INVASION OF THE SAUCER-MEN

Aka Invasion of the Hell Creatures, American-International, 1957, Director: Edward L. Cahn

When I was a boy, I had this little orange rubber figure of the film’s titular creature. At the time, I had no idea my monster toy had anything to do with a movie by which I’d eventually become intrigued, and I’m sure either my mother sold it at a garage sale, or it’s lost in a closet somewhere; but I remember my little creature having big eyes protruding out of a huge veined head. This character had come with a set of other plastic monsters, one of which I now remember as the giant reptilian Ymir from the sci-fi classic 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957).

A few years ago, I discovered a book called Sleaze Creatures: An Illustrated Guide to Obscure Hollywood Horror Movies 1956-1959 written by D. Earl Worth. The book features black and white photos with a written plot of each film featured within its pages. One of the films featured is Invasion of the Saucer-Men. I’ve never seen this movie, but I am now familiar with the story, have watched the trailer via YouTube, and have finally gotten a good look at these little green (brown?) men. I’ve also heard there is a legitimate DVD release on its way, so I’m crossing my fingers and keeping a look out. If anyone out there happens to have a VHS copy or bootleg on DVD, please feel free to send to me an early Halloween gift.

UPDATE: 7/23/2012

I was at my parents' house today, searching through some of the old toys my mom had kept from my childhood, and look what I came across:

Come to find out, these little guys actually belonged to my brother.  My mother showed to me a photo of us two celebrating our birthdays.  These guys were on top of his cake; mine had Star Wars figures.  Eight creatures were rescued from attic obscurity today.  Still missing an orange fish creature though.