper.
It's one of those that is Difficult to Describe and has to be Seen to be Believed.
Worth a Watch for just that Reason.
It is one that is so Out of Orbit from the Usual Stuff that it will Not be Forgotten.
Planet Red, Viewers Pale.
rmax30482327 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
No sense carrying on about this movie.
One of the Hollywood moguls once said that if you want to send a message, call Western Union. The producers, director, and writers didn't take the advice because they've put together a movie that is an insult to the intelligence and taste not only of all human beings but all primates, all the way down to lemurs and tarsiers and marmosets. Maybe lower still. A platypus might bristle.
Peter Graves, tall, robust, handsome, is an American electronic specialist who manages to contact Mars by radio and begins to get messages in return. The Martians, it seems, have no need for oil or any source of energy other than cosmic. (The energy industries implode all over the world.) The average life span on Mars is 300 years. (Doctors jump out of windows.) They can feed a million people from food grown on one acre of ground. (Commodities fall through the floor.) But then, with the global economy in collapse, the messages begin to get spiritual, so to speak. The Martians begin babbling about their Supreme Leader and his sayings, which, it develops, are from the sermon on the mount.
I'll cut this short to spare you some of the pain I experienced while watching goggle-eyed as this execrable piece of trash unrolled on the screen.
The world's population now believes in God and begins going to church. (Cue the bells and the heavenly choirs.) The good folks of Russia rise up to worship on their own, are mowed down by cackling Soviet soldiers, but overthrow their government and establish a theocracy in pursuit of world peace.
There's a twist or two at the end that no power on Earth, or on Mars either, could get me to reveal, so I'll just finish by saying Graves and an arch enemy perish in a hydrogen explosion, for which I was grateful since it meant the end of the movie was at hand.
I often hear that there are some movies that are so bad, they're good. "Plan 9 From Outer Space" is often given as an example. So is John Wayne's "The Conqueror." Such claims prompt me to ask, "Has anyone ever actually sat through any of this junk?" If so, and if they've found it rewarding, they should definitely catch "Red Planet Mars."
One of the Hollywood moguls once said that if you want to send a message, call Western Union. The producers, director, and writers didn't take the advice because they've put together a movie that is an insult to the intelligence and taste not only of all human beings but all primates, all the way down to lemurs and tarsiers and marmosets. Maybe lower still. A platypus might bristle.
Peter Graves, tall, robust, handsome, is an American electronic specialist who manages to contact Mars by radio and begins to get messages in return. The Martians, it seems, have no need for oil or any source of energy other than cosmic. (The energy industries implode all over the world.) The average life span on Mars is 300 years. (Doctors jump out of windows.) They can feed a million people from food grown on one acre of ground. (Commodities fall through the floor.) But then, with the global economy in collapse, the messages begin to get spiritual, so to speak. The Martians begin babbling about their Supreme Leader and his sayings, which, it develops, are from the sermon on the mount.
I'll cut this short to spare you some of the pain I experienced while watching goggle-eyed as this execrable piece of trash unrolled on the screen.
The world's population now believes in God and begins going to church. (Cue the bells and the heavenly choirs.) The good folks of Russia rise up to worship on their own, are mowed down by cackling Soviet soldiers, but overthrow their government and establish a theocracy in pursuit of world peace.
There's a twist or two at the end that no power on Earth, or on Mars either, could get me to reveal, so I'll just finish by saying Graves and an arch enemy perish in a hydrogen explosion, for which I was grateful since it meant the end of the movie was at hand.
I often hear that there are some movies that are so bad, they're good. "Plan 9 From Outer Space" is often given as an example. So is John Wayne's "The Conqueror." Such claims prompt me to ask, "Has anyone ever actually sat through any of this junk?" If so, and if they've found it rewarding, they should definitely catch "Red Planet Mars."
The Sermon On Olympus Mons...
azathothpwiggins26 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Chris Cronyn (Peter Graves) has been sending signals to Mars, while his overwrought wife, Linda (Andrea King) frets and moans about it. She is in hysterics over what he might discover. Linda seems to have some religious conviction, leading to a premonition having to do with Mars being the god of war.
Meanwhile, the Russians are busy trying to contact the RED PLANET MARS themselves. When Chris actually receives an answer to his signals, the world goes into a panic, due to the advanced technology of the Martians. This doesn't sit well with Secretery of Defense Sparks (the ubiquitous Morris Ankrum), who sees war with Russia as the only option. Can mankind avoid World War III?
This movie combines sci-fi, cold war politics, and preposterous religious pontificating / imagery. It all boils down to a "spiritual experience" between Earth and Mars. Indeed, the Martians just want to spread the gospel! So, don't expect any aliens, spaceships, or mass destruction. Instead, be ready for a Sunday school lesson disguised as science fiction...
Meanwhile, the Russians are busy trying to contact the RED PLANET MARS themselves. When Chris actually receives an answer to his signals, the world goes into a panic, due to the advanced technology of the Martians. This doesn't sit well with Secretery of Defense Sparks (the ubiquitous Morris Ankrum), who sees war with Russia as the only option. Can mankind avoid World War III?
This movie combines sci-fi, cold war politics, and preposterous religious pontificating / imagery. It all boils down to a "spiritual experience" between Earth and Mars. Indeed, the Martians just want to spread the gospel! So, don't expect any aliens, spaceships, or mass destruction. Instead, be ready for a Sunday school lesson disguised as science fiction...
Another one for the garbage truck of history.
mellies31 May 2007
This one has its merits in building a fairly interesting sci-fi story, out of a small budget, but the cold war sub-tones are maniqueists and ultimately ridiculous, trashing what could have been a good sci-fi exercise.
Americans are the "God's elected people"(sic) and soviets are the devilish atheists ones, and the RED martians are ... Christian messengers from outer space!
No way, pal!
Another one for the garbage truck of history...
1 out of 10
Americans are the "God's elected people"(sic) and soviets are the devilish atheists ones, and the RED martians are ... Christian messengers from outer space!
No way, pal!
Another one for the garbage truck of history...
1 out of 10
It had some great ideas, but BOY did this film go WAAAAY over the top!!!
planktonrules20 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the most unusual films of the 1950s, though it is somewhat reminiscent of the film THE NEXT VOICE YOU HEAR. Peter Graves plays a scientist who is trying to communicate with Mars. When this DOES occur, the results are completely unexpected and the film becomes far less of a sci-fi picture and more of a film condemning the Soviet Union. On one level, this is a pretty fascinating movie, as it has a strong "we hate Communism and love live the good old USA" message that is indicative of much of the worry in the Western world about the USSR. Given that Stalin was practically another Hitler, this was understandable but also lead to some super-jingoistic films. At least the film is unusual and it deserves some kudos for originality. Unfortunately, the complete silliness and "schmaltzy" aspects of the film make it all pretty laughable as well! I think that the film's creators were quite earnest and sincere and probably would be horrified that today their artistic vision is almost certain to cause laughter because it is so "over-the-top" in its preachy message. I am a pretty conservative person and believer in Capitalism, but this movie almost made me want to give it all up and join "the other guys" since it was so bad!
More propaganda than Sci-Fi
yardbirdsraveup1 January 2007
I first saw this movie today on TCM. When I saw the title, I was misled into thinking that I was going to be treated to the typical alien-monster excitement that accompanies such films. Nothing could be further from the truth. This was a Red-Scare propaganda film masquerading with a science fiction title. It had all of the anti-communist rhetoric, along with the typical scare tactics of how bad and evil the commies were, contrasted by the western world's freedoms of religion and speech as was viewed by many during those turbulent times. And isn't it a coincidence that the powers-that-be weaved a story about the "Red" planet that featured the evils of the "Red" menace? Apparently "Red" was a popular color in this black and white production.
What was the cause of all this nonsense? Immediately after the conclusion of the second World War a distrust deveioped between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both sides, of course, had their reasons for such distrusts and cannot be elaborated here. However, a lot of anti-Soviet propaganda films were made by Hollywood between 1946 and 1963. One such film, an MGM short called "The Hucksters" (1951) reflects this paranoia with zeal. During an era when the House on Un-American Activities were busy with their "witch hunts" many great actors and actresses were victimized. The Red Planet Mars is a product of a worried Hollywood reacting to this persecution. Incidentally, President Truman, during the election campaign of 1948 called this witch hunt a "red herring". So, we have "red" menace, "red" planet and "red" herring.
There were many such films created during this time period. People were scared stiff of an atomic attack from the Soviet Union (the Soviets first tested an atomic bomb in 1949), so a movie like this capitalized on such fears.
And the movie moguls from this period took advantage of sci-fi films as another avenue to portray the evil Russians, albeit in an alien creature guise. Of course, this was all a sign of the times during this era. What could be worse? alien threat or Communist takeover? This was simply a reflection of the ignorance that dominated the minds of many about both subjects, and ignorance, if left unchecked, breeds fear.
As a science fiction film, this movie falls flat on it's face. However, it is recommended to anyone out there who likes the propaganda slant that this film has to offer.
What was the cause of all this nonsense? Immediately after the conclusion of the second World War a distrust deveioped between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both sides, of course, had their reasons for such distrusts and cannot be elaborated here. However, a lot of anti-Soviet propaganda films were made by Hollywood between 1946 and 1963. One such film, an MGM short called "The Hucksters" (1951) reflects this paranoia with zeal. During an era when the House on Un-American Activities were busy with their "witch hunts" many great actors and actresses were victimized. The Red Planet Mars is a product of a worried Hollywood reacting to this persecution. Incidentally, President Truman, during the election campaign of 1948 called this witch hunt a "red herring". So, we have "red" menace, "red" planet and "red" herring.
There were many such films created during this time period. People were scared stiff of an atomic attack from the Soviet Union (the Soviets first tested an atomic bomb in 1949), so a movie like this capitalized on such fears.
And the movie moguls from this period took advantage of sci-fi films as another avenue to portray the evil Russians, albeit in an alien creature guise. Of course, this was all a sign of the times during this era. What could be worse? alien threat or Communist takeover? This was simply a reflection of the ignorance that dominated the minds of many about both subjects, and ignorance, if left unchecked, breeds fear.
As a science fiction film, this movie falls flat on it's face. However, it is recommended to anyone out there who likes the propaganda slant that this film has to offer.
"Sometimes my wife is...less than enthusiastic about this project."
utgard1426 August 2017
Radio transmissions believed to be from Mars turn out to have quite different origins in this intriguing Cold War-era sci-fi film that seems to be polarizing today, if IMDb is anything to go by (and I wonder). Peter Graves does a good job but Herbert Berghof steals the show as a former Nazi now working for the Russians. Andrea King is pretty annoying as the hysterical wife of Graves' character. The rest of the cast is solid. I like this movie because it's interesting with a unique plot. It's talky, yes, but that's not inherently a bad thing. It's a thought-provoking movie with some historical interest, not just a special effects spectacle. Because it has political and religious elements, it will trigger Certain Types. If you are one of those, gird your loins before watching.
Weak 1950's Sci-Fi
JoeB13114 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is a lot less than what it was presented as.
The notion was that a couple of scientists have discovered a way to communicate with Mars using the invention of an ex-Nazi scientist. Other scientists discovered that the Martians had the ability to obliterate their ice-caps in a week, so they must have some pretty impressive technology.
The female lead in this film chewed the scenery at every opportunity, and the film is full of COld War propaganda. Even Peter Graves seems a bit hammy in the role.
The Martians send messages saying how awesome their technology is, and the results is the world economy collapses, which is kind of silly. Then they send a religious message, as in "Why didn't you listen to Jesus when he stopped by." Which causes the fall of the Soviet Bloc.
No, seriously, I think this was the plot or something.
But the messages really came from the disgraced Nazi scientists, who apparently foresaw how rumors could ruin everything.
The notion was that a couple of scientists have discovered a way to communicate with Mars using the invention of an ex-Nazi scientist. Other scientists discovered that the Martians had the ability to obliterate their ice-caps in a week, so they must have some pretty impressive technology.
The female lead in this film chewed the scenery at every opportunity, and the film is full of COld War propaganda. Even Peter Graves seems a bit hammy in the role.
The Martians send messages saying how awesome their technology is, and the results is the world economy collapses, which is kind of silly. Then they send a religious message, as in "Why didn't you listen to Jesus when he stopped by." Which causes the fall of the Soviet Bloc.
No, seriously, I think this was the plot or something.
But the messages really came from the disgraced Nazi scientists, who apparently foresaw how rumors could ruin everything.
A cerebral sci-fi film of its time containing certain aspects that are somewhat overdone
christopouloschris-5838811 August 2019
Red Planet Mars (1952) encourages us to think about what happens when a technologically superior civilization comes into contact with one that does not rely on such advanced technology.
It is unfortunate that the film's Christian message is laid on rather too thickly with its many references to God and Christ. This feature of the film results in it taking on a particularly naive, arrogant and blinkered view of the world and existence.
The eerie mood and atmosphere of the film is derived from the fact that neither the scientists nor we, the audience, actually see any Martians. We don't go to Mars and no Martians try to invade the Earth. Instead, messages are exchanged between Earth and Mars in the form of a code which is displayed as flickering lines on a video screen. The flickering lines, flashing lights and monitors and electric sounds add to the eerie and alien nature of the mysterious beings from another planet.
A great feature of Red Planet Mars, are the plot twists, particularly the one involving the ex-Nazi scientist, Franz Calder.
The two characters, Franz Calder and Arjenian are wonderful as the ex-Nazi scientist and Russian KGB agent respectively. They are both detestable in their own way, but you can't help liking them as they bounce off each other and try to seek advantage over one another. For Arjenian, the Soviets "demand an accounting" for their investment, to which Calder replies, "you won't harm me, you need me!"
The character Linda Cronyn's hysteria hits you like a sledge-hammer. Consider her reply to her husband's contention that science has advanced us and she spits out at him, "and you'll have done it!" and (off-screen and volume up high), "RIGHT INTO OBLIVION!" It is almost like Linda is a projection of the fear, hysteria and paranoia of the times. She frequently appeals to her husband, "don't send a message tonight" and she feels as though "the whole world is scared" and that "fear has become a natural state." Such sentiments are not surprising when you consider that the world of which speaks had not long before experienced the Great Depression, a truly global war and was then just coming to grips with the Korean war, a developing Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union and the internal insanity of the McCarthy anti-communist witch hunts.
Like so many other science fiction films of the 1950s, Red Planet Mars is definitely a product of its time. It provides us with a fascinating glimpse of a period in the USA's history where 'duck and cover' drills for kids, the 'red scare' and 'reds under the bed' menace and right wing paranoia were the order of the day. But what makes this film stand out from so many other films of this genre is that instead of relying on action and special effects, it does make you think and dare I say.....HOPE for something better!
It is unfortunate that the film's Christian message is laid on rather too thickly with its many references to God and Christ. This feature of the film results in it taking on a particularly naive, arrogant and blinkered view of the world and existence.
The eerie mood and atmosphere of the film is derived from the fact that neither the scientists nor we, the audience, actually see any Martians. We don't go to Mars and no Martians try to invade the Earth. Instead, messages are exchanged between Earth and Mars in the form of a code which is displayed as flickering lines on a video screen. The flickering lines, flashing lights and monitors and electric sounds add to the eerie and alien nature of the mysterious beings from another planet.
A great feature of Red Planet Mars, are the plot twists, particularly the one involving the ex-Nazi scientist, Franz Calder.
The two characters, Franz Calder and Arjenian are wonderful as the ex-Nazi scientist and Russian KGB agent respectively. They are both detestable in their own way, but you can't help liking them as they bounce off each other and try to seek advantage over one another. For Arjenian, the Soviets "demand an accounting" for their investment, to which Calder replies, "you won't harm me, you need me!"
The character Linda Cronyn's hysteria hits you like a sledge-hammer. Consider her reply to her husband's contention that science has advanced us and she spits out at him, "and you'll have done it!" and (off-screen and volume up high), "RIGHT INTO OBLIVION!" It is almost like Linda is a projection of the fear, hysteria and paranoia of the times. She frequently appeals to her husband, "don't send a message tonight" and she feels as though "the whole world is scared" and that "fear has become a natural state." Such sentiments are not surprising when you consider that the world of which speaks had not long before experienced the Great Depression, a truly global war and was then just coming to grips with the Korean war, a developing Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union and the internal insanity of the McCarthy anti-communist witch hunts.
Like so many other science fiction films of the 1950s, Red Planet Mars is definitely a product of its time. It provides us with a fascinating glimpse of a period in the USA's history where 'duck and cover' drills for kids, the 'red scare' and 'reds under the bed' menace and right wing paranoia were the order of the day. But what makes this film stand out from so many other films of this genre is that instead of relying on action and special effects, it does make you think and dare I say.....HOPE for something better!
It could have been a classic...
trans_mauro11 April 2009
Pretty interesting idea, but poorly developed.
RPM is a rather well-made movie, acting is good. But, it is rather slow, too talky at times, and there are no Martian monsters in it (too bad!). It is not what one would expect from a movie with a title like that.
I really don't care about the propaganda and the portrayal of the soviets as the bad guys (they also were bad, after all!). But what bothers me is the heavily religious bias in this film... It gets to the point of being extremely annoying, it destroyed what could have been a good sci-fi film and transformed RPM in an exercise in evangelism.
Three stars for the effort and for what it could have been.
RPM is a rather well-made movie, acting is good. But, it is rather slow, too talky at times, and there are no Martian monsters in it (too bad!). It is not what one would expect from a movie with a title like that.
I really don't care about the propaganda and the portrayal of the soviets as the bad guys (they also were bad, after all!). But what bothers me is the heavily religious bias in this film... It gets to the point of being extremely annoying, it destroyed what could have been a good sci-fi film and transformed RPM in an exercise in evangelism.
Three stars for the effort and for what it could have been.
Thought provoking 50's sci fi gem
frank412224 September 2017
A sci fi 50's gem. Love this movie and the ending is shocking but extremely well done. This is a classic of epic proportions. Peter Graves and a great supporting cast played this out with heart and passion. Herbert Berghof also played a great part of the Russian scientist. Also, Walter Sande a staple in the golden age of TV did an admirable job. The cold war era was played out well as the Soviets were always making threats of burying the US. The pictures of Stalin in the background of the Russian scenes is a stark reminder of the evil we faced at that time. Extremely well done and worth watching.
A Truly Unique Outer Space Exploration Film
dstillman-8938315 April 2019
A scientist receives signals from Mars that has enormous cultural and spiritual significance. The messages are believed to come from Jesus Christ on Mars. The movie features first rate acting and an excellent script. Peter Graves is terrific as always. It is, however, a little slow moving. There are no visual effects nor audio effects, the messages were like telegraph messages. The plot is fair but much more could have been done. An audio-visual message, for example, would have been stunning.
What A Difference 60 years makes
Scott_Mercer1 January 2011
This is a movie about a different planet.
That planet would be the Planet Earth of 1952. The Cold War was in full swing, and paranoia was at its height. Yes, it was "The End of History" (oh, really, again?) and everything was so important, and everyone was so self-important.
This pile of leavings disguised as a movie started off as a Very Serious Stage Play by A Very Serious Playwright. 60 years later, it is a joke to be laughed at and mocked. The worst of part of is not its religious orientation, its anti-communist propaganda, or its self-righteous attitude (although all those aspects of it are definitely awful).
The worst part of Red Planet Mars, from the perspective of a film viewer, is its insufferable self-seriousness and pomposity. That attitude sends this disaster flinging itself into almost Plan Nine From Outer Space territory. I'm sure the screenwriter thought his use of Jesus Christ references was subtle and restrained. If he was of such an opinion, he was way off. I'll spare the reader of this review any direct dialog quotes, since none of them were as funny as anything from Plan Nine From Outer Space, just overdone and ridiculous.
I'd like to also grouse about the plot point that these purported messages from Mars would destroy all industries almost immediately. Coal Miners would shut down profit making enterprises due to a few supposed technological advances that MIGHT be coming? The commodities markets would collapse due to food growing techniques on another planet that we on Earth could have no possible access to? I don't think so. As they say, follow the money. The Capitalists in charge would surely keep their businesses running until they had wrung out the last possible cent they could.
And if these industries were to collapse, I wouldn't have any problems seeing coal miners forced to do something else. It's a lousy job and it destroys the environment anyway. But I'm sure this was all to play into the paranoia of the contemporary audience, and I'm sure it was effective to some members of that audience.
Yes, this is a valuable piece of history as a blatantly Right Wing/Capitalist/Christian Science Fiction epic, which are admittedly rather thin on the ground. But this movie just proves why they are so few.
Right Wingers are very bad at comedy, but Right Wingers also produce some really overwrought and useless Science Fiction (also see: Heinlein, Robert; Rand, Ayn; Niven, Larry). Case in point here. Science Fiction is all about progress. Conservatism is about "returning to a better time" in the past, which never really existed. Therefore, science fiction and Conservatism/Right Wingism are NOT compatible. This movie proves that.
That planet would be the Planet Earth of 1952. The Cold War was in full swing, and paranoia was at its height. Yes, it was "The End of History" (oh, really, again?) and everything was so important, and everyone was so self-important.
This pile of leavings disguised as a movie started off as a Very Serious Stage Play by A Very Serious Playwright. 60 years later, it is a joke to be laughed at and mocked. The worst of part of is not its religious orientation, its anti-communist propaganda, or its self-righteous attitude (although all those aspects of it are definitely awful).
The worst part of Red Planet Mars, from the perspective of a film viewer, is its insufferable self-seriousness and pomposity. That attitude sends this disaster flinging itself into almost Plan Nine From Outer Space territory. I'm sure the screenwriter thought his use of Jesus Christ references was subtle and restrained. If he was of such an opinion, he was way off. I'll spare the reader of this review any direct dialog quotes, since none of them were as funny as anything from Plan Nine From Outer Space, just overdone and ridiculous.
I'd like to also grouse about the plot point that these purported messages from Mars would destroy all industries almost immediately. Coal Miners would shut down profit making enterprises due to a few supposed technological advances that MIGHT be coming? The commodities markets would collapse due to food growing techniques on another planet that we on Earth could have no possible access to? I don't think so. As they say, follow the money. The Capitalists in charge would surely keep their businesses running until they had wrung out the last possible cent they could.
And if these industries were to collapse, I wouldn't have any problems seeing coal miners forced to do something else. It's a lousy job and it destroys the environment anyway. But I'm sure this was all to play into the paranoia of the contemporary audience, and I'm sure it was effective to some members of that audience.
Yes, this is a valuable piece of history as a blatantly Right Wing/Capitalist/Christian Science Fiction epic, which are admittedly rather thin on the ground. But this movie just proves why they are so few.
Right Wingers are very bad at comedy, but Right Wingers also produce some really overwrought and useless Science Fiction (also see: Heinlein, Robert; Rand, Ayn; Niven, Larry). Case in point here. Science Fiction is all about progress. Conservatism is about "returning to a better time" in the past, which never really existed. Therefore, science fiction and Conservatism/Right Wingism are NOT compatible. This movie proves that.
A slow-moving but interesting sci-fi
chris_gaskin12313 May 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Red Planet Mars is a fairly slow-moving and talkative movie, but it is one of the more interesting sci-fi movies from the 1950's.
The main star of this is 50's regular Peter Graves (It Conquered the World) and he is the person who keeps receiving radio messages supposedly from Mars. But they turn out to be from God! This movie has a lot of religious overtones.
Graves and his wife are killed in an explosion at the end, leaving their two boys without parents. The supporting cast includes another 50's sci-fi regular, Morris Ankrum (Rocketship X-M, Invaders From Mars). Graves and Ankrum were to be reunited in 1957's Beginning of the End.
Despite this movie being fairly slow, I enjoyed and is worth watching, especially if you are a fan of 1950's science fiction.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5.
The main star of this is 50's regular Peter Graves (It Conquered the World) and he is the person who keeps receiving radio messages supposedly from Mars. But they turn out to be from God! This movie has a lot of religious overtones.
Graves and his wife are killed in an explosion at the end, leaving their two boys without parents. The supporting cast includes another 50's sci-fi regular, Morris Ankrum (Rocketship X-M, Invaders From Mars). Graves and Ankrum were to be reunited in 1957's Beginning of the End.
Despite this movie being fairly slow, I enjoyed and is worth watching, especially if you are a fan of 1950's science fiction.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5.
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