Uncle Ira's Basement: THIS ISLAND EARTH

Damn Dirty Geeks

The Damn Dirty Geeks drop into Uncle Ira's Basement for another mini-podcast episode as Frank Dietz and Frank Woodward put their normal-sized heads together to discuss Universal's 1955 sci-fi classic THIS ISLAND EARTH, a fun iconic film with Metalunans, Mutants and interocitors.

Starring Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason and a pre-GILLGANS ISLAND Russell Johnson, this Technicolor adventure with bulbous brained aliens exploded across movie screens with a unique plot twist for 1950s science fiction films as the inhabitants of Metaluna seek help from humans on Earth -- at least, that's how it starts! What follows is a pinwheeling ride across the galaxy to a battle ravaged planet as a somewhat kooky cautionary tale about the excesses and apocalyptic cost of war, not to mention giant brain-headed aliens wearing futuristic pant suits.

Frank and Frank have a blast revisiting this classic yet somewhat campy sci-fi treasure, discussing the design crossover connection between THIS ISLAND EARTH and THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, 1950s heroine actresses and the peril of wearing giant alien head masks. For the record, Frank Dietz has not forgiven himself for confusing James Arness with James Whitmore in THEM! but he hopes you listeners will pardon him.