Strange Invaders
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| Strange Invaders | |
|---|---|
 Promotional movie poster for the film |
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| Directed by | Michael Laughlin |
| Produced by | Walter Coblenz |
| Written by | Bill Condon Michael Laughlin Walter Halsey Davis |
| Starring | Paul Le Mat Nancy Allen Diana Scarwid Michael Lerner Louise Fletcher Wallace Shawn Fiona Lewis Kenneth Tobey June Lockhart |
| Music by | John Addison |
| Cinematography | Louis Horvath |
| Distributed by | Orion Pictures |
| Release date(s) | September 16, 1983 |
| Running time | 94 min. |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| All Movie Guide profile | |
| IMDb profile | |
Strange Invaders was a spoof science-fiction film made in 1983, as a tribute to the 1950's films, but notably The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It is well-remembered by viewers for it's soundtrack, that captures the authenticity of 1950's science-fiction.
In the United Kingdom, Strange Invaders was a straight-to-video release via Thorn EMI. Today, the film is owned by Warner Bros.
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[edit] Plot
In 1958, the town of Centerville, Illinois was invaded by a race of aliens, who had the power to fire lasers from their eyes and hands, and could "crystallize" humans into glowing blue orbs. They took on the form of the humans who were either captured or (presumably) killed.
25 years later, university lecturer Charles Bigelow learns that his ex-wife, Margaret Newman, has disappeared while attending her mothers' funeral in Centerville, and moves there to find her. The disguised aliens are all dressed in 1950's clothing, and try to capture Bigelow as he escapes, but only capture his dog, Louie.
Seeing a photo of an alien in a magazine, Bigelow soon finds Margaret, who is one of the aliens herself, and warns Bigelow to escape with their daughter to protect her from the aliens, who want to take her to their homeworld.
[edit] The Aliens
The aliens (their race and planet being unnamed), are from "far, far away". They bear some resemblance to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, but have landed on Earth to conduct research on the planet. Their invasion was somehow authorized by the United States government, and they released their "crystallized" prisoners before they leave. As well as crystalisation, the Aliens can also use their glare to unlock doors and drag elevators up and down shafts. They can also shoot bright-blue lasers from their fingers powerful enough to blow up cars.
Throughout the film, the aliens are shown to grow hot or ill very quickly at room temperature, suggesting that their planet is considerably cooler than Earth. The fact that they have no need for breathing apparatus suggests that it's atmosphere also contains Oxygen.
They are lead on Earth by an alien posing as guest-house manager, Arthur Newman (No relation to Margaret), although their main leader, who appears close to the end, is only credited as "First Alien". Where Arthur Newman seems sly, aggressive and arrogant, the First Alien seems more compassionate and understanding. The First Alien tries to reason with Bigelow about his daughter, while Arthur simply crystallizes those who defy him.
Other aliens featured in the film include The Avon Lady, The Man in Dark Glasses and a gang of Rockers.
[edit] Cast
- Paul Le Mat - Charles Bigelow
- Nancy Allen - Betty Walker
- Diana Scarwid - Margaret
- Michael Lerner - Willie Collins
- Louise Fletcher - Mrs. Benjamin
- Wallace Shawn - Earl
- Fiona Lewis - Waitress / Avon Lady
- Kenneth Tobey - Arthur Newman
- June Lockhart - Mrs. Bigelow
- Charles Lane - Dr. Prof. Hollister
- Lulu Sylbert - Elizabeth
- Joel Cohen - Tim
- Dan Shor - Teen Boy in Prologue
- Dey Young - Teen Girl in Prologue
- Jack Kehler - Gas Station Attendant
