EDITOR’S NOTE: Unearthly Stranger was on Chiller Theater on Saturday, August 9, 1969 at 1:00 a.m. and Saturday, January 1, 1972 at 11:30 p.m.
Also known as Beyond the Stars, this British science fiction movie was directed by John Krish, who also made plenty of documentaries, as well as Out of the Darkness and The Jesus Film.
Dr. Mark Davidson (John Neville, Baron Munchausen!) fears for his life. The last person who had his job? Someone blew his brains up. Ironic, as he’s trying to figure out how to get men into space using the power of the mind. Maybe he’d be better off just enjoying his new wife, Julie (Gabriella Licudi). He’d better or secret agent Clark (Patrick Newell, Mother from The Avengers), is going to make him sit in the cuck chair. One wonders how Mark got to be Dr. Mark, as it took him a long time to realize his wife sleeps with her eyes open, has no pulse, and never ever blinks. She can also pick up hot objects barehanded, which is a skill I’d love to have.
She ends up terrifying an entire schoolyard of kids before crying burning tears. Also, funny story, she never existed before she married the doctor, but the spy dies right away. Leave it to Julie to fall in love with the guy, which means she has to go back home, sending another woman—Miss Ballard (Jean Marsh)—to be a new secretary and try to get the formula Dr. Mark has in his head. He does what any scientist would when faced with such an issue. He shoves her out the window.
When the rest of the scientists gather outside, they soon realize they are surrounded by beautiful but ice queen alien women. They are in my heaven.
This movie is so much better than it has any right to be. It’s like the male side of I Married a Monster from Outer Space, except the women—much smarter than us—will win. That’s because it’s British. From strict Victorian governesses, school matrons and nanny figures to powerful political matriarchs, the commanding, authoritative woman is deeply rooted in the national psyche. The cultural stereotype—and historical reality—of British men having a distinct affinity for BDSM, female domination and “tough” women is widely recognized and frequently dubbed “The English Vice” (historically referring to flagellation and corporal punishment). While submission and power-play exist across all cultures, the specific British flavor of BDSM and appreciation for dominant women is a uniquely direct reflection of its class system, educational history and long-standing social taboos.
