Plan 9 from Outer Space

“My friends, can your hearts stand the shocking facts about grave robbers from outer space?”
- Criswell

Plan 9 from Outer Space (here on in Plan 9) is one of the most interesting, bizarre and astoundingly crippled films of the last century. Widely regarded as being the worst film of all time, such claims can be dismissed I believe, for Ed Wood’s somewhat seminal creation has stood the test of time and proved to be a showcase (of some sort) for any budding film maker out there, no matter how many flaws it has. Edward D. Wood Jr proved his worth in 1958, that with very little he could actually conjure up a bizarre tale and commit it to celluloid for all to see.

Plan 9 is an institute in itself, no longer is it as easily shunned as it was all those years ago, but instead celebrated by enthusiasts who understand what Ed Wood tried to achieve, in a time when America was rife with many shoddy horror and sci-fi flicks. That's not to say that Plan 9 isn’t shoddy - indeed it is in many ways, but it also manages to create a great sense of joy. No matter how ridiculous the film may appear it never fails to entertain or raise a smile, and in this respect it delivers what any movie should. It may be a nightmare piece of work for some but to others it is a film with charm, and for me it is one that means well. I applaud Ed Wood for what he’s achieved and I respect him for his ideas, even though they’re not perfectly implemented well into this story. Plan 9 is a great study into how not to make a bad movie, but at the same time to appreciate working with what you have. Today things haven’t changed much; many poor films are released every year and many will never be as fondly remembered as Ed Wood’s timeless classic. Through the Golden Turkey Awards in the 70’s the attempts at trying to ridicule it only made it more popular over time.


The story, for what it is worth sees aliens once again trying to invade Earth in a bid to ultimately destroy it. Their latest genial plan - No.9 is to use man to destroy himself; by resurrecting the dead and controlling them to carry out nefarious duties, such as using the art of looking scary at someone. As the aliens bring back the dead folk, which includes vampiric females and hulk like officers the military are struggling to turn the tide as more flying saucers, aided by the power of string infiltrate the Earth’s atmosphere. Can one, handsome aircraft pilot save the world from these dastardly creatures?

The plot behind Plan 9 is that of a hybrid of ideas, including Wood’s philosophical approach that has him struggling to tackle issues about the Earth’s dangerous resources and how mankind will ultimately destroy itself and the planets around it, as scientists learn to embrace technology that doesn’t yet exist. The crux of the film is that these aliens will do what they can to prevent such an epidemic catastrophe from ever happening. If it means destroying one world to save many others then so be it.

The storyline is so incoherent at times and obviously thrown together like a patchwork of undeveloped ideas that it appears as if Ed Wood had little grasp on what the overall result of his piece would be. The film flows out of sequence - disorienting - as our narrator, Criswell explains the events leading up to the alien attacks. Still this makes little sense as far too much is glossed over and part of the fault is that of the untimely death of horror icon, Bella Lugosi - forcing Wood to form a new strategy, using what little footage he managed to get during Lugosi’s final days.


Although it means well the problem with Plan 9 is that it is such a patronizing piece of work. Further harmed by Ed Wood’s gung-ho attitude, it shows him concentrating less on developing his written work and a little more on his directorial efforts, in a bid to finish his film as quickly as possible. I appreciate the message that Ed Wood is trying to put out because it is one that has been risen many times in the years since major world war events, but his choice to have Eros (Dudley “Best Surname Ever” Manlove), provide the bulk of habitually condescending and overbearing musings proves to be a poor one, and inevitably it pushes the message further into the background. This leaves us with a special effects travesty and an ensemble of some of the worst actors to have ever graced the screen.

Although I say worst I can’t help but smile at their efforts to carry a film that tries so hard to take itself seriously, and it is through a large selection of unintentionally hilarious dialogue that we can simply take a break and be cheered up for 78 minutes. Even the aforementioned Eros, for all his commenting is one of the funniest aliens to ever appear in a science fiction film, with classic belters such as “You see, you see? Your stupid minds, stupid, stupid!” - As he argues in a typically child like state after a reasonably interesting commentary on Earth's behavioural attitudes toward weapons of mass destruction. Amusingly Eros is perhaps the most fleshed out character in the film, the others leave very little to be desired, with such examples as inept police officers and tedious heroes.

The rest of the cast are “inspired” so to say; mostly made up of close friends and D list celebrities. Wood had cast for his creatures, Tor Johnson and late night, TV horror film presenter/seductress Vampira. Tor had always been typecast, his looks made him instantly recognisable and he would often be cast as heavy set bad guys; his suitable look made for perfect casting when it came to Plan 9 - as a result of his part he became immortalised many years later when a Halloween mask, based on his character was mass produced, which continues to sell to this day. Maila Nurmi (a.k.a. Vampira), know best for being Elvira’s predecessor plays the old man’s (Lugosi) dead wife, the resurrected vampire like woman (still clearly in character) with the most amazingly thin waist ever - a result of fasting for three days prior to shooting the film. There is no reason why she is supposed to look the way she does, it’s simply Vampira being Vampira. Together, she and Tor provided two very memorable characters who on occasion as a result of Ed’s shooting managed to actually appear disturbing.


Gregory Walcott as the film's hero, Jeff Trent comes across as one of the least interesting characters in the film, he’s not as important to the film as he should be, because in this instance our interest lies elsewhere. Walcott does try hard though, as does the rest of the cast but not being a seasoned professional his performance shows up as being thin.

Ed Wood curiously employed the services of Criswell, known at the time for his wonderfully inaccurate predictions that he made in various publications. Criswell provides the narration throughout in absurd fashion as his serious dedication and his own believability in what he's saying makes for a few giggles and groans. The ice cream-haired presenter is still one of the most memorable characters, who welcomes us and leaves us by the end in bizarre fashion.

Finally the remaining important actor of the film worth mentioning is Bela Lugosi. Famed of course for his portrayal of Dracula and subsequently being typecast for the rest of his life, Wood had befriended him and convinced him to star in this after his work on Glen or Glenda in 1953. Bela agreed, his career was already at an end and he had become washed up, suffering from an addiction to morphine. During the filming, Lugosi sadly passed away and Wood called for a stand in to complete his scenes. Up to this point Lugosi had offered very little. Wood tries to film a few poignant scenes but his lack in motivating his own actors (despite his enthusiasm), no matter how good they may or may not be makes for poor performances. Lugosi simply wanders aimlessly and looks depressed - not a fitting way for him to go out. Standing in for Lugosi’s character is Ed Wood’s chiropractor, Tom Masen. Brought on board because his ears were familiar to Lugosi’s, Masen takes over the cape duties, covering his face to just below the eyes as he too walks aimlessly around town, scaring young women and serving no real purpose to the development of the plot.


We already know that Ed Wood had little at his disposal - this not only meant quality actors but also sets and props, so he took it upon himself to also oversee the special effects work, for which Plan 9 has become the most famous for. Part of the fun in watching the film play out is seeing how many flaws you can spot in the background. Production values are lower than low and it is so very evident, from unstable grave stones to toy flying saucers, held up by clearly visible strings. Yes, the special effects are quite awful but at the same time, in light of when this film was made and how it has garnered such a cult status they only add to its charm. There is also an abundant use of stock footage and sheets that provide day and night time scenes. Ed Wood knew what he wanted to achieve and the only way for him to express this was by using such primitive methods that are only accepted because they belong in an Ed Wood film.

Plan 9 isn’t a great film, nor is it as awful as it has been made out to be. It’s rare than I can forgive a director for offering no more than enthusiasm for what he does, but in Ed Wood’s defence he did achieve something important, something that triumphs over limitations and provides influential ideas that have been better developed in the years since. It’s a shame that Ed Wood Jr did not live long enough to see his film become so famous, even inspiring Tim Burton to make a film about such a time in his life. Wood made it as a director, and his own mind he knew that to be true, as someone who made movies just because he loved movies. His passion and his willingness to try anything shows on screen and that is why his film can be loved so dearly. You can look at this as being nothing more than pretentious drivel or a heartfelt and sincere piece of work, either way there is no doubting its success and the power of Ed Wood Jr’s legacy.


The DVD

Image Entertainment's DVD is knocking on three years old now, which means you'll likely be able to pick it up very cheap. This edition is well worth it.

Picture

Plan 9 has never looked better than it does here, the film has been lovingly transferred to DVD with very little in the way of flaws. There are no distracting authoring factors and the image is wonderfully crisp and clear. There are evident signs of wear and tear, which is natural, but they do not distract in the slightest. Blacks are solid and brightness levels are good, a real treat for fans.

Sound

A Dolby Digital Mono track is present and it sounds as good as it possibly ever could. There is a fair amount of hiss and other aural defects that come down to the original recording materials that lacked a certain quality.

Extras

Theatrical Trailer
The original, over the top theatrical trailer that gives us something to smile about. It probably deterred cinema goers if anything else. It’s nice to see it on the disc in all its badness.

Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9 Companion
This is the excellent 110 minute documentary from 1992 by the late, Mark Patrick Carducci. Covering just about everything you would ever want to know about the film and Ed Woods life, this is a must for fans; featuring interviews with surviving cast members, film historians and movie makers. This is very well produced and you’ll certainly find a new found respect for Ed Wood, if you didn’t have any for him in the first place. The picture quality isn’t too great as this was filmed on tape, but it has an amazing wealth of information and stock footage that earns it high marks.


Overall

Some film historians or critics will tell you that Plan 9 is an absurd piece of film making that has so many plot holes, consistently bad acting and continuity slips that it doesn’t deserve to be praised. Well sure it has those things, but it is an iconic piece of cinema that whether good or bad proudly sits amongst the best of what cult cinema has to offer. For those who have never seen it, you owe it to yourselves to check it out, because it is an important piece of cinema no matter which way you look at it.

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