The Unearthly Stranger Reviews

A gripping science fiction picture that is surprisingly sharp in its approach. Instead of getting lost in the usual science fiction traps of space and time chatter, THE UNEARTHLY STRANGER concentrates on a rather touching love story. The romance between the leads--earthling Neville and alien Licudi--leads to marriage before husband Neville discovers that his wife has unusual traits. When he notices that she sleeps with her eyes open, has no pulse, and doesn't react to heat, he begins to put two and two together. This, with the fact that practically his entire team of scientists has mysteriously died, leads Neville to the conclusion that his wife's a bit odd. She admits that she's part of an alien project but insists that she loves Neville. Her alien mind controllers have her dying in his arms with her face disintegrating in tears. When Neville, distraught, goes to his workplace, secretary Marsh--another alien, one who does not love him--tries to kill him. He is saved by fellow scientist Stone; Marsh falls from a window and disintegrates, proclaiming, "There are too many of us, and few as weak as Julie [Licudi]!" As the two surviving scientists leave the laboratory, they find themselves among a group of women, none of whom appears able to blink. The film is a little too earnest in its intent, but a cast of fine actors and an appealing premise overcome many of its limitations.