Science fiction films gained popularity in the 1950s, a decade which was often characterized by societal fear and paranoia. Reflecting these characteristics, the sci-fi genre was often used to create Cold War parables; express concerns about the newly split atom and its uses; or contemplate mankind’s place in the universe. Some, such as this movie, may or may not have fit any of these categories.
The Book The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney
The novel, The Body Snatchers, was first serialized in Collier’s magazine in 1955. In Finney‘s tale, Earth is invaded by seeds that have drifted from space. These seeds become pods and replace sleeping people with perfect imitations while their human victims turn to dust.
The story became very popular and it did not take long for Hollywood to adapt it for the screen.
Details and Synopsis of the Movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers
- Cast: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Larry Gates, King Donovan, Carolyn Jones
- Director: Don Siegel
- Length: 80 minutes
- Color: B&W
- Producer: Walter Wanger
- Distributor: Allied Artists
- Trivia: Lead Kevin McCarthy is still acting at the age of 95.
When Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) returns to his small Northern California town following an extended vacation, he renews his relationship with former sweetheart Becky Driscoll (Dana Wynter), who has also returned to town following her divorce. Besides rediscovering each other, the two make another discovery -- some of the townspeople are not “quite themselves.“
Gradually, the young couple discover that the town’s residents while they sleep are being substituted for duplicates grown in mysterious “pods.” The replicas look physically the same as the humans they replace, but have the emotionless, unfeeling personalities of a collective hive.
As the alien simulations begin distributing the pods to nearby communities, Miles and Becky attempt to leave the area for help. Then Becky inadvertently falls asleep and Miles finds himself completely alone.
Analysis of the Movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers
The movie has all the elements of a great film -- an excellent script, fine directing, and good acting. Despite a tacked-on ambiguous ending that destroys the movie’s original pessimistic ending, this all-around solid film still resonates today and is rated #9 in the AFI’s Top Ten Science Fiction Movies.
Director Don Siegel handles the script well. Through tight direction, inventive camera work and stark black and white photography, he creates an increasingly paranoid and claustrophobic atmosphere as Miles’ and Becky’s “normal” world slowly collapses around them.
Originally, Allied Artists considered Dick Powell, Joseph Cotton, Anne Bancroft, and Donna Reed, among others, for the two leads. However, because budgetary restrictions made these choices impossible, the studio instead turned to Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter.
The two leads were then relatively unknown, which may have been a blessing in disguise. McCarthy and Wynter project an “everyman” and “everywoman” image in their performances -- something which big name stars may not have been able to do.
Wynter, in particular, is excellent. The scene where she reveals that she has been transformed from a vibrant woman into one of the pod people is especially chilling. The terror felt by the viewer is solely the result of Wynter’s body movement, facial expressions, and voice, enhanced by Siegel‘s clever use of light and shadows.
The supporting cast is also very good. King Donovan and Carolyn Jones especially stand out as Miles’ neighbors and close friends who fall victim to the pods.
The Meaning of the Book and the Movie
Some critics and film historians see the book and movie as a criticism of the McCarthy Era; some as an anti-communist analogy; and others as reflecting the loss of individualism in a growing and increasingly regulated society. Those closest to the story disagree with these assessments.
According to Jack Finney’s obit in the NY Times (November 17, 1995), the author claimed that he wrote the book solely for entertainment. Others, such as McCarthy, producer Wanger, director Siegel, and scriptwriter Dan Mainwaring have all claimed that the movie was solely meant to be a thriller.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers Remakes
After its release in 1956, Invasion of the Body Snatchers was immediately followed by several movies with similar plots. Arguably, the best of these, despite its ridiculous title, was I Married a Monster From Outer Space.
In 1978 Donald Sutherland and Leonard Nimoy starred in a popular remake that had the same title. Two later and less successful remakes were Body Snatchers (1993) and The Invasion (2007) with Nicole Kidman.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers DVD
A 1998 DVD of the movie, which includes an interview with Kevin McCarthy, is available through several sellers.
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John K. Davis - John is a retired teacher/librarian and has also been doing freelance writing since the late 1970s. Over this period of time, he has had ...
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