Killers from Space

Killers from Space

Year: 1954

Runtime: 71 mins

Language: English

Director: W. Lee Wilder

Science FictionHorrorMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseImaginative space odysseys and alien encountersDangerous technology and the apocalypse

Atomic scientist and pilot Doug Martin vanishes after his plane crashes on a nuclear‑test reconnaissance mission. He returns unharmed, is treated with sodium amethol, and claims he was captured by aliens intent on conquering Earth with gigantic monsters and insects. Skeptical officials hear his plan to use existing technology to defeat the invaders.

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Timeline & Setting – Killers from Space (1954)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Killers from Space (1954). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The story unfolds during the atomic age, when nuclear tests are a visible symbol of national power and scientific ambition. The setting reflects Cold War era paranoia, with military facilities, research labs, and investigative agencies playing key roles. The plot's urgency comes from a race to comprehend and counter a mysterious extraterrestrial threat.

Location

Soledad Flats, USAF Air Base

Soledad Flats serves as the testing site for a USAF atomic blast and houses the base hospital and operations center. The base is a secure, remote facility where scientists, pilots, and investigators intersect during a tense probe into Martin's odd behavior. Later revelations reveal an underground alien base connected to the surface events.

⚙️ Military base 👽 Alien contact

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

Main Characters – Killers from Space (1954)

Meet the key characters of Killers from Space (1954), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Douglas Martin (Peter Graves)

A brilliant nuclear scientist whose memory becomes unreliable after a crash and alleged alien captivity. He persists in stealing data when not on leave, using his knowledge to piece together a way to stop the alien threat. His logical approach and persistence anchor the plan to save Earth.

🧠 Scientist 🔎 Investigator 🧭 Determined

Denab / The Tala

Alien leader revived Martin's life and orchestrates an invasion from an underground base. From Astron Delta, they plan to exterminate humanity by weaponizing radiation and bio-engineered insects and reptiles. The character represents a calculated, technologically adept extraterrestrial threat.

👽 Alien Leader 🔬 Technologist 🛰️ Strategist

Maj. Clift (Shepard Menken)

Military officer who contributes to the base's security and decision-making. He embodies the rigid chain of command and the mix of skepticism and duty that defines the base's response to extraordinary claims.

🛡️ Authority 🧭 Strategic 🧪 Scientist

Col Banks (James Seay)

Base commander who is cautious about Martin's story, balancing leadership with prudence. He represents institutional caution in the face of seemingly impossible explanations.

🧭 Leadership 🕵️ Skeptic ⚙️ Military

FBI Agent Briggs (Steve Pendleton)

An investigator who scrutinizes Martin's claims and tracks the trail of data across the investigation. He embodies the tension between bureaucratic skepticism and the possibility of extraordinary truth.

🔍 Investigator 🧩 Analytical 🛡️ Persistent

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

Major Themes – Killers from Space (1954)

Explore the central themes of Killers from Space (1954), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔬 Science vs Fear

A brilliant scientist's extraordinary account tests the boundary between objective evidence and political mistrust. The base, FBI, and hospital factions clash over whether Martin's tale is credible, highlighting how fear can impede scientific progress. The narrative uses calculations and data as a tool to navigate danger and doubt.

🛡️ Heroism

Martin's determination to protect Earth drives him to act when conventional institutions doubt him. The plot emphasizes ingenuity under pressure, as a single scientist translates theory into a life-saving plan. The story frames courage as a necessary response to an overwhelming threat.

👽 Alien Threat

Denab and the Tala embody a calculated extraterrestrial menace intent on conquering humanity. The aliens manipulate energy sources and technology to reach their goals, presenting a stark contrast between human resilience and alien power. The climactic destruction of their base demonstrates the stakes of interstellar invasion.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

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Killers from Space Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Killers from Space, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Killers from Space Summary

Killers from Space Timeline

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Killers from Space Timeline

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