The B sci-fi flick, The Space Children (1958), is an easy film to mock.
Like many sci-fi films of the 1950s, it has an implausible plot: An alien brain from outer space lands on earth near an atomic weapon launch site, then recruits the scientists’ own children, via telepathy, to sabotage the warhead.
There’s plenty o’ cheese to go around. The name of the atomic warhead, for instance, is called “The Thunderer”, because what else would you name a weapon of mass destruction?
Also, there’s some choice dialogue between a scientist and his wife as they drive to their new trailer home near the facility. The husband is pleased to see their government-supplied housing is next to the ocean. His wife is less so.
Husband: “It’s not so bad.” Wife: “Sure, if you like living on the beach.”
[Digression: As we write this, the temperature outside is -31ºC / -24ºF, and it’s difficult to empathize with someone not wanting to live on the beach.]
Meanwhile, scientists are Feverishly Working on the warhead, while the alien brain grows Larger and Larger. It begins to meld with the children’s minds, instructing them on how to sabotage the atomic weapon.
The MST3K* version of The Space Children gives you plenty to laugh at, including very funny jokes about the old TV series, Gilligan’s Island. (The actor who plays the Professor on that series, Russell Johnson, appears in this film.)
Also, this production had a Tight Budget, and not all the acting is, well, Oscar-worthy. These alone can help label a movie as “Z” grade.
And yet, this film doesn’t easily let go. It’s an anti-war allegory with many thoughtful moments, and we found ourselves thinking about it for several days afterwards.
The alien-child mind meld. Image: Ludic Despair
Despite its shortcomings, namely the budget and short run time, The Space Children is an entreaty for human survival.
For instance, one scientist’s wife (Peggy Webber) knows what the project Means. She’s almost sickened by the way her neighbours are willfully blinded to what the project is; they host BBQs and carry on as though nothing is wrong.
Another character, played by the aforementioned Johnson, is a charming but mean alcoholic. He wasn’t assigned to the team, due to his drinking, and he channels his anger towards his son.
The alien brain, for reasons known to itself, has taken a Special Interest in preserving life on Earth. It can only stop the atomic launch via the children because they don’t ask questions.
Understandably, the adults don’t like the changes they see in their kids, and they try to thwart the ever-growing brain, those silly humans.
As a result of this interference, the alien brain rough-handles the adults, particularly the fathers.
Receiving instructions from the alien brain. Image: All Sci-Fi
The Space Children is sincere in its anti-war message: If one nation strikes another with a super weapon, how will other nations retaliate? Where does it end?
We wish the movie’s run time could be just 10 minutes longer, to further explore the characters and, without sounding too cliché, their motivations. A 70-minute run time feels too rushed.
One impressive element here is the alien brain itself. Thanks to designer Ivyl Burks, the brain looks fairly real, and it glows like a space creature should. According to Wikipedia and IMDb, Burks spent $3,300 ($36,000 today) on neon lights to make the thing glow.
Should you see The Space Children? It depends on your mood. If you want lots of laughs, we recommend the MST3K version. If you want to mull over its philosophical themes, we recommend watching the theatre-release version.
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*Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (a.k.a. MST3K) was a television comedy that ran from 1988-1999 and featured B-grade movies.
This post is part of THE 7th SO BAD IT’S GOOD BLOGATHON, hosted by Taking Up Room.
The Space Children starring Michel Ray, Adam Williams, Peggy Webber. Directed by Jack Arnold. Written by Tom Filer & Bernard C. Schoenfeld. Paramount Pictures, 1958, B&W, 70 mins.
Intriguing review of The Space Children. This will sound strange, but I don’t know if I’ve actually seen this movie or not. I know I saw the trailer in the comedic clip film, It Came From Hollywood, but I just don’t know if I saw the film and its entirety,. It sounds like something I would enjoy, so I will definitely have to check it out, both in its theatrical version and the mystery science theater 3000 version!
Although I am the ultimate fan of ’50s sci-fi, somehow I have never seen The Space Children! I’ve certainly been aware of it over the years, but never got around to queuing it up (although the big brain is a definite attraction). And apparently it has a message that is as relevant as ever!
Totally with you about the beach, Ruth–that’s the dream. And this movie looks delightfully schlocky, so I guess I’ll have to look for it. Thanks again for joining the blogathon–it’s always a pleasure! 🙂
Silver Screenings 
This sounds so much fun, and definitely one for a double bill with Village of the Damned. Thanks for letting us know about it xxx
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I thought of that film a lot while watching The Space Children.
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There so should be a crossover.. but only in black and white, and with George Sanders in charge… Can you imagine?
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Perfect!!
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This looks so familiar that I’m sure I watched it, many, many years ago. I also agree with the comparison to Village of the Damned 🙂
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Time for a double feature, methinks.
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Intriguing review of The Space Children. This will sound strange, but I don’t know if I’ve actually seen this movie or not. I know I saw the trailer in the comedic clip film, It Came From Hollywood, but I just don’t know if I saw the film and its entirety,. It sounds like something I would enjoy, so I will definitely have to check it out, both in its theatrical version and the mystery science theater 3000 version!
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You’ve got to see this. I think you’d really get a kick out of the MST3K version. It is very funny.
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Although I am the ultimate fan of ’50s sci-fi, somehow I have never seen The Space Children! I’ve certainly been aware of it over the years, but never got around to queuing it up (although the big brain is a definite attraction). And apparently it has a message that is as relevant as ever!
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The big alien brain is truly impressive. They did a good engineering/design job with it.
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Sounds like a solid Sunday afternoon watch!
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It absolutely is. The MST3K pairs this film with a 1962 short on the Seattle World’s Fair, which they mercilessly mock.
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Really enjoyed reading about this new-to-me movie, Ruth! As an MST3K fan from way back, I will definitely be seeking out that version!
Karen
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Totally with you about the beach, Ruth–that’s the dream. And this movie looks delightfully schlocky, so I guess I’ll have to look for it. Thanks again for joining the blogathon–it’s always a pleasure! 🙂
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Yup, this film might be right up your alley!
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It is cold, and snowy, and I am inside today. Looks like I have a movie to watch!
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True! But on such a day, it’s hard to feel sorry for the woman who doesn’t want to live on the beach.
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? I’ve never even had the opportunity to live on a beach
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Me neither!
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So we watched it, and I agree, I wanted a little more at the end. Also we chose mst3k, but midway wished we had not, it was very serious
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I think the film is sincere and earnest in its message. While MST3K has very funny observations, it is somewhat unfair to the film.
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It’s kind of mean like 12 year olds mocking
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