Watch The Twonky

The Twonky is a 1953 science fiction comedy film directed by Arch Oboler, which follows the story of a man who purchases a new television set, only to discover that it is controlled by a malevolent creature from another planet known as the Twonky. The film stars Hans Conried as Kerry West, a college professor who purchases a new television set for his wife, Sheila (played by Janet Warren). However, when he attempts to set up the television, he realizes that it has a mind of its own and seems to be controlling his every move. At first, he believes that this is simply a malfunction of the appliance, but as he continues to observe its behavior, he soon realizes that something more sinister is at play.

As the film progresses, West discovers that the Twonky is not just a product of his imagination, but a real entity that has been sent to Earth to take control of humanity. The Twonky is revealed to be a mechanical creature with advanced technology, capable of physically transforming itself into various household appliances, including a vacuum cleaner, a clock, and even an iron.

As the Twonky becomes more and more powerful, West must battle to regain control of his own mind and defeat the alien presence before it is too late. His attempts to do so are complicated by the fact that no one else seems to be aware of the Twonky's existence, and he is constantly met with disbelief and ridicule from those around him.

The Twonky is a film that plays heavily on the themes of technology and control. As the Twonky takes over West's life, he becomes increasingly helpless, losing all autonomy and agency. This is a clear commentary on the dangers of becoming too reliant on technology and losing sight of one's own humanity.

The film also contains many comedic elements, particularly in the way the Twonky interacts with the other household appliances. As it attempts to take control of these devices, it often causes chaos and confusion, leading to many humorous moments throughout the film.

The performances in The Twonky are strong, with Hans Conried delivering a particularly engaging turn as the beleaguered professor. He brings a sense of gravitas to the film, grounding it in reality despite its more fantastical elements. William H. Lynn and Gloria Blondell also deliver strong supporting performances, adding depth to the film's secondary characters.

Overall, The Twonky is a unique and engaging science fiction film that blends elements of horror and comedy with a commentary on the dangers of technology. Its central premise has proven to be timeless, and it remains a cult classic to this day.

The Twonky is a 1953 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.