Sunday, February 02, 2014

Movie review - "Fiend Without a Face" (1958) **1/2

This went out on a double bill with The Haunted Stranger although was made with a different director and cast. It's not as good, but still has a very strong story and is a lot of fun.

Among it's novelties are the fact its set in Manitoba Canada - where a US Air Force base is stationed. They do nuclear testing so the local townsfolk and understandably keen to blame them for a series of mysterious murders being committed in the area. However the actual culprit is a good old mad scientist who (as explained by a very long-seeming expository scene) has created a telekenetic creature that devours spinal chords.

Marshall Thompson plays the hero role - something he really had no business doing, he was a bland actor without much charisma. Though I guess he is well cast as a by-the-book major. The special effects at the end, when the creatures attack the farm house, really aren't up to scratch - although if you go with it, you'll have a good time. (This would be a good movie to remake.)

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