X: The Unknown (1956)

38% of users liked it
(364 ratings)

X the Unknown is a well-crafted imitation of the Quatermass British sci-fi pictures of the 1950s. A group of soldiers on maneuvers in Scotland stumble across a gravel pit which emanates an unusual amount of radiation. Several deaths occur before the radioactive material is mysteriously stolen.… More X the Unknown is a well-crafted imitation of the Quatermass British sci-fi pictures of the 1950s. A group of soldiers on maneuvers in Scotland stumble across a gravel pit which emanates an unusual amount of radiation. Several deaths occur before the radioactive material is mysteriously stolen. Researcher Dr. Adam Royston (Dean Jagger) speculates that the thief is some sort of inhuman monstrosity dwelling at the Earth's core. He points out that past radioactive disturbances have been occurring at 50-year intervals, each followed by sudden deaths and the disappearance of the material. Royston suggests that the unknown monster has been resuscitated by humankind's recent atomic experiments. Sure enough, the monster manifests itself as a huge slab of glowing radioactive mud (laugh now if you must -- you won't laugh when you see it). X the Unknown works well within its limited budget; unfortunately, many TV prints have been truncated, robbing some of the best horrific moments of their full impact. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Leslie Norman
Written By: Jimmy Sangster
Genres: Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Nov 5, 1956 Wide

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Despite its absurd storyline, it's a surprisingly entertaining film that won't deaden your brain cells even if it's a trashy B film sci-fier.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Fairly dreary sci-fi of the oozing monster stripe with a strong lead.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael G

This not entirely satisfying Hammer film is pretty much solidifies the reason as to why you didn't see them making too many sci-fi movies. Dean Jagger plays an American scientist in Scotland, who with the army at his disposal must stop the radioactive version of The Blob. The… More
This not entirely satisfying Hammer film is pretty much solidifies the reason as to why you didn't see them making too many sci-fi movies. Dean Jagger plays an American scientist in Scotland, who with the army at his disposal must stop the radioactive version of The Blob. The story is nothing innovative or even particularly exciting but even Hammer's lesser efforts have some great murders, an awesome-looking monster and a great finale. And if you're lucky, some spectacular photography. Fortunately, X the Unknown has all of these things. It's just too bad there are those story parts inbetween.
alan j

Alot of noise and static..and a performance by Dean Jagger as though hes' taking a stroll in the park..uninspired, not scary or frightening, just a blob of radioactive energy slime creating havoc..the science behind it is as hard to grasp as the entertainment value (or lack… More
Alot of noise and static..and a performance by Dean Jagger as though hes' taking a stroll in the park..uninspired, not scary or frightening, just a blob of radioactive energy slime creating havoc..the science behind it is as hard to grasp as the entertainment value (or lack thereof) this movie offers...