This little-known Hammer film, guest directed by the blacklisted Hollywood director Joseph Losey is more science fiction than horror and the title is more of an attempt to capitalise on the success of the superficially similar Children of the Damned than an accurate indication of its content. It's a bit over ambitious trying to present two unconvincing romances as well as its science fiction storyline and to give Oliver Reed's character more psychological depth than he needs. It also features possibly the worst song in cinematic history.
Alexander Knox plays Bernard ( no surname; I guess Nigel Kneale wouldn't play ball ) a government scientist running a top secret project near Weymouth though that doesn't stop him encouraging his sculpting mistress Freya ( Viveca Lindfors ) to vacation next door. Meanwhile an American tourist Simon Welles ( Mcdonald Carey ) is lured by an attractive girl, Joan, into an ambush by her brother King ( Oliver Reed ) and his gang of bikers. She then looks him up against King's wishes and his pursuit drives them into discovering the shocking secret.
Shirley Anne Field ( as Joan )
Sex : Offscreen with Welles
Death : Predicted to die from radiation sickness
Shirley Anne's entirely bra-less performance would make the film worth catching on its own.
Rachel Clay ( as Victoria )
Sex : n/a
Death : Survives
Rachel has half a dozen other acting credits in the early sixties but she didn't progress to adult roles. She is now 67.
Caroline Sheldon ( as Elisabeth )
Sex : n/a
Death : Survives
This is Caroline's only film role. She is now 67.
Rebecca Dignam ( as Anne )
Sex : n/a
Death : Survives
This was the last of a handful of film roles from Rebecca who is completely obscure.
Siobahn Taylor ( as Mary )
Sex : n/a
Death : Survives
Siobahn went on from this to play Susan in the TV series of Swallows and Amazons. She did go on to make sporadic film appearances as an adult but the last to date was in 1989.She is now 67.
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