February 1, 2023
I have decided to create a blog focusing on B movies and the filmmakers
behind them. To begin, let's discuss one of the most renowned B movies
of all time, "Plan 9 from Outer Space," directed by Ed Wood.
Plan 9 From Outer Space
"Plan 9 from Outer Space" is a legendary B movie directed by Ed Wood. Released in 1959, it is considered one of the worst films ever made. Despite its low-budget production values and questionable acting, the film has gained a cult following over the years due to its unintended comedic elements and its status as an icon of so-bad-it's-good cinema.
The plot of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" revolves around aliens who attempt to save the Earth from destruction by resurrecting the dead. The film is widely recognized for its cheesy special effects, wooden acting, and convoluted storyline. However, these very elements are what make "Plan 9 from Outer Space" a beloved B movie. Ed Wood's passion for filmmaking shines through in every frame, and the film remains a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance, even in the face of limited resources.
Despite its many flaws, "Plan 9 from Outer Space" is a timeless classic and a must-see for fans of B movies and cult cinema. Whether you're a fan of Ed Wood or simply enjoy the campy, cheesy goodness of vintage sci-fi, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Ed Wood
Edward D. Wood Jr. was an American filmmaker who is widely regarded as one of the most infamous directors in the history of cinema. Born in 1924, Wood started his film career in the 1950s, and is best known for his work on low-budget B movies, particularly "Plan 9 from Outer Space." Despite the critical and commercial failure of his films, Wood is remembered today as a cult icon, a testament to the power of passion and determination in the face of limited resources.
Ed Wood was a true auteur, who wrote, directed, and often produced his own films. He was known for his distinctive style, which was characterized by amateurish special effects, wooden acting, and convoluted storylines. Despite these shortcomings, Wood's films have a charm and energy that is all his own, and he remains a beloved figure among fans of cult and B movies.
Throughout his life, Ed Wood faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, critical and commercial rejection, and personal setbacks. Despite these obstacles, he never lost his passion for filmmaking, and continued to make movies until his death in 1978. Today, Wood is remembered as a cult hero and a true original, whose films continue to inspire and entertain new generations of audiences.
Cast
"Plan 9 from Outer Space" featured a cast of largely unknown actors, including:
- Bela Lugosi as "The Old Man" (Lugosi died before filming was completed, and his footage was edited into the film using a double)
- Vampira as "Maila Nurmi"
- Tor Johnson as "Inspector Clay"
- Gregory Walcott as "Jeff Trent"
- Tom Keene as "Captain Roberts"
- Dudley Manlove as "E.G. Marshal"
- Joanna Lee as "Paula Trent"
- Paul Marco as "Officer Kelton"
- Criswell as "Narrator"
In addition to these actors, several uncredited extras appeared in the film as zombies and aliens. The character names listed above are some of the most notable, but there were many other memorable figures in the film as well.
CREW
The crew who worked on "Plan 9 from Outer Space" was largely made up of low-budget filmmakers and technicians, including:
- Director: Ed Wood Jr.
- Writer: Ed Wood Jr.
- Cinematographer: William C. Thompson
- Art Director: Bill Haynes
- Editor: Ed Wood Jr.
- Makeup: Jacquelyn West, Wally West
- Special Effects: Bill Thomas, Tom Mason
- Music: Paul Marco, Bela Lugosi Jr.
This was a small and close-knit crew, who worked under tight financial constraints to bring Ed Wood's vision to the screen. Despite the limitations of the budget, the crew was able to create a film that has become a cult classic and a timeless example of B movie filmmaking.
Cost
"Plan 9 from Outer Space" was financed by a small group of investors, including producer J. Edward Reynolds and actor Gregory Walcott. The exact budget for the film is not known, but it is estimated to have cost between $60,000 and $75,000 to make. This was a small budget even for a B movie of that era, and the film's production values reflect this limited funding.
As for the film's box office performance, it is difficult to say exactly how much money "Plan 9 from Outer Space" made, as it was never a commercial success in its original release. However, the film has gained a cult following over the years and has become a staple of the so-bad-it's-good genre, meaning it has continued to generate income through DVD sales, merchandise, and other licensing deals. The film's longevity and its enduring popularity among B movie fans is a testament to Ed Wood's talent as a filmmaker and the timeless appeal of his work.
Conclusion
"Plan 9 from Outer Space" is a film that has achieved a level of notoriety and popularity that is far beyond its humble beginnings. Directed by Ed Wood Jr., this low-budget B movie has become a cult classic, beloved by fans of the so-bad-it's-good genre for its amateurish special effects, wooden acting, and convoluted storyline. Despite its critical and commercial failure, "Plan 9 from Outer Space" remains a testament to the power of passion and determination in the face of limited resources.
Ed Wood himself is remembered as a cult hero and a true original, whose work continues to inspire and entertain new generations of audiences. The film's cast and crew, including Bela Lugosi, Vampira, and Tor Johnson, are now household names among B movie fans, and their contributions to the film are still celebrated today.
In many ways, "Plan 9 from Outer Space" represents the epitome of the B movie, a testament to the creativity and resilience of low-budget filmmakers. While it may not be a work of art in the traditional sense, it is a film that has stood the test of time and continues to be beloved by fans of cult and B movies. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying the impact that "Plan 9 from Outer Space" has had on the world of film and popular culture, and it will always be remembered as one of the most famous B movies ever made.
