Phantom from Space
Encyclopedia
Phantom from Space is a United States
science fiction
film produced in 1953. The film was produced and directed by W. Lee Wilder
from an original screenplay written by William Raynor
and Myles Wilder
. It was one of several films made in the early 1950s by the Wilder brothers, Raynor, and most of the same crew, independently on a financing-for-distribution basis with United Artists and, occasionally, RKO-Radio Pictures.
, after which massive interference with teleradio transmission brings Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) investigators into action. They, in turn, begin encountering reports from people of seeing what appears to be a man dressed in a bizarre outfit. Their investigation uncovers that this is a being from outer space who, to escape capture, removes his spacesuit and proves to be invisible. The invisible being running loose sets off a massive manhunt and public panic.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
film produced in 1953. The film was produced and directed by W. Lee Wilder
W. Lee Wilder
William Lee Wilder was an Austrian-born American screenwriter, film producer and director. He was the brother of the film director Billy Wilder.-Selected filmography:* The Glass Alibi * The Pretender * Yankee Fakir...
from an original screenplay written by William Raynor
William Raynor
William Raynor VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces...
and Myles Wilder
Myles Wilder
Myles Wilder was a television comedy writer and producer.His father was director-producer W. Lee Wilder , and his uncle was Oscar-winning director Billy Wilder .-External links:...
. It was one of several films made in the early 1950s by the Wilder brothers, Raynor, and most of the same crew, independently on a financing-for-distribution basis with United Artists and, occasionally, RKO-Radio Pictures.
Plot synopsis
The story concerns the sighting of a UFO which appears to have crashed in the San Fernando ValleySan Fernando Valley
The San Fernando Valley is an urbanized valley located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area of southern California, United States, defined by the dramatic mountains of the Transverse Ranges circling it...
, after which massive interference with teleradio transmission brings Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
(FCC) investigators into action. They, in turn, begin encountering reports from people of seeing what appears to be a man dressed in a bizarre outfit. Their investigation uncovers that this is a being from outer space who, to escape capture, removes his spacesuit and proves to be invisible. The invisible being running loose sets off a massive manhunt and public panic.
Cast
- Ted Cooper (Lt. Hazen)
- Tom Daly (Charlie)
- Steve Acton (Mobile Center Dispatcher)
- Burt Wenland (Agent Joe)
- Lela Nelson (Betty Evans)
- Harry LandersHarry LandersHarry Landers is an American character actor.Landers is probably best known for being the spokesman for Taster's Choice coffee in television commercials which aired in the 1960s and 1970s. Landers had a regular role as Dr. Ted Hoffmann, sidekick to Vince Edwards' TV doctor, Ben Casey, in the hit...
(Lt. Bowers) - Burt Arnold (Darrow)
- Sandy Sanders (First Policeman)
- Harry Strang (Neighbor)
- Jim BannonJim BannonJim Bannon was an actor in radio and Hollywood western films during the 1940s and 1950s. He is best remembered as the fourth cinema Red Ryder from 1949 - 1950...
(Desk Sgt. Jim) - Jack Daly (Joe Wakeman)
- Michael Mark (Refinery Watchman)
- Rudolph AndersRudolph AndersRudolph Anders was a German character actor who came to the United States after the rise of Hitler, and appeared in numerous American films in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. During the 1940s, he used the stage name of Robert O. Davis...
(Dr. Wyatt)