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Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
1956
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 20m
A small town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by alien duplicates. (imdb)
Directed by:
Don SiegelComing out of a musical family and trained as a stage actor, Don Siegel became one of the most respected directors of action films in Hollywood. He directed whatever material came his way, often transcending the limitations of budget and script to produce interesting and adept works. He died at the age of 78 from cancer in Los Angeles, survived by his son.
Writers:
Daniel Mainwaring, Jack Finney, Richard CollinsStarring:
Larry Gates, Whit BissellWhit Bissell came to Hollywood in the 1940s, and by the time he retired he had appeared in more than 200 movies and scores of TV series. He is best known for playing the evil scientist who turned Michael Landon into a half beast in the 1957 cult classic film I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957). Bissell specialized in playing doctors, military officers and other authority figures. On television he was a regular on Bachelor Father (1957) and The Time Tunnel (1966). He also served on the Screen Actors
Virginia has a long career as a character actress on the screen, but she will always be best remembered as the "Folger Coffee Woman". Virginia was born in the small Iowa town of Stanton, which later converted its water tower to resemble a coffee pot in honor of its most famous citizen.
While often remembered for the violent aspects of some of his films, Sam Peckinpah's works should also be appreciated as highly complex and brilliantly directed morality plays. While his shootouts and battle scenes may have been groundbreaking, his knack for developing characters and telling intricate stories was equally remarkable. (http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/1912/)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
1956
Drama, Sci-fi
1h 20m
Your probable score
Average Percentile: 64.27%
This is a really great classic science-fiction movie that surpassed my expectations. The writing was far more intelligent than I expected. It's a bit dated, of course, but its strengths still hold true. It was even a little creepy at some points. The most disappointing aspect was the framing device which led to a disappointing ending. This was something the studio changed, which is a shame because the original ending is great. A definite must-see for any science-fiction aficionados.
23 Feb 2013
Still among the finest alien invasion films ever made, in part because the aims of its invasion are unclear. Skillfully shot and acted, it's an entrancing film that captures the true feeling of a nightmare more than almost any other film I can think of. It's a powerful film whether you think there's allegory in it or not(and if you ask the creators there isn't), and its ability to endure to this day comes from the fact that the pods can represent almost any fear involving identity.
06 Oct 2012
Executive meddling made some changes that took away from the film (the voiceover & tacked on happy ending). But otherwise this is a groundbreaking flick worthy of remaking every 17 years with a new commentary based on the current cultural paranoia. This version does wonders exploring witchhunts based around Communism. And it works as a film with its amazing cinematography, performances (both actors and in film characters), & writing. It rightfully serves as a masterclass for sci-fi suspense.
29 Jun 2018
Well made (esp for the 50's B-movie genre), but did not live up to all the acclaim. Part of the problem was the decades-long refrain I've read/seen of how it's a metaphor for the Red Scare, but I didn't particularly see it. The metaphor I saw was one about growing callous over time & losing your humanity (emotions), but the idea isn't illustrated well bc the aliens seem very emotionally invested in taking over. The pod "rules" of how a person turns also incomprehensibly change near the climax
02 Sep 2021
Chilling and insidious "commie invasion" version of this durable workhorse is only flawed by some era-specific defects - cut out the "reassuring" bookending sequences and this would stand toe-to-toe with any other version. Still tight and unsettling on its own terms, with McCarthy and Wynter perfect playing their characters as bland and unassuming - perfect foils to their pervasive enemy. Makeup work, though unsophisticated, is arguably more terrifying than the polished versions in the future.
10 Oct 2020
An imperfect masterpiece - it would be great if a few glaring inconsistencies and the tacked-on ending were addressed. Hell, even the original ending doesn't quite bring it emotionally full circle. But even then its commentary on humanity and the self remains powerful to this day, and the black and white cinematography is delightful.
12 Jul 2014
One of the best parables in American culture, the least crowded with special effects, but probably the most important sci-fi film of the 1950s. The diagnosis of 1950s America here is balanced, cool, and adroit. Seen now, the film's focus has shifted and deepened: The pod people are those who would give up critical thinking, and human difference and flaw, for the smooth custard of uniformity. For that reason alone, it may be that every generation will want to redo its own Invasion.
10 Sep 2012
The straight-forward, minimalist approach and lack of special effects allows the movie to develop a natural sense of dread and panic. It's quick, concise, and genuinely suspenseful the whole time. Complaints about the ending are valid, but I don't think it's a "happy" ending, necessarily, as the threat still looms.
15 Apr 2021
I feel like the Body Snatchers never did anything evil besides makes others feel like the humans they were invading felt "off." The movie would have been more powerful if the Body Snatchers actually did something horrific for me (I'm thinking Jaws... the shark wasn't in it that much, but the few times it was were TERRIFYING) to really concretely see and understand how horrific the story would b e.
23 Jul 2019
Having seen the 70s version first, it's hard to say which one I like better, but this one probably has the edge. This one goes into a fair bit more detail about the nature of the aliens, as well as having just a little more of a conclusion, and the special effects were still pretty gruesome
08 Oct 2016
It builds the tension very well...if id gone into this without being aware of this films 60 year legacy it would have been delightfully mysterious and strange as i discovered what was going on. Lots of great scenes like when the first "blank" is found...and starts to change. I loved that the enigmatic pod people didn't need to directly attack anyone...they just keep you around and wait for you to fall asleep...and even a micronap will cause you to change...chilling
22 Jan 2016
Invasion of the Body Snatchers is, I'd argue, just as relevant today as it was in 1956 even if the political subtext has changed so drastically. Thoughtless conformity will remain scary and dangerous (at least until the robots take over), whether due to McCarthyism, communism, or any other ideology that's proliferating, making this film's message evergreen. The performances here are well done, and the movie does a wonderful job at maintaining an eerie tone to the happenings. Superb.
19 Nov 2015
When a movie keeps you on the edge of the seat even though you know what will happen next, you know you are watching one darn good thriller. It is born out of the red scare, a fear of commie invasion that made nights long for Americans. Paranoid delusions from the sleep deprivation? Or perhaps your father is really one of the emotionless aliens, and not your father anymore? Great sci-fi, not as dorky as you would expect from the 50's. Too bad they couldn't do without voice-over.
23 Oct 2014
If this was any other science fiction film, the melodramatic tone would be too ridiculous to work, but considering the plot it is twisted and perfect. Forget the communist metaphor; this is far more interesting and relevant if you see it as a parable of conformity in 1950s America, as suggested by Stuart Samuels in his analysis of it in American History/American Film: Interpreting the Hollywood Image.
17 Feb 2011
One of the ultimate scifi classics in my opinion. Minimalistic and subtle, Siegel has managed to capture somethings truly frightening on screen. Works as a study on the anticommunist mentality of it's time but also viewed in the context of today's world - the remake realizes this, but unfortunately sucks.
11 Feb 2009
The buildup of tension is crafted well, and except for a few brief moments maintains the narrative consistency of being told from the lead's viewpoint. While there are no great performances, there are no bad ones either, and McCarthy holds it together nicely. Likewise, the score and cinematography aren't mind-blowing, but more than competent, with some impressive flourishes. What really makes this film stand out is its allegorical nature. And even without this layer, it's a solid sci-fi premise.
13 Aug 2007
This movie is more overtly anti-communist than its successor. I guess you could view it as an allegory for McCarthyism, which I would disagree with because McCarthyism delt less with a fear of conformity and more with the fear of the "other." Regardless, I still found myself enjoying this one, even if not as much as remake.
09 Jul 2025
A 1950s prophetic piece of science fiction. But not about alien life forms taking over human bodies and murdering people. Don't be silly. It's much more sinister. It's a poignant metaphor about the lifeless, self-castrating being of the modern liberal. Devoid of reason - the media thinks instead of him. Devoid of heart - the media tells him whom to love and whom to hate. Devoid of will - he's an NPC. Blank, emotionless, soulless, lacking humanity, lacking spirit. His body snatched, alright.
02 Feb 2025
Are you crazy or are you a pod person? Pretty effective as a thriller. It's got a solid plot with enough suspicion and dread thrown in and I'll always love those 50's movie looks with the black-and-white shadows and light, silhouettes and all. Characters are also interesting enough here to make you care for them, though there were some parts in there where trusting another person just because you know them felt obviously weird. Liked it a lot, either way. This is such a good horror thriller.
17 Sep 2023
Since we are now living in Red Scare II: Electric Putinaloo, there's probably no better time to revisit this classic. There are only a few scenes where I can say Invasion of the Body Snatchers truly transcends it's era and becomes timeless. What is left is still very solid and must have been great for the era. The tension is palpable and paranoia only begins to describe the atmosphere. The ending did rub me the wrong way; it should have ended on the highway.
18 Feb 2023
thanks to the simpsons instilling in me a fondness for 50s scifi quirkiness watching this was fun and weirdly nostalgic, not particularly scary though. the pod people didn't act in any particular off putting way. that ending otoh, stunning, it all but makes up for that tacky last minute wrap-up that feels like a concession to some studio demand
20 Jul 2022
Some of the best sci-fi to come out of the 50s, foregoing more common tropes found during that period. It's still very much of the time with funny moments that haven't aged well, but the moody cinematography & sense of paranoia remain effective. You'd think crowds of civilians running & chasing our protags would look silly, but there's an abnormal synchronicity about it that unsettles. The practical effects hold up & it still makes me cringe to see a pitchfork taken to the seed-pod replicas.
08 Jun 2022
For a 50s B-movie, the cinematography and lighting are remarkable. The editing choices, acting, and dialogue are rough around the edges, and no sense of humor to speak of in a movie that badly needs it. Not enough earned suspense or scares for this to make an impact on me. Bad ending.
29 Jun 2020
Would stand right alongside the '78 version in all respects if not for the happy ending, tacked-on VO, and corny score, all of which seem like the result of studio interference. Fortunately, there is great dialogue that really keeps you guessing who's still human, and striking photography. This story is a real classic that could be retold about any kind of community in just about any time or place and still have something to say.
16 Apr 2020
Fun sci-fi film that hides some political commentary. There are some thrilling moments even without many special effects due to some fine editing of strong camera shots. It's all the more chilling that the pod people don't really seem to be mean; they're completely emotion-free so maybe it's all for a good end?
12 Apr 2020
I actually don't have a problem with the fact that they tacked on a happy ending. What I do have a problem with is the fact that it is so clearly tacked on. Oh, so there just happened to be a traffic accident and the man just happens to mention this and the weird seed pods to the doctor who just happened to have heard the whole story from Miles? I rolled my eyes so hard I got a good long look at my own brain.
05 Aug 2019
An unfortunate casualty of studio meddling. The cliched orchestral score adds a sense of bombast that isn't mirrored by the onscreen action, reducing the tension of the horrors depicted which are firmly grounded in reality. This 'old Hollywood' concession is regrettable, but Siegel directs with impressive economy, and McCarthy is surprisingly adept in a leading role. Although commonly understood as a 'red scare' commentary, it has thankfully proven itself more broadly universal with time.
30 Oct 2018
Shit! Hur kommer sig att jag inte betygssatt den här tidigare? Såg den som barn och den gjorde ett stort intryck. Nu såg jag den igen på en pir i NYC: fortfarande fantastisk. Det är ett bra manus trots att några luckor (förstås) finns och skådespelarna gör ett bra jobb även om de agerar lite teatraliskt. Dels är det en riktigt bra SciFi-skräck och dem finns det inte många av. Dels är filmen ett tidsdokument: Så här pass paranoida var amerikanerna! Det talades om att ryssarna pla
26 Feb 2017
Pervasive paranoia drives this film. At its worst this could be accused of being heavy-handed in its application (the howls of fear in the climactic scene on the highway), but at its best (which is most of the time) it manages to be creepingly chilling. I feel like this paranoia could have twisted the plot and characters in more insidious ways, but that might be being harsh as it's still effective. Good fun.
06 Apr 2016
Given the lack of scares or gore, it's hard to class this as a horror film. I prefer the "communist" reading of the film, which makes it seem a little more chilling. Those seed pods were not very chilling at all. I didn't feel much suspense either. Hard to believe anyone was freaked out by a little running around and talking back in the 50s. The leading lady sure was beautiful though.
18 Oct 2015
The vast superiority of Philip Kaufman's remake attests to the fact that there's an inspired idea here somewhere, but this original version is really no better than might be expected from 1950's sci-fi cinema. In other words, the writing and acting are horrendous enough that the dramatic peaks elicit laughter.
24 Aug 2012
Good tempo, horror, acting. Nothing great. Effects shows date. Fails to capitalize on the human element which prevents it from becoming great or memorable. "In my practice, I've seen how people... have allowed their humanity to drain away. Only, it happens slowly instead of all at once. They didn't seem to mind. But just some people. All of us... a little bit. We harden our hearts and grow callous. Only when we have to fight to stay human... do we realize how precious it is to us..."
30 Dec 2010
Cast & Info
Directed by:
Don SiegelComing out of a musical family and trained as a stage actor, Don Siegel became one of the most respected directors of action films in Hollywood. He directed whatever material came his way, often transcending the limitations of budget and script to produce interesting and adept works. He died at the age of 78 from cancer in Los Angeles, survived by his son.
Writers:
Daniel Mainwaring, Jack Finney, Richard CollinsStarring:
Larry Gates, Whit BissellWhit Bissell came to Hollywood in the 1940s, and by the time he retired he had appeared in more than 200 movies and scores of TV series. He is best known for playing the evil scientist who turned Michael Landon into a half beast in the 1957 cult classic film I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957). Bissell specialized in playing doctors, military officers and other authority figures. On television he was a regular on Bachelor Father (1957) and The Time Tunnel (1966). He also served on the Screen Actors
Virginia has a long career as a character actress on the screen, but she will always be best remembered as the "Folger Coffee Woman". Virginia was born in the small Iowa town of Stanton, which later converted its water tower to resemble a coffee pot in honor of its most famous citizen.
While often remembered for the violent aspects of some of his films, Sam Peckinpah's works should also be appreciated as highly complex and brilliantly directed morality plays. While his shootouts and battle scenes may have been groundbreaking, his knack for developing characters and telling intricate stories was equally remarkable. (http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/1912/)
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