Gamma People (1956)

100% want to see it
(2 ratings)

Filmed in England, The Gamma People is a strange blend of "Prisoner of Zenda" type adventure, comic opera, cold war paranoia and science fiction. The film is set in Gudavia, a mythical European country ruled by scientists. These misguided intellectuals have been utilizing gamma rays to create a race… More Filmed in England, The Gamma People is a strange blend of "Prisoner of Zenda" type adventure, comic opera, cold war paranoia and science fiction. The film is set in Gudavia, a mythical European country ruled by scientists. These misguided intellectuals have been utilizing gamma rays to create a race of genius-level supermen, Instead, they wind up either with emotionless automatons or hulking, mindless brutes. American newsman Paul Douglas and British photographer Leslie Phillips, literally stumbling into this situation, attempt to save the day. Also battling the Gamma People is Eva Bartok, the sister of one of the human "experiments". ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 23 min.
Directed By: John Gilling
Genres: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A strange but uneven Ruritanian comedy sci-fi tale.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Eric B

Given its hokey plot, "The Gamma People" is a surprisingly first-class production. But picturesque locations, solid acting and capable direction aren't enough to save the film. Two journalist friends (one American and one British...why?) are on a train to Salzburg, but… More
Given its hokey plot, "The Gamma People" is a surprisingly first-class production. But picturesque locations, solid acting and capable direction aren't enough to save the film. Two journalist friends (one American and one British...why?) are on a train to Salzburg, but arrive in the tiny, uncharted country of Gudavia by mistake. The local people are upbeat and seem harmless enough, but something isn't quite right. Despite not having seen "The Wicker Man," the visitors soon develop suspicions of a lurking evil. Being crafty investigators, they discover the area is under the thumb of a fearsome Dr. Boronski. Boronski is the usual brilliant, madman scientist -- his scheme is using gamma rays to create child geniuses (along with a few adult zombies to serve as security staff). Naturally, he is upset to have his operation revealed -- even though he ordered the journalists steered to town in the first place (why?). The two leads are an interesting pair. They seem too old for these roles, yet are impressively skilled at throwing punches. But rather than being the usual hard-nosed gumshoe types, they are playful, understated and charming. I was reminded of a similar crime-solving pair from the campy "Chamber of Horrors." If you ever wondered what Kurt Von Trapp from "The Sound of Music" would be like as a Nazi, take a look at this film's wicked Hugo.