Lights Out: Martian Eyes (1951)

You never know who you'll run into at your local watering hole! When a super paranoid professor meets a skeptical, yet curious, photographer while having a drink at the bar, you just can't predict what will happen! Professor Lyman claims that Martians live among us and he has special infrared glasses to spot them. Is Professor Lyman for real? Who is the mystery man following them both? Do Martians really live among us?

Lights Out! was one of the first Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Alfred Hitchcock Presents anthology style paranormal/supernatural series. It originally began as a radio show. It's tales are extremely tame by today's standards, but there are some really interesting, chilling stories in the mix. One of my favorites is Martian Eyes, starring Burgess Meredith. Enjoy!

The Maze (1953)

Ahhh...young love...interrupted!

We are introduced to young Kitty and Gerald. Two young lovers who are looking forward to wedded bliss. Gerald, however, has inherited his family's castle in the Scottish highlands. That's where it gets interesting.

Kitty receives a letter from Gerald stating that he wants to end their engagement. Distraught, Kitty does not accept his rejection. She and her aunt travel to the castle where they find that Gerald is not only visibly aged, but he continues to send Kitty away. Why has his manner changed? Does he no longer love her? And why is everyone so secretive about THE MAZE?

Cast

Richard Carlson as Gerald MacTeam

Veronica Hurst as Kitty Murray

Katherine Emery as Edith Murray

Michael Pate as William

John Dodsworth as Dr Bert Dilling

Hillary Brooke as Peggy Lord

Stanley Frazer as Robert

Lillian Bond as Margaret Dilling

Owen McGiveney as Simon

Robin Hughes as Richard Roblar

Fun Facts

The story of the Maze is based on old Scottish folklore, the monster of Glamis Castle

Who is your favorite?

Do you have a favorite horror actor or character?

My favorite horror actor is Boris Karloff.  He is best known for his portrayal of the monster in Frankenstein. The movie Frankenstein (1931) is a paramount example of human insanity and cruelty all wrapped up in one. Disgust and empathy are evoked the entire time you watch. Karloff had no words in the film and still his portrayal disturbs the viewer in a manner which they did not expect. The viewer will question who is the true monster? Frankenstein or man?

The Head (1959)

A twisted Frankenstein tale about a scientist who will stop at nothing to realize his evil genius.

When the mysterious scientist, Dr Ood, comes calling on Dr Abel in admiration of his amazing scientific achievements, Dr Abel quickly discovers Dr Ood's dubious intentions. Dr Abel's invention of Serum Z is put to use on himself while his lab assistants mysteriously go missing. Dr. Ood takes over Dr Abel's laboratory and performs his own fiendish experiments at the expense of Dr Abel and his loyal nurse, Irene.

A tale of two mad scientists. An evil genius and his sinister plans. What will become of THE HEAD?

Characters

Dr Abel - Michel Simon
Dr Ood - Horst Frank

Irene - Karin Kernke

Dr. Burke - Kurt Muller-Graf

Bert - Helmut Schmid
Paul - Dieter Eppler

Stella/Lilly - Christiane Maybach

Horror Trivia

The Head was released in the US in June 1963. It shared a double bill with City of the Dead (1960), which is also known as Horror Hotel, starring Christopher Lee.

Michel Simon had previously used tainted makeup in another film. His face and body were partially paralyzed. He took the role in The Head because he needed money, but also because only his head would be shown. Simon expected little success for The Head, however, The Head achieved success in the US and Europe.