The Space Children

Plot

A brain from space visits earth and communicates telepathically with the children of scientists that are planning a nuclear war. The alien brain helps the children to sabotage the rockets and prevent the war.

Cast

The part of Eadie Johnson is portrayed by Sandy Descher. Descher had previous sci-fi movie experience when she played a catatonic child in Them! from 1954.

Production

The Space Children was William Alland's first picture with Paramount. The film was based on The Egg, an unpublished story by Tom Filer involving a girl with polio that was significantly different than the film.

The alien brain was created by special effects artist Ivyl Burks and used $3,300 of neon lights to create the glowing effect.

Release

The Space Children was first released to theaters on June 18, 1958 as part of a double bill, along with The Colossus of New York, which was also produced by William Alland.

Home media

The Space Children was first released as a DVD in 2006 as part of the Lost Movie Classics Collection by RoDon Enterprises. A second DVD release occurred in 2012 and was accompanied by a Blu-ray release both by Olive Films.

Reception

Movie critic for The Commercial Appeal, John Beifuss, reviewed the film, stating;"while robust Wikipedia entries can be found for the other Arnold and Alland science-fiction films, "The Space Children" rates only these two sentences: 'The Space Children' is a 1958 film directed by Jack Arnold. The movie was featured on 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' in 1998 during season 9."