Pretty good flick for the usual Lovecraft completist list. Dean (the Boy with Green Hair) Stockwell as Wilbur Whateley is kinda cool casting, but his characterization could've been a little more elaborate (i.e., the short story character was literally "out of this world!"). Sandra Dee's casting was strictly camp (as a fellow critic remarked, "Gidget Goes To Hell"), but not unlikeable, given her character is Wilbur's love interest! Ed Begley, Sr.'s Professor Armitage was really strong, great protagonist for Wilbur's evil intentions. Sam Jaffee as Wizard Whateley is a very different character than his usual ones (The Day The Earth Stood Still, et Al.), but seemed to generate more compassion than menace.
The special effects generally lack enthusiasm, and Daniel Haller, a very fine production designer, could've insisted on stop-motion than in-camera opticals (Wilbur's "twin" looks like cut ribbons of paper or cloth!). The ending, with Sandie pregnant by Dean, is a real hoot.
The special effects generally lack enthusiasm, and Daniel Haller, a very fine production designer, could've insisted on stop-motion than in-camera opticals (Wilbur's "twin" looks like cut ribbons of paper or cloth!). The ending, with Sandie pregnant by Dean, is a real hoot.