Reviews

This was a one time TV broadcast in 1955 - and never seen since. So, it is highly unlikely that anyone under 60 years old actually saw it. However, there are several ratings from much younger people. These must be in reference to the awful movie version starring Jerry Lewis rather than the the fantastic TV play starring Cyril Richard. I found the TV version to be even better than the Broadway version which was nominated for a Pulitzer prize. I can't believe that Gore Vidal allowed Hollywood to destroy such a masterpiece as was done with the movie version.

There is a review that indicates that it was found and restored by the UCLA film archives. Hopefully, it will soon make it's way to a special broadcast that can be view by the general public. Better yet, a purchasable DVD version.

Although somewhat funny because of the typical Jerry Lewis antics, it bears very little resemblance to the original TV and Broadway plays which was supposedly the basis for the film. I was lucky enough to see the original TV broadcast and read the play. Personally, I found the TV version to be the best. The premise is that an alien (of superior intelligence) comes to earth and makes rather scathing comments and conclusions from his observations about American (and world) cultures and societies. Most likely rather accurate reflections of the author's (Gore Vidal) thoughts on the subjects and issues. It was a very socially relevant portrayal of the time period. The film version vaguely touched on some and made the alien a very naive buffoon which turned a great satire into a comic farce for laughs only and of little intellectual value.

I keep hoping that someday a video version of the TV broadcast will be released. I believe that the UCLA archives does have a kinescope copy on file.

JGB in Massachusetts

Unfortunately it lost the depth and intensity of the original film from which it was adapted. Although it would not have worked well as a literal translation, it didn't meet the inherent potential of the storyline and plot of the original and well chosen cast.

This is undoubtedly a faddish cult film where one is supposed to believe the pathetic characters and bad acting are purposefully concocted and are part of a private inside joke that only the in crowd will get. I was appalled and dismayed to see that it was chosen by the AFI as one of the best films of the 20th Century - especially comparing it to nearly any of the many nonimations that did not make the final list. I believe it has a very time limited appeal that will not withstand the universal appeal and timelessness of a true classic.

This is undoubtedly one of the best foreign films I've ever seen. All the elements: the cast,plot, cinematography, etc are quite remarkable.It is particularly thought provoking in its treatment of ideas concerning psychiatry and religion; science-fiction/metaphysics.

I would really like to see an English version made. However, I don't think it would work as a direct translation.Unfortunately, there are too many people who cannot appreciate a movie in a foreign language with subtitles - who will be missing a truly worthwhile film.

This is undoubtedly one of the best foreign films I've ever seen. All the elements: the cast,plot, cinematography, etc are quite remarkable.It is particularly thought provoking in its treatment of ideas concerning psychiatry and religion; science-fiction/metaphysics.

I would really like to see an English version made. However, I don't think it would work as a direct translation.Unfortunately, there are too many people who cannot appreciate a movie in a foreign language with subtitles - who will be missing a truly worthwhile film.

I think this is one of the best horror/thriller movies ever made. I consider it a psychological than a true horror film or ghost story. It's minimal on special effects but extremely gripping, thrilling and even scary.Julie Harris gave what should have been an oscar-winning performance; and the rest of the cast is excellent. I find it hard to believe that the AFI didn't even nominate it for one of the 100 best thrillers of the 20th Century.

Unfortunately, there was a remake done recently which changed the story and relied con special effects. Inspite of what should have been a great cast - it was an extremely bad movie.