An odd and aloof alien being (a convincing performance by Helmut Dantine) from Venus with the ability to save human lives and heal wounds with just his touch arrives on Earth in a remote town in England to warn mankind to stop their destructive ways before it's too late.
Director Burt Balaban offers an intriguing air of mystery, maintains a somber tone throughout, relates the engrossing story at a steady pace, and makes neat use of the English countryside. Although Hans Jacoby's thoughtful script handles the subject matter in an admirably low-key and straightforward manner, said script alas goes a bit too heavy on dialogue over any real action that could have given this rather flat film a bit more kick. Fortunately, the sound acting from a capable cast keeps this movie on track, with especially praiseworthy contributions from Patricia Neal as the sweet Susan North, Derek Bond as meddlesome troublemaker Arthur Walker, Cyril Luckham as the wise Dr. Weinard, Willoughby Gray as amiable innkeeper Tom Harding, and Marigold Russell as Harding's fetching barmaid daughter Gretchen. Kenneth Talbot's crisp black and white cinematography makes neat use of fades and dissolves. A bit slow and talky, but overall pretty good.
Director Burt Balaban offers an intriguing air of mystery, maintains a somber tone throughout, relates the engrossing story at a steady pace, and makes neat use of the English countryside. Although Hans Jacoby's thoughtful script handles the subject matter in an admirably low-key and straightforward manner, said script alas goes a bit too heavy on dialogue over any real action that could have given this rather flat film a bit more kick. Fortunately, the sound acting from a capable cast keeps this movie on track, with especially praiseworthy contributions from Patricia Neal as the sweet Susan North, Derek Bond as meddlesome troublemaker Arthur Walker, Cyril Luckham as the wise Dr. Weinard, Willoughby Gray as amiable innkeeper Tom Harding, and Marigold Russell as Harding's fetching barmaid daughter Gretchen. Kenneth Talbot's crisp black and white cinematography makes neat use of fades and dissolves. A bit slow and talky, but overall pretty good.