The Hideous Sun Demon

1958
Unrated
1h 14m

IMDb RATING

4.3/10

1.6K

YOUR RATING

Horror Sci-Fi

After exposure to radiation, an atomic research scientist finds himself changing into a murderous, lizard-like creature every time he is exposed to sunlight.After exposure to radiation, an atomic research scientist finds himself changing into a murderous, lizard-like creature every time he is exposed to sunlight.After exposure to radiation, an atomic research scientist finds himself changing into a murderous, lizard-like creature every time he is exposed to sunlight.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

4.3/10

1.6K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Photos7

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Upon its release, the film received mostly negative reviews. By the 1980s, it became something of a cult film to horror and B-movie film fans. In 1983, an authorized, re-edited comedic spoof version entitled What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon (1989) (also known as Revenge of the Sun Demon) was released. The film's star and producer Robert Clarke agreed to re-dub his dialogue for the spoof, but reportedly later regretted being involved in the production. In 1985, Hideous Sun Demon: Special Edition was released.

Goofs
During a scuffle between George and Gil at Trudy's house, George pulls out a Colt Model 1903 handgun and forces Gil outside. But when the scene resumes outside, the gun is now a Luger.

Quotes
Dr. Frederick Buckell: Whiskey and soda mix, not whiskey and science.

Alternate versions
A sequence (totalling a few seconds) featuring the monster (Robert Clarke) eating a rat has been removed from many existing prints of the film.

Connections
Edited into What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon (1989)

Soundtracks
Strange Pursuit
Sung by Nan Peterson

User reviews62

Review

Featured review

Great Monster Makes Up for Weak Script

The Hideous Sun Demon (1958)

** (out of 4)

Dr. Gilbert McKenna (Robert Clarke) is working on an experiment when something goes wrong and he's exposed to radiation. At first it appears that he's going to make it through okay but once he's put into the sunlight he turns into the title creature, a hideously deformed creature (looking like a lizard) and soon she's out on a killing spree.

THE HIDEOUS SUN DEMON marked the only time character actor Clarke stepped into the director's chair. The film has the reputation of being one of the worst horror movies of the decade but I think those who say that are being way too tough on the film. Just looking at the picture you can tell that they were working on very little money. Yes, the story too isn't all that original or inspiring. There's also some questionable performances scattered throughout the picture. Even with the countless flaws here, I've always found the film at least watchable thanks in large part to the terrific looking monster.

I really thought the look of the monster was excellent and this alone kept the film from reaches the levels of the worst of the decade. I guess it's best to say the creature looks like some sort of lizard but I liked the design of the make-up (or mask) and I especially liked the way the mouth was designed. Towards the end of the film the character has its shirt ripped off, which gives us even more views of the work and to me it's quite impressive. Another good thing is the music score and the recycled music that would turn up in other films including the same year's PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE.

The film really isn't all that original with the screenplay pretty much being a copy of Universal's THE WOLF MAN with the exception here being it's the sun instead of the moon that turns the lead character. For the most part Clarke remains watchable in the film and his direction isn't too bad either. Of all the supporting players it's probably Nan Peterson that gets the most attention but not for her performance. No, her rack is pretty much on full display throughout the picture so I'm sure teenage boys seeing this at the drive-in back in the day were very happy.