Lobster Man from Mars

Stevie Horowitz eagerly awaits a meeting with Hollywood producer J.P. Shelldrake, hoping to win a breakthrough project. Shelldrake is anxious about IRS trouble and unpaid taxes, and his accountant proposes a tax-write-off scheme that only works if the film flops. The meeting is a pivotal setup for the plan that follows.

Shelldrake agrees to meet with Stevie and screen his film Lobster Man from Mars, financed by Stevie's jailed con-man Uncle Joey. The scheme is pitched as a way to absorb expenses from the next release in a manner that could shield Shelldrake from tax problems if the movie fails. The screening sets the stage for the movie-within-a-movie to be evaluated on its potential profits.

Inside Shelldrake's private screening room, the film within the film begins. The plot shows Mars suffering from a severe air leakage, and the Lobster Man and his assistant Mombo transform victims into smoking skeletons after stealing Earth's air. The outrageous premise is laid out as the setup for the flop-based write-off Shelldrake hopes to claim.

On a lonely road, John and Mary discover the hiding place of the flying saucer in a dark cave. They attempt to warn the authorities but are ignored, so they seek help from Professor Plocostomos.

Successfully contacted, Professor Plocostomos helps formulate a plan to lure the Lobster Man to Mr. Throckmorton's Haunted House, which sits among boiling hot springs. The scheme is designed to trap the intruder and prevent further air theft.

The Lobster Man is drawn to the haunted house as the trap unfolds. The plan hinges on pushing him into the hot water to boil him alive, turning the villain's fate toward a steamy demise. The sequence marks the start of the final showdown inside the in-film story.

Colonel Ankrum and his troops interrupt the ruse, shelling the haunted house and destroying the setting. The Lobster Man flees with Mary, leaving the planned trap in ruins. The momentum shifts to a frantic chase through the compound's aftermath.

Mary manages to escape from the Lobster Man, but he continues to pursue her. A wild chase unfolds across the landscape as they dodge pursuit and navigate treacherous terrain. The action escalates toward the climactic finale.

Professor Plocostomos employs the overheated engine coolant from his vehicle to drench Mombo, causing his foamy demise. The odd, makeshift weapon marks a turning point in the chase as morale shifts against the Lobster Man.

The pursuit ends in Yellowstone National Park, where the Lobster Man is tricked into stepping into the Old Faithful Geyser and is boiled to death. The bizarre sequence doubles as a dramatic capstone to the in-film events. The audience is left with a memorable climax.

The screening concludes, and Shelldrake is astonished by the film's potential despite its ridiculous premise. He buys the production on the spot, securing Stevie's future as his next big project.

After release, the film becomes a huge box-office success, delivering unexpected profits. The spectacular turnaround sends Shelldrake straight to tax prison, complicating the studio's fortunes.

With Shelldrake no longer in charge, Stevie takes his place as the studio's new boy wonder. The former outsider's dream comes true as he steers the company through its surprising success.