This 1957 release from which the B Monster derives its name is one of the finest examples of junk cinema you're likely to find. The Astounding She Monster was produced and directed by aspiring B movie mavin Ron Ashcroft who edited the film in his own living room according to star Robert Clarke. As Clarke related to Psychotronic Video magazine, "the only one who got any close-ups was Shirley Kilpatrick, a real sex bomb." Model/stripper Kilpatrick was cast as the She Monster, owing to her formidable bodily assets. Said Clarke, "the very first time she wore the suit, she ripped it out the back." Viewers will notice that Kilpatrick exits every scene backing away from the camera. The She Monster turned a tidy profit, due in no small part to the stunning Albert Kallis portrait of Kilpatrick that adorns the movie poster.

Ed Wood stock player Keene Duncan is featured as a gangster who crashes geologist Clarke's mountain cabin with his moll and a kidnapped heiress in tow. Before long, the shimmering, sequined She Monster crash-lands nearby bringing radioactive death to any who venture near her. Arching an impossible pair of eyebrows, she stalks through the film in a literal haze, never uttering a word.

Clarke starred in a handful of the most beloved B-creature films ever, including The Man From Planet X, Captive Women and his magnum opus, The Hideous Sun Demon, which he also directed. All are endearing in their peculiar way. Who cares about budget? Screen 'em and have a ball!

The Man From Planet X (1951)
Along with The Thing From Another World, this moody alien encounter blazed the trails that every space invasion flick would follow. Swathed in shadows, dripping with atmosphere, you just won't find a more solid B fright flick than this, arguably Edgar Ulmer's best film. Featuring Margaret (Sally's Mom) Field and William (Patty Duke's TV Dad) Schallert.

Acting: B
Atmosphere: A+
Fun: A

Captive Women (1952)
The heart of the Planet X cast (Clarke, Field and Schallert) returns in this tale of a post-nuclear dystopia peopled by domineering normals and down-trodden mutants.

Acting: C
Atmosphere: C
Fun: B-

The Hideous Sun Demon (1959)
Clarke produced, directed and stars as a scientist transformed into a reptilian biped whenever the sunshine strikes him. Once more, radiation is to blame. It may not be the most probing examination of the duality of man's nature, but it's a hell of a lot of fun.

Acting: B
Atmosphere: C
Fun: C

"His beast blood demanded he kill - kill - kill!"
Curse of the Werewolf

"Filmed in Violent Vision."
Night of Bloody Horror

"They feared no monster -- yet fell before the touch of man!"
Untamed Women


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