The Phantom Creeps (1949)
1h 18m | PG-13
An edited version of the 4½ hour serial about a mad scientist who attempts to rule the world by creating various elaborate inventions.
Director: Ford Beebe
Studio: Universal Pictures
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, TV Movie, Horror
Video: 720p
Cast
Bela Lugosi
as Dr. Alex Zorka
Dorothy Arnold
as Jean Drew
Robert Kent
as Capt. Bob West
Edwin Stanley
as Dr. Fred Mallory
Regis Toomey
as Lt. Jim Daley
Jack C. Smith
as Monk
Reviews
This film is a cannibalisation of a series of twelve episodes cut (not particularly skilfully) into just under 80 minutes. As such, there are some glaring holes in the storyline as Bela Lugosi portrays a scientist who has discovered a new meteorite element and is determined to convert it into a whole range of useful things including explosives; a deadly Z-ray, a lethal gas; an invisibility contraption; a machine that can heal wounds and... the most astonishing and hysterical looking Inca-esque robot you've ever seen - as he strives for world domination and to stay ahead of the investigating G men. It's a hoot, and should be viewed as such - for heaven's sake don't try to make sense of it - it's just there to be enjoyed.