Near the end of the 19th century, Prof. John Mayer and his assistant, the scientist Dr. Isabel Reed, accidentally invent a powerful ray. An alien travels to Earth to destroy the machine since it would be a threat to the universe. He initially possesses the mind of Thomas, a sex maniac and serial killer, to get close to Mayer during the demonstration of the machine to scientists and the military. Mayer's niece, Laura, meets an acquaintance of her uncle, the chemist Dr. Paul Rosten, and Mayer invites him to join the research. When Thomas gets close to Mayer, the alien also possesses his mind in order to destroy the device and his notes. Meanwhile, Thomas is not able to control his murderous impulses and attacks several women with a straight razor.
Acting
Karloff's final film—shot in one week, seated the entire time.
Practical Effects
Gloriously cheap alien effects and straight-razor menace.
Production
Three directors, one disaster—Jack Hill disowned it.
Director
José Luis González de León
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released as 'The Incredible Invasion' and 'Alien Zone' in different markets to confuse everyone.
Part of a bizarre wave of Mexican-American horror co-productions exploiting aging Hollywood legends for quick pesos.
MX
