Nightmare on Planet Earth
Fete of Death
At or, at least, near the top of the list of the scariest movies I have ever seen, this is the first and by far the best version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Don Siegel's direction is sparse and pulls no punches. It is aided by a tense score, but it's the story more than anything else that stands out in this film.

Paranoia is rampant throughout this terrifying sci-fi tale. The scariest scene occurs when Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter, who are the only two humans left in Santa Mira, flee the pod people and take refuge in an abandoned mine just outside of town. Hidden under some wooden planks that cover a trench that they are lying in, McCarthy and Wynter successfully evade their pursuers. Later, after the pod people have left the cave, McCarthy relaxes with relief for the first time since his nightmare began, languidly kisses Wynter, and, to his horror, realizes the true nature of his predicament. The look on his face tells it all.

Rife with paranoia and existential alienation, "Body Snatchers" is a classic tale of one man's fight against the overwhelming forces of an invading army bent on destroying him, bent on destroying any and all who are different than them. In short, this movie is as good as it gets.

--Bryan Cassiday, author of "Fete of Death"

Aint Nuthin Like the Real Thing
After countless remakes, you just have to give it to the original. No grand special effects, just pure creepiness and paranoia. The 1950's were a time when family values and conformity were standard so what could be more perfect than everyone thinking exactly the same? Be sure and watch the interview with Kevin McCarthy and then after the movie look around you. Has your usually hysterical friend been a lot calmer than usual, do you wonder if it's really them?

Invasion of the body snatchers
Why doesn't hollywood make good old fashion horror movies like this anymore, without the blood and guts.

"Think Pod"
Kevin McCarthy is fabulous in this film. It shows what a truly great actor he is, even if he did end up on "Flamingo Road." I have always liked the guy who in later years, played the best refined gentleman or evil refined gentleman ever. Next to Kevin, I liked the pods best--great special effects, and realistic--chilling when found in the backs of trucks en route to other US destinations. After Kevin and the pods, I then liked the action, the horror of realization, the attempts to prevent panic, the campy background music. Still entertaining and better than any re-makes.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1955)
This film of 1955 with Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter is one of my two favorite Sci-fi's (the other is Alien).It's fast moving, has great direction and acting and is very scary particularly with the scene of the "replacement people" oozing out of the pods, and not knowing if someone's "real" or not. A timeless classic for all.