Trailer—Invasion

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source: Invasion

Invasion

Given that by 1966 most of the United Kingdom's hospitals were staffed by immigrants of various ethnicities and political doctrines, this so called Sci-Fi drama could only be slightly less heavy handed if the "invaders" had resembled West Indians instead of Asians. This romp takes its time to warm up, culminating in a rocket blasting off to an unknown planet knocking gorgeous Valerie Gearon off her feet to reveal her stockings, suspenders and knickers - five years later she would deal Frank Finlay a crucial blow (but not a BJ!) to his heteromasculinity In BBC's Casanova. Although it is employed here very impressively, a force field had been, uh "seen" in Star Trek's pilot show The Cage two years earlier. Grumpiness factor 8/10 for awkward as ever Edward Judd; crumpet factor 8/10 each For Miss Gearon and delicious Japanese babe Yoko Tani. Phwoar! 6/10 MJB

A little gem of a small budget British 1960's science fiction film. Not spectacular but with an eerie atmosphere and a straight forward narrative. Mainly a low key movie but there are some startling moments like the car crashing against the force field and a stabbing with some scissors, both making me jump. It is helped by an able cast believable in their roles such as Edward Judd as stressed Dr. Vernon, Ric Young as the soft spoken alien and delicious Valerie Gearon as reliable Dr. Harland. All the players are good. It's skilfully shot in widescreen that makes effective use sometimes of isolating people in the frame so that they appear dwarfed by their circumstances. If that wasn't deliberate it certainly works. The music score by Bernard Ebbinghouse is not intrusive but adds to the sense of the ordinary encountering the extraordinary. This was directed by Alan Bridges who had a varied career in films and television and this earlier effort of his is certainly worth watching.

Nothing new here but a familiar scenario about a group of characters who are under siege and cut off from the rest of society. In this case, it is down to some aliens who have landed on Earth and not far from the main setting of the film (it just so happens!). Edward Judd - perhaps unfairly forgotten in today's world - takes the lead as a hospital doctor. The brief running time makes for a useful bonus. Very routine and predictable but it is digestible, somehow.

I saw this film as a B movie, I don't remember the main title but I do remember this one. I enjoyed it at the time, being a Sci Fi lover, I saw it again recently on Talking Pictures TV and enjoyed it again. OK there is no CGI or big explosions, or weird looking aliens just suspense, who are these aliens and what do they want. Expertly steered by solid acting from Edward Judd who had recently stared in 'First Men in The Moon' and supported by Lyndon Brook, Glynn Houston and Barry Ingham, not to mention the lovely Yoko Tani. Better than a lot of Sci Fi B movies of the time.

Made with a shoestring budget ,without stars (at least unknown to me),with very few special effects (Ed Wood style),the story takes place in a hospital where an E.T. (who looks like an Asian person)is cured.We learn he was actually a prisoner and that pretty soon,"the others" are going to take him away.An invisible wall -which is very economical in the end!-surrounds the clinic and the temperature rises and makes the staff sweat. Shot in black and white ,it is a curious little film ,more MTV style than a flick for movie theaters.An Asian nurse has been added for good measure.

The 60s was probably Britain's finest hour for well-made, believable science fiction and "Invasion" is no exception. This tense, moody little masterpiece is a joy to watch. No wobbly sets, laughable aliens or flying saucers on strings. Just lots of moody set pieces enhanced by little incidental music and some stark lighting effects. Co-scripted by Robert Holmes of "Doctor Who" fame, this film bears more than a little resemblance to Jon Pertwee's debut DW story "Spearhead from Space" - also scripted by Holmes. However, what do not have here is any of DW's trademark bad points: wobbly sets, bad acting and cardboard monsters! Catch this if you can. A real must see for early, British sci-fi fans.