Attack of the Puppet People

Introduction

Attack of the Puppet People (1958) is a cult classic science fiction film directed by Bert I. Gordon. It tells the story of a lonely doll maker, Mr. Franz, who shrinks people to doll size and keeps them as puppets in his shop. What starts off as a seemingly innocent hobby soon turns into a terrifying and suspenseful story as people start to suspect Franzs activities. With its mix of sci-fi and horror elements, Attack of the Puppet People is a must-watch for fans of classic B-movies. But is it a horror, or a cautionary tale? Is Franz a villain, or a misunderstood victim? Youll have to watch the movie to decide for yourself.

Summary of the plot

Attack of the Puppet People is a 1958 science-fiction horror movie directed by Bert I. Gordon. It tells the story of Bob, who works at a small doll factory run by Mr. Franz. Little does Bob know that Franz has invented a machine that shrinks people, turning them into living dolls. When Franz kidnaps Bobs friends to use as his dolls, Bob must find a way to save them. But can he do it before Franz turns them all into puppets? Its up to Bob to stop Franz and his diabolical plans.

The Cast

The lead actor in Attack of the Puppet People was John Agar, who was likely best known at the time for his roles in westerns such as Fort Apache and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Agars performance as Bob Westley, the protagonist of the film, was praised by critics, who noted that he was able to bring a great deal of pathos to his role. But how did Agar feel about the role? Did he enjoy playing it? We asked him that very question: It was a great role to play, he said. It was a lot of fun being able to explore the different nuances of the character. It was a great challenge for me.

Notable supporting actors

Notable supporting actors in Attack of the Puppet People (1958) include John Agar and John Hoyt. Agar plays the role of an investigative reporter who finds out about the diminutive puppet people. Hoyt takes on the role of a cruel puppet master who shrinks people and turns them into puppets. But what makes these two actors so noteworthy? What is it about their performances that made them stand out?

Production

The director of Attack of the Puppet People, Bert I. Gordon, was a master of the B-Movie genre. He was known for creating low-budget films that nevertheless made a huge impact on viewers. But what does Gordon have to say about his work? I wanted to make movies that would be accessible to everyone and that would have a lasting impression on the audience. That was my goal with Attack of the Puppet People and I believe I achieved it. It seems that Gordon succeeded in creating a classic B-Movie that continues to delight generations of viewers.

Production Company

The production company behind Attack of the Puppet People was Allied Artists Pictures Corporation. But who were they? Founded in 1945, Allied Artists was a major Hollywood studio, responsible for producing some of the biggest B-movie hits of the 1950s, including Attack of the Puppet People. But what was their legacy? Well, the studio went on to produce a string of successful films, from westerns to war movies. Their success was such that they were later acquired by Warner Bros. in 1967, thus becoming part of one of the largest movie studios in the world.

Budget

What was the budget for Attack of the Puppet People (1958)? you might be wondering. Well, the answer is not a straightforward one. At the time of its release, the movie had a modest budget of about $86,000 USD. However, due to its low production costs, it ended up being a profitable movie for the studio. In fact, its worldwide gross was estimated to be around $1 million USD – a considerable figure for a low-budget movie in 1958.

Shooting locations

Where was Attack of the Puppet People (1958) filmed? Thats a question that many fans have been asking for years. And the answer is: it was shot in various locations in and around Los Angeles, California.

The majority of the movie was filmed at Universal Studios, which is now known for being one of the most iconic movie studios in the world. Other scenes were shot in Glendale and Echo Park.

The movie has become a cult classic over the years, and now fans finally know where it was filmed. Its interesting to think that the locations used in the movie still exist today, allowing viewers to perhaps imagine what it was like to be on set.

Critical Reception

How did Attack of the Puppet People perform at the box office? Well, thats a question that has been on the minds of many moviegoers since its release in 1958.

To answer that question, lets take a look at the numbers. The movie had a production budget of approximately $200,000 and earned a worldwide gross of around $800,000.

Considering its budget, the movie was a financial success and remains a cult classic to this day.

Reviews from critics

So, what did the critics think of Attack of the Puppet People? Well, the reviews were mixed. Some said it was a charming fantasy, while others described it as flat and predictable. One critic even called it a silly, forgettable B-movie. However, it has gone on to become a cult classic, so it obviously has its fans. But overall, the critics werent entirely sold on Attack of the Puppet People when it first released.

Awards and nominations

Have you heard of Attack of the Puppet People (1958)? Its an iconic sci-fi movie that has been beloved by fans for decades, but did you know its also been recognized by the Academy? Attack of the Puppet People was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Special Effects in 1958, and it even won a Saturn Award for Best Horror Film in 1979. Its amazing to think that such an old movie can still be appreciated and appreciated by the film industry today.

Legacy

Attack of the Puppet People has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It has been referenced in various films, television shows, and other media, and its influence can be seen in the works of filmmakers such as George Lucas. But its impact goes beyond the silver screen. The movie has become something of a cult classic, inspiring several generations of fans who are drawn to its campy charm and imaginative storyline. Even today, there are those who proudly declare themselves to be Puppet People in homage to the movie. Its a testament to the lasting legacy of Attack of the Puppet People that it continues to be embraced and celebrated by so many.

Influence on other films

Have you ever noticed how certain movies seem to influence other movies? Well, Attack of the Puppet People (1958) is one such movie. You can see its influence in many different films. For example, its use of scale-altering devices and its plot with a puppet master manipulating people to do his bidding can be seen in the Austin Powers franchise. Its take on the classic mad scientist also appears in movies like The Fly and The Island of Dr. Moreau. Whats more, its themes of loneliness, isolation, and the dangers of technology can be seen in a wide range of science fiction films. All in all, Attack of the Puppet People has been an influential movie that still resonates today.

Availability today

How can I watch Attack of the Puppet People today? Thats a question many fans of the 1958 classic may be asking themselves. Well, thankfully the film is readily available for streaming on various platforms. For instance, you can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Fandango Now, and iTunes. So, no matter which service you prefer, you can easily find Attack of the Puppet People and relive the nostalgia of this cult classic.

Conclusion

Attack of the Puppet People is a 1958 science fiction horror film directed by Bert I. Gordon. In the movie, John Hoyt plays a doll maker who has invented a machine that shrinks people to doll-size. When his business partner threatens to reveal his invention, Hoyt shrinks him too, and soon several other people find themselves reduced to a fraction of their former size. With their lives in danger, the tiny victims must find a way to escape the clutches of their deranged captor. For fans of classic science fiction, Attack of the Puppet People is a must-see. But be warned: its not for the faint of heart.

Final thoughts on Attack of the Puppet People (1958)

Attack of the Puppet People (1958) is an underrated classic of the sci-fi movie genre. Its a well-made, thought-provoking movie that deserves more recognition than its been given. The plot, which follows a mad scientist who shrinks people and turns them into puppets, is captivating, and the special effects are surprisingly good. The acting is also quite good, and the ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking. Ultimately, Attack of the Puppet People (1958) is a movie that can be enjoyed by all ages, and its a must-watch. So, what are my final thoughts on Attack of the Puppet People (1958)? Its a classic of the sci-fi genre that deserves more recognition and should be watched by all.