Amazon.com essential video: Something's wrong in the town of Santa Mira, California. At first, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) is unconcerned when the townsfolk accuse their loved ones of acting like emotionless imposters. But soon the evidence is overwhelming--Santa Mira has been invaded by alien "pods" that are capable of replicating humans and taking possession of their identities. It's up to McCarthy to spread the word of warning, battling the alien invasion at the risk of his own life. Considered one of the best science fiction films of the 1950s and '60s, this classic paranoid thriller was widely interpreted as a criticism of the McCarthy era (that's Senator Joseph, not actor Kevin), which was characterized by anticommunist witch-hunts and fear of the dreaded blacklist. Some hailed it as an attack on the oppressive power of government as Big Brother. However viewers interpret it, this original 1956 version of Invaders of the Body Snatchers (based on Jack Finney's serialized novel The Body Snatchers) remains a milestone movie in its genre, directed by Don Siegel with an inventive intensity that continues to pack an entertaining wallop. Look closely and you'll find future director Sam Peckinpah (an uncredited cowriter of this film) making a cameo appearance as a meter reader! --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - One of the all time greats
Invasion of the Body Snatchers is one of my all time favorite Horror, Sci-Fi pictures of all time and one of the best of the genre from the 50s. I just love the concept of the movie and everything here ... Read More
Rating: - Nightmare on Planet Earth
Fete of Death
At or, at least, near the top of the list of the scariest movies I have ever seen, this is the first and by far the best version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Don Siegel's direction ... Read More
Rating: - Aint Nuthin Like the Real Thing
After countless remakes, you just have to give it to the original. No grand special effects, just pure creepiness and paranoia. The 1950's were a time when family values and conformity were standard so what could ... Read More
Rating: - Invasion of the body snatchers
Why doesn't hollywood make good old fashion horror movies like this anymore, without the blood and guts.
Rating: - "Think Pod"
Kevin McCarthy is fabulous in this film. It shows what a truly great actor he is, even if he did end up on "Flamingo Road." I have always liked the guy who in later years, played the best refined gentleman or evil ... Read More
- One of the all time greats
- Invasion of the body snatchers