One of the cards represents an indisputable, science-fiction classic: "The Day the Earth Stood Still '51", directed by Robert "Star Trek--the Motion Picture" Wise and scripted by Edmund H. North, based on Harry Bates' acclaimed short story, "Farewell to the Master". "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is remembered more for its sense of humanity (which permeates its extra-terrestrial lead) than the "ultimatum" terror enacted in the above Reynold Brown depiction.
Due to the latter link, this particular card acts as a mini poster, which features Michael Rennie's Klaatu, Lock Martin's Gort and a blonde stand-in for Patricia Neal's Helen Benson, looking more panicked than the character ever does in the movie. (FYI: Listed costar Hugh Marlowe went on to play the protagonist in the Fred S. Sears/Charles H. Schneer/Ray Harryhausen alien-invasion smash, "Earth vs the Flying Saucers".)
Though the image isn't the most apt reflection of what "Day the Earth Stood Still" entails, its flair sure makes it ultra eye-catching and worth possessing...
The next card stems from yet another acclaimed, extra-terrestrial flick: a "War of the Worlds" variant called "Invaders from Mars", directed by film designer, William Cameron Menzies, produced by Edward L. Alperson Sr and Jr, and scripted by Richard Blake, from a story by John Tucker Battle.
The tale's circumstances are projected per young David MacLean, played by Jimmy Hunt, who also cameos in Tobe Hooper's '86 remake. "Invaders'" dreamlike vantage gives it a childlike flavor: Many a nervous youngster has dreamed weird things along the lines of what David perceives, thus making the movie quite identifiable. (For the record, genre great Arthur "Monster on the Campus" Franz costars as an amiable astronomer and good ol' Lock Martin performs as one of the towering, Martian mutants.)
Luce Potter's supreme "Intelligence" is the card's concentration, giving the layout a distinct, ominous air. Lord knows, the wee, bubbled creature gave me the big-time willies when I was a lad--hell, the freakish, little thing still does...
The third card commemorates the eerie, '58 British production, "Fiend Without a Face", directed by Arthur "Horrors of the Black Museum" Crabtree and scripted by Herbert "The Frozen Dead" Leder, based on Amelia Reynolds Long's pulp submission, "The Thought Monster".
"Fiend'"s protagonist is played by Marshall "It! the Terror from Beyond Space" Thompson, queued in the card's top-left corner. However, it's toweled Kim "Fire Maidens from Outer Space" Parker who dominates this artistic vision (another from Reynold Brown). Still, I'm glad to see at least one brainy, stop-motion monster slinking toward the forefront, though it only goes to reason: There's nothing as captivating as a near-naked gal and a slithering, faceless fiend to pique one's interest.
In Britain, "Fiend" ruffled feathers for its intensity and endured some trims. It also played worldwide as a double bill with another Amalgamated Picture hit, "The Haunted Strangler", starring Boris Karloff.
Donna ordered these cards from Filmfax (of course). They're 11" x 14" each and printed on high-quality stock: stunning on all counts. (Stock images were used for this post to ensure clarity.)
My Donna sure made my Valentine's Day extra special. What can I say? My dear wife knows me all too well.
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