So Bad it’s Compelling: Robot Monster (1953)

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This is an alien Robot Monster. Image: Moria

There’s no way to Sugar-Coat this: Robot Monster (1953) could be the Worst Film Ever Made.

Yet, there’s something fascinating and admirable about it, especially when you consider it was made in four days with a budget of only $16,000 US (approx. $155,000 today).

If you’ve not seen the film, it’s about a robot monster (named Ro-Man) who lands on earth with a mission to wipe out humanity.

There are only eight humans left on earth, because a death ray eliminated everyone else. Two of the survivors, named (inexplicably) Jason and McLeod, are never shown, which is just as well because Ro-Man blows them up while they are escaping in a spaceship.

The remaining six people on earth are members of an unusual family who dress like they belong to an obscure sci-fi cult. The father, who is the Boss Of Everyone, has an impressive commitment to overacting.

He works with a young and handsome scientist named Roy, who is in love with the eldest daughter, Alice. Alice is also scientifically-minded, but she finds the time to fall in love with Roy and marry him.

Meanwhile, Ro-Man, who lumbers around L.A.’s Griffith Park, strangling people and arguing with his boss, the Great Guidance, also falls in love with Alice. She does not, unsurprisingly, return Ro-Man’s affections.

All this action in just 66 minutes – and it’s brought to you in 3-D!

The last humans on planet earth. (Notice the mother-daughter matching gowns.) Image: Basement Rejects

Here are our random thoughts on this film.

First: The dialogue. It’s stilted and peculiar, which makes it somewhat fabulous:

  • “You must report success, or I will sentence you for failure.”
  • “Calculate your chances. Negative. Negative. Negative.”
  • “There is no escape from me. Very well. I will recalculate.”

Second: The bubbles – and yes, you read that right. Ro-Man and the Great Guidance are often seen with mysterious bubbles when they use their electronic equipment. Are the bubbles a by-product of this equipment? Are they a by-product of the aliens’ diet? No matter: The bubble machine has its own film credit – Automatic Billion Bubble Machine – and we want one.

Third: The music, by American composer and conductor Elmer Bernstein. Bernstein, you may remember, was nominated for 14 Oscars and scored films such as The Ten Commandments (1959), To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), and Ghostbusters (1984).

Fourth: Ro-Man’s intelligence. He’s right to be worried about humans because he is not smart. How he mastered space travel is beyond us.

Finally: The Robot Monster costume, namely a gorilla suit capped off by a diving helmet and antennae. It’s rather unorthodox, but you have to admire a filmmaker who decides This Is The Monster We’re Going With and makes no apologies for it.

The Great Guidance does not mess around. Image: Basement Rejects

You can tell Robot Monster was made in a hurry with a limited budget, but look at what these folks accomplished. They filmed with 3D equipment; obtained special effects footage from other filmmakers; and introduced the movie-going public to the best bubble machine ever.

This was director Phil Tucker’s first feature film. Tucker* was 25 years old when he directed this film, and for his efforts he became involved in a serious dispute with the distributor over his share of film profits.

Were there profits? You bet there were. According to Wikipedia, this film “grossed $1,000,000 during its initial theatrical release, more than 62 times its original investment.” Not bad for four days’ work.

We hope you get the chance to see the weird but compelling Robot Monster. You can see the MST3K version here, or the un-editorialized version here.

This post is part of The SO BAD IT’S GOOD Blogathon, hosted by Taking Up Room.

*Tucker directed six feature films in a two-year period, and later became a well-respected film editor.

Robot Monster: starring George Nader, Gregory Moffett, Claudia Barrett. Directed by Phil Tucker. Written by Wyatt Ordung. Three Dimension Pictures, 1953, B&W, 66 mins.

Posted in Horror, Science Fiction

Happily blogging about old movies and using the royal "We".

61 Comment on “So Bad it’s Compelling: Robot Monster (1953)”

  1. Thom Hickey February 20, 2020 at 8:18 am

    Wow. Have to check this out.

    Regards Thom

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 1:33 pm

      Oh yes – you must see this one.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  2. Paul S February 20, 2020 at 8:25 am

    I like the sound of Robot Monster, mind you I’m a sucker for 50’s sci-fi schlock. Never mind most Oscar bait movies, give me a dude in a gorilla suit and divers helmet, with antennae sticking out, and I’m happy.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      I’m telling you, Paul, if you love 1950s sci-fi, you’ve got to see this one.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. thekeystonegirlblogs February 20, 2020 at 8:35 am

    I take it this was a comedy!?

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      The dialogue alone is priceless, and so is the overacting of the actor who plays the father. Much unintentional humour here.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 1:46 pm

      You said it! But I still admire this film in a way.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  5. Vienna February 20, 2020 at 10:30 am

    Can’t wait to watch!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      I hope you get the chance to see it! 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  6. June Lorraine Roberts February 20, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    OMG…still laughing. Freaking awesome

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 6:20 pm

      Haha! This movie must be seen to be believed.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Yeah, Another Blogger February 20, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    The surname of the writer of the movie is Ordung. The last four letters of that name are appropriate.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 6:21 pm

      You know, I never thought of that.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. The Vintage Toy Advertiser February 20, 2020 at 1:43 pm

    Thanks for the review and links, have to see this now!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 6:22 pm

      I hope you can see it. It’s a memorable film – and not every movie can say that.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. M.B. Henry February 20, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    Sounds like one of those movies that’s so bad you can’t help but be wildly entertained 🙂 I mean, that monster ALONE…. !!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 6:24 pm

      Haha! Yes, that monster is certainly one of a kind.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. classicfilmtvcafe February 20, 2020 at 5:15 pm

    The title character’s costume is what I always remember best about this movie! I’d love to know the full story behind Bernstein composing the music. I know it was one of his first works, but still this movie and Cat-Women are oddities on his resume.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 20, 2020 at 6:27 pm

      Yeah, they are oddities, aren’t they? At first I thought it might have been a different Elmer Bernstein, because his famous name looks so out of place on the credits.

      Like

      Reply
  11. ManInBlack February 21, 2020 at 1:57 am

    This will never be the worst film ever made whilst “Plan 9 From Outer Space” exists! 😉 😛 (and Bridesmaids)

    I saw this as a kid (way back when) as part of a TV season on the worst ever films, which included some real stinkers, like Plan 9, The Creeping Terror, The Man With Two Heads, Eegah! and more! 😮

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 21, 2020 at 4:50 am

      The Man With 2 Heads and Eegah! are on my Must Watch list. I think it’s utterly cool that there was a TV season dedicated to these films.

      Like

      Reply
      1. ManInBlack February 21, 2020 at 2:17 pm

        Well it was a LOOOOOOOOOOONG time ago, and the only time these films would ever make it to TV! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Patricia Nolan-Hall (@CaftanWoman) February 21, 2020 at 7:49 am

    “Are they a by-product of the aliens’ diet?”

    My biggest laugh of the day!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 21, 2020 at 1:02 pm

      Ha! I found the bubbles quite distracting.

      Like

      Reply
  13. Pingback: The Second So Bad It’s Good Blogathon Has Arrived! – Taking Up Room

  14. John L. Harmon February 21, 2020 at 10:44 am

    I’ve heard of robot monster. I have not seen robot monster. Now, after you’re hilarious review, I really need to see robot monster. At the very least for that bubble machine!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      Oh yeah, you’ve gotta see this one!

      Like

      Reply
  15. Le February 21, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Your review is more entertaining than the film itself – and unfortunately I didn’t see it in 3D. Anyway, it was an… experience. And I bet the bubble machine was responsible for the biggest part of the budget.
    Kisses!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 21, 2020 at 7:01 pm

      Yes, I think I read the bubble machine was around $4,000 – 25% of the budget!

      Like

      Reply
  16. Margot Shelby February 21, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    This is too funny. The dialogue sounds priceless.
    But you want to tell me this movie is higher on the bad-o-meter than Plan 9 From Outer Space?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 21, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      They’re pretty close. In my opinion, this one is a little bit worse.

      Like

      Reply
  17. Michael February 21, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Robot Monster is much like Plan 9 From Outer Space in that they are both bad but both seemed to have been made with a little love. Just like Ed Wood appeared to legitimately be trying his best so too the creators of Robot Monster did the best they could with what little they had. I can’t hate either of these films. Great review! I really enjoyed it.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 22, 2020 at 7:46 am

      I know what you mean. Robot Monster tries to deliver a heartfelt message about humanity, and I admire that. Besides, I know I couldn’t do half as much with that budget in four days’ time. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. mydangblog February 22, 2020 at 2:56 pm

    It sounds even more crazy than Plan 9 From Outer Space! I adore that Robot costume–talk about making do with what you have!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 22, 2020 at 3:48 pm

      This is a pretty crazy flick, yet I can’t help but like it. The acting is bad, the script is lacking, and it looks like there are only two sets/locations. Still, I can’t. help. myself.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. Quiggy February 23, 2020 at 4:16 am

    I paired this with Santa Claus Conquers the Martians for a piece I wrote a few years ago which I titled “Bad Movie 101”. I think both are exquisite in their badness. You can’t talk about either without delving into humor when talking about them. Nice review.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 23, 2020 at 5:49 am

      Many’s the time I was going to watch Santa Conquers the Martians, but I can never bring myself to do it. I like your idea of pairing it with Robot Monster for a double feature of sorts.

      Like

      Reply
  20. Erica D. February 23, 2020 at 9:07 am

    This looks fantastically kitsch, Ruth! I have a great admiration for cheap Z-films of the time like this one because they are often creative and unlike anything else you’ve seen. These same qualities are one of the main reasons that I refuse to even consider Ed Wood as being the worst director of all time. The man limited funds but had a big heart and belief in his projects. I look forward to seeing ROBOT MONSTER! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 23, 2020 at 9:24 am

      Beautifully said, Erica. There’s a lot to admire in this film, even though it can be a bit pedantic at times. I mean, they made it in 4 days!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. J-Dub February 23, 2020 at 11:59 am

    I was amazed that when I saw “it was made in four days with a budget of only $16,000” I didn’t also see “made by Roger Corman.” But it did explain why the costume budget looked like it didn’t much beyond a Hobby
    Lobby credit card.

    Like

    Reply
  22. Catherine Haustein February 23, 2020 at 5:08 pm

    Must recalculate? Sounds like my navigation system.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  23. 18cinemalane February 24, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    Good review, Silver Screenings! I’ve never heard of this film before, but I agree that the bubble machine sounds pretty cool! I’m not only reviewing ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ for the Classic Literature on Film Blogathon, but I also reviewed ‘The Cabin’ for this blogathon. Here’s the link if you want to check it out:

    https://18cinemalane.wordpress.com/2020/02/17/take-3-the-cabin-review/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 24, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      Thanks, Sally. I enjoyed your review of The Cabin, and I’ll look forward to your review of “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. 18cinemalane February 24, 2020 at 10:00 pm

        You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear you liked my review! Looking forward to your next review!

        Liked by 1 person

  24. indianeskitchen February 24, 2020 at 10:42 pm

    I love this type of movie! They are always so ridiculous but they suck me in…lol

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 25, 2020 at 5:53 am

      Haha! I know exactly what you mean.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. rebeccadeniston February 27, 2020 at 12:59 am

    Wow, I have to see this one. It makes Plan 9 look like Citizen Kane, and that’s saying something (Although I don’t hate Plan 9). That dialogue, oh my word. Thanks again for joining the blogathon with this great review–it was fun. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 27, 2020 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks for stopping by and for hosting this great event.

      As for Robot Monster, I hope you get the chance to see it. Despite everything – the dialogue, the bad acting, the crazy costume – I can’t help but like it. (P.S. I nearly spewed my glass of water when you said this film makes Plan 9 look like Citizen Kane. Hilarious!)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. rebeccadeniston February 29, 2020 at 4:34 pm

        Thanks, lol. And definitely–it sounds great!

        Liked by 1 person

  26. alexraphael March 4, 2020 at 5:33 pm

    “You must report success, or I will sentence you for failure” That’s glorious!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings March 4, 2020 at 7:55 pm

      Isn’t it fabulous? There are a ton of ’em in this film.

      Like

      Reply
  27. beetleypete March 10, 2020 at 5:34 am

    They don’t make them like that anymore, that’s for sure!
    Thanks very much for following my blog.
    Best wishes, Pete

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings March 10, 2020 at 5:40 am

      My pleasure! I’ll be by next week to read your fab blog, including your series “Runs in the Family”.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. beetleypete March 10, 2020 at 6:03 am

        So happy to hear that. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View March 22, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    I’ve seen this I never thought anyone would admit to it. Great memory. But there are worse nemisies Like floating Eyes when you can see the strings or slow moving trees that some how out run the track star. Keep laughing

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings March 23, 2020 at 6:32 am

      These kinds of movies are a lot of fun, aren’t they?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View March 23, 2020 at 9:21 am

        So much fun. Do you remember the old Buck Rogers series with sparkler out the tailpipe?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Silver Screenings March 23, 2020 at 1:02 pm

        Haha! No way! Sounds fabulous.

        Liked by 1 person

Start Singin', Mac!

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