It Conquered the World (1956) Film Locations

“He learned almost too late that man is a feeling creature and because of it, the greatest in the universe.” – Dr. Paul Nelson’s closing thoughts.

Touche Dr. Nelson! Who doesn’t enjoy a closing philosophical speech pontificating the human condition in their science fiction movies?

Honestly, anytime you add Lee Van Cleef and Peter Graves to a movie, you add a dose of class. Erudite patricians who can take a film about a tyrannical evil ice cream cone from Venus, summering in Griffith Park, bent on world domination into something watchable. A tip of the hat to these men.

Dr. Tom Anderson (Lee Van Cleef), an egotistical bitter scientist finds solace in his communications with a Venusian alien (played by an evil giant upside down ice cream cone) who only wants peace through elimination of all human emotions. Seems sensible. Dr. Anderson found a kindred spirit across the void of space. His wife (Beverly Garland) and frenemy Dr. Nelson (Peter Graves) are way too square and hung up on human emotions. Through their lovely late night CB chats, Dr. Anderson agrees to help his alien besty because if you can’t trust an otherworldly alien who wants to eliminate a main component of humanity, who can you trust.

Phase 1, the Venusian disrupts all electric power on earth, because hey, that’s what friendly aliens do.
Phase 2, assimilate (precursor to the Borg) the population through flying bat creatures.
What a plan.

Dr. Nelson uncovers Dr. Anderson‘s dealing with the Venusian and finally persuades Dr. Anderson that he has made a horrible mistake.

This frenemy, science fiction, melodrama takes places in the charming area of Beachwood and the famous Bronson Caves. In fact, it feels reminiscent of another alien assimilation movie that filmed in the charming Beachwood and famous Bronson Caves … Invasion of the Body Snatchers.