Exeter would have only one rival for Most Compelling Alien of the Fifties; that would be Klaatu (The Day the Earth Stood Still). The differences between the two are profound. From the moment he appears, Klaatu is an arresting presence, an advanced being even at his most humane. Exeter, in contrast, comes from a technologically advanced culture, but he is very human: emotional, powerless to resist fate, but resilient and optimistic in the face of total destruction, a symbol of ethical perseverance. Side by side they serve as a reminder that humanity can aspire to more than one goal. One question the film doesn't answer: Were there more Exeters on Metaluna, or was he unique?

As with Klaatu, the performance of Exeter is crucial. Morrow strikes the right note: His dignified, soulful portrayal lays this alien bare for the audience. At first, This Island Earth slyly packages itself as Meacham's story; but bit by bit Exeter takes over the film from this square-jawed, deep-voiced, two-dimensional scientist-cum-hero. Reason and Domergue do a fine job with their forgettable roles; nonetheless Exeter is much the more interesting character. (The supporting cast includes poor Russell Johnson in another role later overshadowed by his unfortunate three-hour tour.)

The art direction and special effects--always trumpeted as two and a half years in the making--are superb, and not just for 1954. Tremendous effort went into communicating the scale of destruction on Metaluna, which is mutilated by meteors remote-controlled from enemy spacecraft. (Brilliantly, the barely glimpsed Zahgon ships look harsh and alien even from the standpoint of the Metalunans.) Yet the creators had the sense to remember that the purpose of effects is setting. The people behind today's effects-obsessed science fiction dreadnoughts need to see This Island Earth immediately.