Monday, June 22, 2020

The Atomic Man (1955)

An intriguing sci-fi / crime drama. A man is found floating in the Thames close to death after being shot. Reporter Delaney (Gene Nelson) discovers the man is top nuclear scientist Dr Rayner (Peter Arne). He is conscious but makes little sense. However there a twist... the man can't be Rayner as Doctor Rayner appears to be alive and well at a nuclear lab in London!

The mystery man in hospital is photographed by Rabowski (Faith Domergue) but a strange glow surrounds him in the developed photographs, a radioactive glow. But the Rayner in the lab has no glow. So what is going on and why does the man in hospital answer questions before they are asked? And who is the mysterious Vasquo (Vic Perry)?

A highly enjoyable film, more a crime drama with a little touch of science fiction added on. The crime drama is good. Well structured and coherent, Vasquo making for a good sinister villain. Nelson and Domergue make a nice pair as well. Look out for Charles Hawtrey in a small role.