Plan 9 from Outer Space

Plan 9 from Outer Space

Year: 1959

Runtime: 79 min

Language: English

Director: Edward D. Wood Jr.

Sci-FiHorror

In this cult classic, a mysterious invasion unfolds as flying saucers descend upon California's San Fernando Valley. Aliens Eros and Tanna resurrect the dead from a Hollywood cemetery, unleashing terror in the form of a ghoul, vampire, and a hapless cop who can't rest due to his own nosiness.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Set in a vague present that feels like a snapshot of mid-20th century America, the film captures the essence of traditional societal structures contrasted against the impending alien invasion. The mundane reality of everyday life is abruptly disrupted by extraterrestrial encounters, illustrating a period marked by both optimism and paranoia towards the unknown. The backdrop reflects a time when the fascination with outer space and horror stories began to intertwine.

Location

Graveyard, Burbank, Hollywood

The story is set in a seemingly peaceful graveyard where mourners gather, only to be disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious flying saucer. Burbank serves as the backdrop for the pilots' encounter with the alien craft, while Hollywood becomes a focal point for the unfolding chaos, highlighted by newspaper headlines about the UFO sightings. This juxtaposition of serene finality and cosmic intrusion amplifies the eerie atmosphere.

🪦 Graveyard 🛩️ Burbank 🌆 Hollywood

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:37

Main Characters – Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
Meet the key characters of Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeff Trent (Gregory Walcott)

Jeff is a pilot caught in the midst of an alien invasion, illustrating a blend of bravery and fear. His character embodies the everyman, attempting to protect his family while grappling with the surreal circumstances that unfold around him. Jeff's narrative arc showcases his evolution from skepticism to active involvement against the extraterrestrial threat.

✈️ Pilot 🛡️ Protector 😨 Everyman

Inspector Clay (Tor Johnson)

Inspector Clay is portrayed as a determined police officer facing a peculiar crisis with little to no guidance. His attempts to maintain order in the chaos reveal his dedication to duty while confronting an absurd and horrific situation. Clay's character reflects the challenges of authority figures in managing unconventional threats.

👮‍♂️ Authority ⚖️ Justice 🚨 Investigator

Paula Trent (Mona McKinnon)

Paula is Jeff's wife, narratively positioned as a source of fear and vulnerability amidst the alien upheaval. Her character is crucial in propelling Jeff into action, as her safety becomes intertwined with the larger conflict. Paula's struggle against supernatural forces symbolizes the everywoman's plight during crises.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Wife 💔 Vulnerability 🚪 Escapist

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:37

Major Themes – Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
Explore the central themes of Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Resurrection

The theme of resurrection pervades the film, with both the old man's return from the grave and the creation of zombies by aliens. It raises questions about mortality, the afterlife, and the potential consequences of disturbing the natural order. This theme resonates with audiences as they ponder the implications of life beyond death and the ethics of interfering with such forces.

🚨 Chaos

As the story unfolds, chaos ensues both at the graveyard and in the lives of the characters affected by the alien invasion. The disruption of normalcy highlights societal fears, particularly around government inadequacies and how they respond to extraordinary threats. The rising panic among characters reflects broader societal anxieties about the unknown, suggesting a critique of how society handles crises.

🚀 Alien Intrusion

The film prominently features the theme of alien intrusion, symbolizing fears of the unknown and the uncontrollable. It serves as an allegory for the human condition in the face of unforeseen threats. The aliens' plan to resurrect the dead transforms the mundane into the supernatural, emphasizing humanity's vulnerability in a universe filled with mysteries.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:37

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