W. Lee Wilder

A 1954 American science fiction film directed by W. Lee Wilder, brother of Billy Wilder. Peter Graves plays atomic scientist Doug Martin, who is presumed dead after his plane crashes on a reconnaissance flight following a nuclear test — then turns up alive, telling a story nobody believes: he was captured by aliens who plan to conquer Earth with an army of giant mutated insects and reptiles. Famous for its bug-eyed aliens (created with ping-pong balls) and liberal use of stock footage, the film features an uncredited early appearance by Coleman Francis. Its copyright was never renewed, and it has become a drive-in staple of public domain sci-fi collections.

Sci-Fi · Horror

A 1953 science fiction film directed by W. Lee Wilder, brother of Billy Wilder. An alien spacecraft lands in Santa Monica, and when the visitor's spacesuit makes it look menacing, it kills two people who attack it — then removes the suit and becomes invisible while being pursued by federal agents. A group of scientists races to communicate with the creature before the military destroys it. A quintessential low-budget 1950s invader picture, notable for its early use of an "invisible alien" premise and its downbeat ending. The film is in the public domain.

Sci-Fi · Horror

An ex-con noir shot on location in postwar Italy. Frank Keeler (Lloyd Bridges) did four years in a military prison for a payroll robbery and never revealed where he hid the money. Now out, he returns to the small Italian town to recover his loot — but the cash has been moved, his old flame Elena (Lea Padovani) has questions, and the gang he double-crossed is waiting. Directed by W. Lee Wilder (Billy's brother), the film pairs Italian neorealist locations with hard-boiled American crime conventions. Released through United Artists, its copyright was not renewed; it is in the public domain in the United States.

Crime · Drama · Noir