ksj870 Review of The Hideous Sun Demon

The Hideous Sun Demon (1958)

The sun demon may be hideous, but the movie is wonderful

[7/10 · 3 December 2014]

The Hideous Sun Demon is an overlooked winner from the legendary canon of 50s science fiction/monster movies. The eponymous "sun demon" is actually quite impressive and hideous indeed, a reptilian nightmare on two legs and, in a neat twist, summoned forth by the rays of the sun. Robert Clarke does a yeoman's job as not only the lead character--a flawed but likable young scientist who finds himself cursed with a monstrous alter ego after being exposed to atomic radiation--but also as the director. Indeed, the entire cast is quite proficient, and everyone acquits themselves honorably in their respective roles, particularly the gorgeous Nan Peterson who plays an especially curvaceous barroom singer that catches the troubled protagonist's eye. The film is quite well-paced with a good mix of action and drama, and the characters are all realistically developed as believable individuals. The special effects are handled nicely, and the scenes of monster mayhem are surprisingly brutal and pack quite a nasty punch. The ultimate climax is perhaps inevitable, but nonetheless exciting and expertly staged. Often neglected in conversations of 50s genre classics, The Hideous Sun Demon is a fine example of monster movie excellence.