Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)

Too much of everything

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Well, The Amazing Criswell's words in the very beginning of the movie do prepare the ground for what you're about to see. And it definitely is not pleasant for many out there. But for an unexplained reason... it was for me.The movie's cons are it's pros: the plot is so absurd that is actually brilliant, the acting and the lines are so poor that they just make you laugh all the time and the goofs throughout the movie (visible boom microphone, spinning around in order to avoid a curtain e.t.c.) make you ask for more.Cult figures such as Bela Lugosi (who's Plan 9 from Outer Space is his last movie), Vampira and The Amazing Criswell embrace Ed Wood's absurd world but they're not the only ones. Several Baptists were involved in the production on the film, which by the way, was Ed Wood's pride.

Aliens come to Earth, supposedly with good intentions at first. But, incensed at humanity's inclination towards violence and hostility, come up with methods to conquer them. They think that they've hit gold with their ninth plan: resurrection of the dead. Among the recently dead who become their puppets are an old man (Bela Lugosi, in his final film appearance), his wife (Maila "Vampira" Nurmi), and a police inspector (Tor Johnson). And among the intrepid humans who intend to foil them are airline pilot Jeff Trent (Gregory Walcott), police lieutenant Harper (Duke Moore), and military colonel Edwards (Tom Keene).Edward D. Wood Jr.'s infamous schlock picture has the distinction of often being voted "worst movie of all time". While it's far from being a "good" movie or a particularly slick one, this is a little unfair. There are lots of crummy pictures out there that could also easily vie for that title. At least "Plan 9 from Outer Space" is not boring. Viewers do readily admit that it's endlessly amusing, especially when one considers its priceless dialogue, dopey performances, and ultra cheap sets. (One's gotta love those wobbling crosses and tombstones.) Use of stock footage mingles with writer / editor / producer / director Woods' own footage to fill an agreeable 79 minute run time. For this viewer, some of the biggest laughs arise from the fact that Lugosi had unfortunately passed on after only about two days worth of shooting, and his role had to be recast with Woods' wifes' chiropractor, an obviously taller and younger man who is obliged to hold a cape over his lower face.In a cast also including Mona McKinnon, Paul Marco, Conrad Brooks, Joanna Lee, and Lyle Talbot, a special shout out has to go to the hilarious "Dudley Manlove", who's actually quite the scene stealer as pompous alien bad guy Eros. He looks like he's enjoying himself reeling off Woods' lines. Ridiculous "psychic" Criswell opens and closes the picture with his proclamations.This may not be "high art", but it does have a definite charm going for it.Five out of 10.

Famous quote from Edward D. Wood Jr.,This we'll be the movie I'll be remembered for!" Inept film producer Malaprop Cum Lousy Ed Wood with the help of certain film critiques created this art form of inferior, abysmal,flawed films which became the cult classic Plan 9 from Outer Space. G-d knows what the other 8 plans where? I find it interesting that many people around the globe rate this as the worst movie ever made. Maybe they mean the worst watchable movie ever made. Or a film on how not to do a film. Anyway the worst film I ever witnessed was probably in my 12th grade film study class where my classmates where required to produce a film and show it in class. A film produced by Mike DiAngelis and Louie Weiss was the worst movie I ever saw. Famous film critic from Cleveland Nicholas D'Amico claimed that one of Ed woods talents was how quickly he could bang out a screen play in one day and in All cases it showed on the screen. Plan 9 has all the characteristics of what a movie shouldn't have. Poor editing, Poor continuity,endless faux pas by the actors, inferior writing and of course Poor direction. All the ingredients for this masterpiece of accidental finger painting which over time is pleasing to the eye despite the mistakes . Maybe the blunders are the attraction as we look for then next mishap to be shown. Hearing impaired individuals are even fascinated watching this mess with a smattering of stock footage thrown in for flavor despite the lack of subtitles. Wood would probably misspelled half the words.There are highlights noteworthy despite the finished product. The scene when Vampira (Maila Nurmi) comes right at you with those bulging, terrifying eyes and those nails a Five Town Long Island Girl would be proud to have. Inspector Clay played by heavy set bald Tor Johnson was another scene well done. We see Inspector Clay's grave and the earth moving as the rotund man rises from the dead. Despite the mess I loved it! They should have regular festivals for this movie and if they do, bring your happy face and a friend and enjoy the Ed Wood experience.

I'm giving this rating to this mess because over time it has found the hearts of so many people. How can one really hate the absolute diligence and undying spirit of Ed Wood. This movie has everything. Silly aliens. People rising from the grave. Vampires. Ridiculous flying saucers. And, without a doubt, some of the worst acting that has ever been committed to celluloid. And, still, we laugh and look forward to each scene because we know what's next. We know that Bela passed away and a guy who has no physical resemblance to him had to take over. There is no real plot. I believe that the worst list is for movies that have no heart--something like "Godzilla vs. Freddy Mercury." I believe that there are and were directors who simply wrote for the third feature at drive-in movies where the kids didn't even watch. If you've not seen this film. Have the fun of viewing it for the first time.