THE LAST WOMAN ON EARTH (1960)
Article #262 by Dave Sindelar
Viewing date: 12-3-2001
Posting date: 4-18-2002

When all the oxygen is mysteriously taken out of the atmosphere, the only survivors are a man, his wife, and his lawyer. Problems arise when the lawyer begins to take an interest in the man’s wife.

This movie is very ragged about the edges, which is understandable, considering that the script was being written as it was filmed, and the speed with which it was shot. Still, I can’t help but admire this movie in that it aspires to be an actual SF drama, and I think it succeeds. The acting is equally ragged, but it all ends up working quite well. Considering how easy it would have been to make the movie exploitative and pandering, admirable restraint is shown throughout. Credit must certainly go to Roger Corman and screenwriter Robert Towne, who also does double duty by playing the part of the lawyer, Martin Joyce. Betsy Jones-Morland and Antony Carbone (both from THE CREATURE OF THE HAUNTED SEA) play the other two roles. This one is worth a look.