Watch The Last Man on Earth
- 1964
- 1 hr 27 min
The Last Man on Earth (In Color & Restored) is a hybrid horror and science fiction film that was initially released in 1964. Directed by Ubaldo B. Ragona and Sidney Salkow, this 86-minute feature stars Vincent Price as the main character, Robert Morgan. Other actors in the film include Franca Bettoia as Ruth Collins, Giacomo Rossi-Stuart as Dr. Mercer, and Emma Danieli as Virginia. The film tells the story of Morgan, the titular last man on earth, as he navigates a world overrun by vampiric zombies.
The film begins with a voiceover by Robert Morgan, recalling how the zombie outbreak affected him and his family. Morgan is a scientist, and he has been using his knowledge and resources to fend off the monsters that roam the streets outside his home. As he examines the corpse of a vampire he had killed earlier, he discovers that the virus has begun to mutate, and he fears that the situation will only get worse from there. Morgan is the only survivor in his town, as everyone else has been turned into vampires. During his day-to-day life, he is constantly working to secure his home, gather supplies, and create new weapons to use against the vampires.
One day, Morgan comes across a dog that has been attacked by the vampires. He takes the animal in and nurses it back to health, forming a bond with the creature that becomes a source of comfort and companionship for him. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon another human survivor named Ruth Collins. Morgan is initially skeptical of Ruth, as he knows that anyone who has not been infected must be one of the undead's minions. However, Ruth is different, and she begins to work with Morgan to combat the threat that surrounds them.
As Morgan and Ruth team up to fight back against the vampire horde, they discover that there may be other human survivors out there. Morgan comes into contact with Dr. Mercer, a scientist who has also been working to find a cure for the vampirism virus. Mercer has noted that the virus is weakening and thinks that it may be possible to find a cure. However, as Morgan and Mercer work together, they come across several obstacles, including a group of vampires who have managed to band together and plan their attacks.
The Last Man on Earth (In Color & Restored) is a compelling and haunting film that tells a story about life after an apocalypse. The film's atmosphere is dark and brooding, with the muted colors of the film providing a sense of melancholy and despair. Vincent Price delivers a standout performance as Robert Morgan, portraying him as a man who has lost everything but is still determined to fight back against the monsters that threaten his existence. The film is told largely from Morgan's point of view, with voyeuristic shots documenting his struggles as he navigates the post-apocalyptic world.
The cinematography in the film is also noteworthy, especially given the era in which it was produced. Shots of Morgan alone in his home or wandering the deserted streets add to the atmosphere of isolation that pervades the film. Scenes of the vampires as they stalk their prey are adequately creepy and unsettling. The film's soundtrack also adds an unnerving quality to the proceedings, with eery sound effects and a sparse score that creates tension and encourages the viewer's heightened senses.
In closing, The Last Man on Earth (In Color & Restored) is a visual treat of a film, given its age and genre. The color restoration helps to add a layer of life to the film, providing relative freshness to the production. It's a great illustration of how a simple story executed appropriately with a profound performance from a singular actor can create awe-inspiring results. The film's slow-burning plot may turn viewers who prefer fast-paced action against it, but those who appreciate substance over spectacle will find a lot to enjoy. The Last Man on Earth is a horror film that tells a tale of hope, love, and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. A must-watch for those with a penchant for classical horror.
The Last Man on Earth is a 1964 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.