Watch The Astounding She Monster

The Astounding She Monster is a 1957 science-fiction film that follows the story of a mysterious alien woman who crash-lands on Earth and terrifies the inhabitants of a remote cabin. Directed by Ronald V. Ashcroft, the film boasts a cast of talented actors including Robert Clarke, Kenne Duncan, and Marilyn Harvey. The story begins with two bank robbers, Joe and Pete, on the run from the police. They decide to hide out in a secluded cabin in the woods, owned by a wealthy and eccentric scientist named Dr. Charles Bradford (Clarke). However, they soon realize that they are not alone in the cabin when they come across a strange woman (Harvey) who claims to have been involved in a car accident nearby.

As the night progresses, Joe and Pete become increasingly suspicious of the woman's motives, especially when they discover that Dr. Bradford has been conducting experiments involving radiation and cosmic rays in the vicinity. A series of strange occurrences ensue, including power outages, disappearing items, and unexplained noises. Their suspicions are confirmed when they discover that the woman is actually an alien who has landed on Earth to study human behavior.

The alien possesses the ability to emit deadly radiation and a forcefield, which she uses to terrorize the unwitting inhabitants of the cabin. Dr. Bradford, who initially refuses to believe that the woman is an extraterrestrial, eventually realizes the truth and attempts to communicate with the alien in order to save themselves and humanity from her wrath.

Despite its low-budget production values, The Astounding She Monster is a classic example of 1950s sci-fi cinema. The film captures the essence of the era through its depiction of the stereotypical characters of the time, including the tough-talking criminal, the reclusive scientist, and the sultry yet dangerous woman with otherworldly powers.

The actress Marilyn Harvey delivers a standout performance as the titular "she monster," portraying a character torn between her allegiance to her alien race and her growing fascination with humanity. Her performance as a seductive and deadly alien is both captivating and chilling.

The film's special effects, while dated by modern standards, are still impressive given the limited resources available to the filmmakers. The use of colored lighting and wirework to depict the alien's radiation and forcefield powers is particularly effective. The use of stock footage to depict the alien's spacecraft and planetary environment, however, detracts from the film's overall impact.

Overall, The Astounding She Monster is an entertaining low-budget sci-fi thriller that captures the spirit of a bygone era. It may not be remembered as a classic of the genre, but it remains a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of science fiction cinema.

The Astounding She Monster is a 1957 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.6.