MGM still made movies on the cheap in the early 1960's and "The Angry Red Planet" (costing less than $200,000) is a prime example. Despite the low budget and some dubious special effects, the film is highly enjoyable and fun to watch. Gerald Mohr stars as the rugged and unpretentious Colonel O'Bannon, leader of the first manned space exploration to Mars. With him on board is good-looking redhead Naura Hayden (as Dr. Iris Ryan) and gentlemanly Les Tremayne (as Professor Geddell). After landing their craft in the middle of the red-atmosphere of this ominous planet, things slowly but surely begin to unravel for the crew. It seems as though the planet itself is very "angry" about their arrival and is intent on destroying them as quickly as possible. Some very weird creatures then start popping up all over the place and Ms. Hayden does her best Fay Wray screams right on cue. Mohr remains calm throughout the proceedings and viewers are assured that he's the right man for this job.
Directed by Ib Melchior, the original creator of the concept for the "Lost in Space" TV show, "The Angry Red Planet" is a few steps ahead of the usual late 1950's and early 1960's Science Fiction "B" movie. I remember seeing it in the theater as a young kid (the 25 cent Saturday matinée) and was duly impressed. It didn't give me nightmares but it did help to dissuade me from a career as an astronaut. Gerald Mohr, a prolific TV and film character actor with an uncanny resemblance to Humphrey Bogart, is the best thing about the movie. During his long and productive career, he could play either heroes or villains effectively without ever missing a beat. One of his more memorable TV roles was as Doc Holliday on "Maverick." The beautiful Ms. Hayden also contributes to the scenery; her red hair blends right in with the eerie Martian atmosphere. As for director Ib Melchior, he's still around and as active as ever. I spoke to him at a Book Publisher's convention in Los Angeles a few years ago and he looked healthy and fit. Unfortunately, Mr. Mohr passed away at the relatively young age of 54 in 1968, leaving behind a volume of very watchable work.
Directed by Ib Melchior, the original creator of the concept for the "Lost in Space" TV show, "The Angry Red Planet" is a few steps ahead of the usual late 1950's and early 1960's Science Fiction "B" movie. I remember seeing it in the theater as a young kid (the 25 cent Saturday matinée) and was duly impressed. It didn't give me nightmares but it did help to dissuade me from a career as an astronaut. Gerald Mohr, a prolific TV and film character actor with an uncanny resemblance to Humphrey Bogart, is the best thing about the movie. During his long and productive career, he could play either heroes or villains effectively without ever missing a beat. One of his more memorable TV roles was as Doc Holliday on "Maverick." The beautiful Ms. Hayden also contributes to the scenery; her red hair blends right in with the eerie Martian atmosphere. As for director Ib Melchior, he's still around and as active as ever. I spoke to him at a Book Publisher's convention in Los Angeles a few years ago and he looked healthy and fit. Unfortunately, Mr. Mohr passed away at the relatively young age of 54 in 1968, leaving behind a volume of very watchable work.