The Kelley Family find themselves in considerable jeopardy when an evil alien force with the power to control minds lands nearby their ranch and causes all the animals to go into a lethal rage. Director David Kramarsky relates the absorbing story at a steady pace and does a sound job of creating an eerie atmosphere. The solid acting from a sturdy cast rates as another definite plus: Paul Birch as rugged rancher Allan Kelley, Lorna Thayer as his snippy wife Carol, Dona Cole as their cute, spunky daughter Sandra, Dick Sargent as amiable Deputy Larry Brewster, Leonard Tarver as hulking, pathetic mute handyman Carl, and Chester Conklin as cranky old-timer Ben Webber. The shivery orchestral score and the stark black and white cinematography by Everett Baker and Floyd Crosby further enhance the creepy tone. Moreover, the desolate desert location projects an unnervingly palpable sense of isolation and vulnerability. Granted, the hilariously horrendous (much less than) special effects leave a lot to be desired, but overall this film sizes up as a pretty nifty and enjoyable low-budget shocker.
Review of The Beast with a Million Eyes
