“Their eyes can’t tolerate the light!”
The 1950s were a time of change for horror films. Science fiction began to make its way into more and more horror movies of the period. Aliens, mutants, and giant monsters started replacing vampires and werewolves as the go-to monsters of the day. The Atomic Age brought us films like Them!, Godzilla, and The Day The Earth Stood Still. Even the Universal Monsters were transforming from mummies and invisible men into The Creature From The Black Lagoon and the Metaluna Mutants of This Island Earth. Almost all of these films were produced with low budgets, and only a few were very good films overall. 1956’s The Mole People was one such film.
Although it is sometimes packaged and promoted as a Universal Monsters film, The Mole People seems to be best looked at as a science film. It tells the story of a group of archaeologists uncovering ancient Sumerian tablets that speak of a cult of Ishtar. When a massive earthquake strikes their dig site, they venture up into the mountains in order to find out if more proof of the Sumerians exists. What they find is an underground world featuring a race of albino Sumerians that have enslaved subterranean Mole people that harvest mushrooms for them to eat. The three archaeologists that discover the race, Bentley, Bellamin, and Lafarge, are initially believed to be messengers of Ishtar since they have control of Ishtar’s flame (a flashlight). When it is discovered that they are mortal, a conniving high priest, Elinu, plans to steal the flashlight for himself and overthrow the Sumerian king. Standing in his way are Bentley and Bellamin, as well as their newfound friend, the beautiful Adad, and the Mole people. Watch The Mole People to see who comes out victorious!
The movie stars John Agar, Cynthia Patrick, Hugh Beaumont, Alan Napier, Nestor Paiva, and a whole bunch of nameless Mole people. Agar, who had a troubled life that saw him relegated to B-movies for most of the latter part of his career, does a fine job as Bentley. Hugh Beaumont works well as his sidekick, Dr. Bellamin. Nestor Paiva has a somewhat limited role as Professor Lafarge, but his character is crucial to the story. Adad, a Sumerian slave, is portrayed by Cynthia Patrick. She’s a tragic character in the film and one of the primary reasons that this film’s conclusion left a sour taste in the mouths of filmgoers. Alan Napier, perhaps best known as Alfred the butler from the 1960’s Batman TV show, does an amazing job as Elinu. He’s sinister. The Mole people aren’t monsters at all. They are simply trying to survive in a cruel environment. The real monsters in this film are the Sumerians.
The film does have a rather interesting opening sequence. In it, real world English professor Frank Baxter of the University of Southern California gives us a quick lesson on a number of hollow earth theories. From there, it turns into just another 50’s sci-fi flick, albeit with above average special effects for the time. It’s a fun film to watch, and I even own it on Blu-ray.
The Mole People is a perfect example of the changing times not only for Universal, but for the world as a whole. If for no other reason, give it a look for its cheesy goodness. I think that you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks for checking out my post. Seeing John Agar’s name pop up reminded me of Dinosaur World, a defunct dinosaur park in Beaver, Arkansas, that my family visited a number of times in the early 1980s. I might have to take a look at that place in an upcoming Throwback Thursday post. See you all soon!
Ken's Alternate Universe! 