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This 1957 release from which the B Monster derives
its name is one of the finest examples of junk cinema you're
likely to find. The Astounding She Monster was produced
and directed by aspiring B movie mavin Ron Ashcroft who
edited the film in his own living room according to star
Robert Clarke. As Clarke related to Psychotronic Video
magazine, "the only one who got any close-ups was Shirley
Kilpatrick, a real sex bomb." Model/stripper Kilpatrick
was cast as the She Monster, owing to her formidable bodily
assets. Said Clarke, "the very first time she wore the suit,
she ripped it out the back." Viewers will notice that Kilpatrick
exits every scene backing away from the camera. The She
Monster turned a tidy profit, due in no small part to the
stunning Albert Kallis portrait of Kilpatrick that adorns
the movie poster.
Ed Wood stock player Keene Duncan is featured as a gangster
who crashes geologist Clarke's mountain cabin with his moll
and a kidnapped heiress in tow. Before long, the shimmering,
sequined She Monster crash-lands nearby bringing radioactive
death to any who venture near her. Arching an impossible
pair of eyebrows, she stalks through the film in a literal
haze, never uttering a word.
Clarke starred in a handful of the most beloved B-creature
films ever, including The Man From Planet X, Captive
Women and his magnum opus, The Hideous Sun Demon,
which he also directed. All are endearing in their peculiar
way. Who cares about budget? Screen 'em and have a ball!
The Man From Planet
X (1951)
Along with The Thing From Another World,
this moody alien encounter blazed the trails that every
space invasion flick would follow. Swathed in shadows, dripping
with atmosphere, you just won't find a more solid B fright
flick than this, arguably Edgar Ulmer's best film. Featuring
Margaret (Sally's Mom) Field and William (Patty Duke's TV
Dad) Schallert.
Acting: B
Atmosphere: A+
Fun: A
Captive Women (1952)
The heart of the Planet X cast (Clarke,
Field and Schallert) returns in this tale of a post-nuclear
dystopia peopled by domineering normals and down-trodden
mutants.
Acting: C
Atmosphere: C
Fun: B-
The Hideous Sun Demon
(1959)
Clarke produced, directed
and stars as a scientist transformed into a reptilian biped
whenever the sunshine strikes him. Once more, radiation
is to blame. It may not be the most probing examination
of the duality of man's nature, but it's a hell of a lot
of fun.
Acting: B
Atmosphere: C
Fun: C
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