rodrig58 Still watchable after 62 years, despite the fact that it is a modest production, did not benefit from the huge sums of money invested in today's super productions. But, so modestly, the sets, costumes, very important for any sci-fi, are still valid. The aliens from Metaluna look convincing and original with their long forehead and white hair with the crest. Filmed, played and directed efficiently, without boring moments. Only those monsters, they look more funny than scary. And, except Dr. Ruth Adams(Faith Domergue's character), another terrestrial lady who has only one line and one extra-terrestrial lady, you will see only men, including terrestrials and extra-terrestrials. All three main actors, Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue and Rex Reason, also appeared in other SF films. The music, by 3 uncredited guys, one of them, the great future Henry Mancini. So, if you want to visit Metaluna, the dying planet, go for it! But, I'm warning you, it's not a very pleasant luxury trip.

alexanderdavies-99382 This film is worthy of a higher rating. Apart from including some fine special effects of the times, "This Island Earth" has a good story and a good performance from Jeff Morrow. The acting from the younger leads wasn't so impressive, granted. Regardless, there is much to enjoy. The film includes a rather creepy alien villain! As a 7 year old, I was a bit spooked when I saw the alien for the first time. My late father and I enjoyed "This Island Earth" a few times as my dad was just about old enough to remember this film. The dialogue certainly isn't the worst I have ever heard by a long way. This film has a more intelligent screenplay than the average.

AaronCapenBanner Joseph M. Newman directed this science fiction yarn that stars Rex Reason as Dr. Cal Meachum, who is enlisted by aliens from the planet Metaluna(after being tested first) to help them save their dying planet. He is flown to their remote mansion/laboratory, where he meets fellow scientist Ruth Adams(played by Faith Domergue) along with another scientist(played by Russell Johnson) They uncover the sinister truth of alien invasion, and are abducted to Metaluna by friendly alien Exeter(played by Jeff Morrow) which is war-torn and doomed, though they do discover a mutant... OK film is quite silly and arch in some ways, but also a lot of fun, with imaginative set design and action.

Michael_Elliott This Island Earth (1955) *** 1/2 (out of 4) Terrific science-fiction about a group of scientists being invited to a resort where they're told they're going to be involved in a meeting about world peace. Once there two of the scientists (Rex Reason, Faith Domergue) realize that the man (Jeff Morrow) who invited them is actually an alien who has orders to take the scientists back to his home planet because they are under attack from another alien race. THIS ISLAND EARTH is without question one of the best science-fiction movies from this era. While it's not as great or dramatic as something like THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, this Joseph Newman directed film still contains a lot of brains, a great story, some fine performance and some great monsters. I think the greatest thing the film has going for it is the rather smart screenplay that tries to make the viewer think and it doesn't just hit them over the head with silly action scenes or dumb fake scare scenes. Instead, the majority of the running time deals with the scientists discussing their problems and the mystery aspect of the story really builds up because you never quite know who these "alien" people are or what their exact plans are. Another major plus are the special effects, which really hold up well even after all of these years. Now I'm sure some will look at them as being corny but I'd really disagree. Sure, technology has improved over the years but that really doesn't matter because the effects here are so sharp and fun that they really add to the picture. Just check out the opening sequence when a plane is about to crash but a green light does something special. The effect is rather simple but it's effective and works. Once in outer space these effects look quite good as well as especially all of the war footage with a wide range of explosions going off. The color photography also really helps because they use some terrific visuals and get everything they can out of all the colors. The performances by the three leads are also very good and most important is that they really make these characters come to life to the point where you can feel for them and want to see them succeed. Newman's direction is pretty good from start to finish as he keeps the mostly dialogue sequences moving at a nice pace and not once does the film ever slow down or get boring. THIS ISLAND EARTH has become best remembered due to the monsters that show up at the very end of the picture. These rather landmark creatures are some of the greatest looking ever created and it really says a lot that they're so well remembered even when they only appear in the film for a couple minutes.