The Gamma People

This is more of a light comedy than a science fiction thriller. It's actually a film about the different stereotypes of nationalities, beginning with the "ugly American" and the "waggish British" reporters.

The film always moves briskly, due more to clever writing, good casting, and strategic directing, than on effects and big money. This is a textbook film on how to make a film look like it's more action packed than it really is.

We know it's a spoof on the nationalities from the start, as the pair of reporters are oblivious to their train car being dislodged, by accident, and rolling into a "duchy" that resembles the European duchy we get in classics like THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, THE MOUSE THAT ROARED, and others.

The duchy citizens also play to part.

However, like most good films, this takes stereotypes and changes them into three dimensional characters, or at least two dimensional. The film makes sure it doesn't lose its light hearted approach. It has the cult look of a Rocky Horror in that regard, of taking stereotypes and making more out of them.

This is a fun film, and well done, obviously low budget. There are no dull moments, which is more than I can say for most big budget science fiction movies. Much of this is because the film creates a very good atmosphere.

Never underestimate "atmosphere" and "fundamentals". This film has both.

A train-passage car carrying 2 reporters--one who resembles Prof. Quatermass a bit too much--accidently winds up breaking off from the rest of the train leaving the 2 men stranded in a strange little European country named Gudavia. Once there, they find they cannot leave as those running the country have other plans. They investigate and uncover a mad scientist's conspiracy to control the people by turning them all into slaves of the state with the help of a gamma ray machine. This movie is pretty outrageous and displays some serious leaps of logic. It also features a most unlikely change of heart in one of the main characters. Still the lead actors are likable and the film is silly fun.

Wow- I saw this movie on TV when I was about 6 or 7 and it has remained with me for 55 years- I didn't know the title but I remember the carriage of the train that the two guys were in at the beginning of the film being detached from the rest of the train and then being redirected to a remote village where a mad scientist was experimenting on people and turning them into goons- I thought I would never find it and it drove me mad so many times- watched so many old horror movies over the years hoping this could be that elusive one- finally found it on the UK Talking Pictures channel - was it as great as I remember as a kid? Of course not, but very entertaining and I can now have a peaceful retirement!

One of my sci-fi/horror/fantasy reviews written 50 years ago: Directed by John Gilling; Produced by John Gossage; Executive Producers: Irving Allen and Albert R. Broccoli, for Columbia Pictures release. Screenplay by Gilling and Gossage; Photography by Ted Moore; Edited by Jack Slade; Music by George Melachrino; Art Direction by John Box; Assistant Director: Robert Lynn; Camera Operator: Ernest Day. Starring: Paul Douglas, Eva Bartok, Leslie Phillips, Walter ROlilla, Martin Miller, Rosalie Crutchley and Olaf Pooley.

Fifties British science-fiction pic concerning experiments in creating a 'Brave New World' Gudavia, by genetic standardization of geniuses and meatheads. Movie has a variety of orientations, including sci-fi, political, sociological and East versus West propagandizing.

Due to a train mishap, two reporters (Paul Douglas and Leslie Phillips) find themselves in the tiny country of Gudavia. At first imprisoned as spies, then released, the pair find it very difficult to actually leave the country.

Noticing some odd behavior among the townspeople, they are tipped off about a certain Dr. Boronski (Walter Rilla) and the possibility that he could be meddling with nature in order to create a master race. This could explain the stiff, militaristic children running around!

THE GAMMA PEOPLE is a solid, astute political thriller with science fiction and comedy / satire added as well. It's wonderful how the reporters stir up trouble for the government and its nefarious plans! A rare, enjoyable film about freedom of the press in action, resulting in an open rebellion against oppression. The explosive finale is perfect!...