Target Earth (1954) Movie Script
1
Mrs. Bennet?
Mrs. Bennett?
It's Noah King.
Mrs. Gordon.
Are you in there?
Mrs. Gordon?
Stephanie?
Where is everybody?
Oh,
Please, somebody answer.
Hey, wait a minute!
Stop!
Keep away from me.
Don't come any closer.
Take it easy, I'm
not going to hurt you.
That's more like it.
Now, calm down.
Let me go.
Please.
Relax. I am not
going to hurt you.
Then why did you chase me?
Why did you run?
I was afraid.
- That girl in the street, I thought...
- That I killed her?
Look, it will make you feel
any better. Think this over.
If I had killed her, I'd be miles
away from here by now, wouldn't I?
I suppose you're right.
It's just that the whole city
is so quiet and empty, I...
What could have happened?
I wish I knew.
Everything since dinner last
night is a complete blank to me.
I don't understand.
I only got here from
Detroit yesterday afternoon.
Just killing time
between trains.
I should have known better
than to flash a big roll in a bar.
You mean you were robbed?
Yeah, and slugged
and dumped in an alley.
And you were unconscious
through most of the night.
Oh, I came to about noon.
The only thing I had
left was a headache.
I guess I owe you an apology.
Oh, that makes us even.
You know the way back
to the center of town?
Yes.
We better get moving.
We have a lot better chance of finding
out what's happened when we get there.
Not that it's so important
at the time like that.
but my name is Frank Brooks.
I'm... I'm Nora King.
- Hi.
- Hello.
How come you're still in town?
I was asleep in my room
and the door was locked.
Well, then you haven't any
idea what happened last night?
No.
Have you?
Well, there's been an evacuation of
some kind, but the question is why?
The H bomb.
Maybe there's
going to be an attack.
It's possible, but
I don't think so.
The enemy wouldn't give us
advance notice of a thing like that.
What about our radar system?
Four or five hours
warning at best.
It's taken at least twice
that long to evacuate the city.
Well, then how about germ warfare?
There's been a lot of talk about that.
The water isn't running. As far as that
goes, none of the utilities are working.
Well, in that case, they'd
still be patrols around town.
The army, the police,
civilian defense.
Well, for some reason, they
had to get everybody out of town.
But there were half a
million people here yesterday.
Now, for all we know,
they're just the two of us left.
It doesn't make sense.
It has to. It happened.
In about 12 hours, too.
I wonder if there's
anyone else left in town.
Probably a few.
You ever try to
empty a sack of sugar?
Hmm?
What's that got to do with it?
Some of the grains always
stick to the sack, like the two of us.
If something tells me we'd
better get out of here fast.
How would you like
to go, bus or taxi?
I'm serious, Nora. The only
reason they'd clear out an entire city
like this would be to get
away from certain death.
That would mean
anyone still here is...
Well, a dead pigeon.
It's funny, I was so anxious trying to find
somebody, anybody that I never thought of that.
I did.
You don't seem
to be worried at all.
Maybe not.
Not of dying anyway.
Dying is such a normal
thing, but with nobody around now...
We'd better start walking
toward the center of town.
If we only knew how
much time we have.
It's no use. You won't
find anyone in there either.
I know, but I just had an
idea,
if we could get our hands on a portable
battery radio, we might be able...
Here, let me take
you back for a moment.
What are you going to do?
Here, hold this.
Stand back so you don't
get cut by flying glass.
So far, so good.
You know, they shoot people
for looting at times like this.
I don't care, just so we
find a radio that works.
I don't see any.
Yeah, you check that display case,
I'll see if there's
anything back here.
Frank, look.
I'm afraid you're wasting your time.
The phones are out too. I
checked a couple of them earlier.
Any luck?
I'm a frayed knot.
Looks like you're not
doing too well either.
Oh, were not licked yet?
Let's try the backroom.
Well, this is more like it.
There must be at least
one set in all this junk.
Ordinarily, I suppose there
would be, but portables
would be at a premium
at a time like this.
The Army probably ordered
everyone who could to carry one.
Nora, I found one.
Turn it on, quick.
Oh, no battery.
They probably
ship them separately.
There must be one somewhere.
Ah, it's no use, Nora.
I've already checked that shelf.
There isn't a
battery in the place.
We're right back
where we started.
Well, at least
we're still alive.
But for how long?
It's getting worse
every minute, isn't it?
Look, we'd better get out of here,
we can't afford to waste any more time.
What's that?
Be quiet and listen.
Sounds like a piano.
It's coming from up the street.
Come on, let's take a look.
The whole town's deserted.
We might be blown up any
minute, and somebody's in
there playing the piano
as if they didn't even care.
Yeah.
Wait here while I check.
You mean, alone?
Alright, come on, but be quiet.
Oh, waiter.
Waiter!
The well's gone dry!
What kind of a joint is us anyway.
Treat a lady like that.
What'll it be?
Paul Roger 43 or um, Bollinger 48?
It makes no difference,
just so it's wet.
Right, that's good enough
for you, good enough.
Let's have one of each.
Alright.
Like old times, eh Vicky.
Are you kidding?
When'd you ever
buy me, champagne?
Oh, I was saving
it for our honeymoon.
Look, Niagara Falls.
Well, what do you know?
After ten years,
I finally made it.
I don't understand.
They're celebrating as
though it were New Year's Eve.
Maybe they just like privacy.
Either they're crazy, or we are.
Only one way to find out.
Come on.
But what do you know?
Hey, Vicki, we got guests.
What did I tell ya?
We weren't the
only ones left behind.
Come on, sit
down, join the party.
Hey, what are you
two doing here?
Waiter, glasses, please.
Very good, madam.
Come now, look, the
whole city's deserted.
We've been all over
town looking for someone.
What are you doing here?
Living, man.
Really living.
Hey, you ain't the guy
that owns this dump by you.
- No.
- Hardly.
I'm Nora King.
This is Frank
Brooks from Detroit.
Detroit, huh?
You sure picked a fine
time to visit this town.
You can say that again.
You sure picked a fine time.
All right, we heard
you the first time.
That's Vicki Harris,
never shuts up.
I'm Jim Wilson.
Well, now that we're all friends,
how about some champagne?
You mean you're going
to sit here and whoop it up
when heaven knows what's
going to happen or when?
Not just here, lady.
There are a lot of high-class
joints I always wanted to crash.
The St. Regis, the Ritz.
We're going to hit them all.
That's what you said last night.
Now look at the spot we're in.
Hey, honey.
You look like you could
stand something to eat.
At a time like this, no thanks.
Now, wait a minute,
Nora, she's right.
We'd better have something
while we figure out what to do next.
Well, there's everything in the
joint from roast turkey to salami.
I'll see what I can whip up.
Uh, doll face, fill her up.
I said I wanted a drink.
Not a bath.
How about a little more turkey?
Not me.
One more bite and
I'd split my girdle.
I know just what you mean.
You know, there's no
telling how long it'll be.
before we run across
any more food like this.
We have to try to figure out
a way to take some with us.
What makes you think
you're going anywhere?
Well, use your head. You
can't stay here indefinitely.
Why not?
We're doing all right.
Maybe, but our luck
can't hold out forever.
We should at least
try to get out of town.
What? And leave all
this? Not on your life.
We never had it so
good, right, Vicki?
Right.
Why spoil the party?
First decent joint you've
taken me two in ten years.
That's only because it's free.
Fill her up.
Crazy dame.
You know, this isn't the
only good night club in town.
Why don't we try the Club Royale?
Now you're talking.
What? That's over five miles
away on the main highway.
Or, whatever. There ought to be plenty
of places along the way we can stop.
And who knows, we may even
find a portable radio while we're at it.
Well, if you put
it like that, okay.
Let's go.
Whoops.
Sure you can make it?
Are you kidding?
Come on, honey.
I'm with you.
Well, swing low, sweet chariot.
Jim-bo. my feet were
beginning to kill me.
Be my guest.
Ahh.
His face...
Just like the girl in the alley.
I think I'm going to be sick.
Better give Vicki a hand.
How do you think it happened?
I wish I knew.
The keys are still in ignition.
Help me get him out of the way.
Let's see if we can
get this thing started.
No use. The battery's
probably dead.
The battery must be dead.
The radio doesn't work either.
Let's have a look
under the hood.
Looks like somebody
beat us to it.
Let's hope I'm a better
mechanic than he was.
What's wrong?
Distributor cap is off
and the arm is missing.
What does that mean in English?
It means you can't
get the engine started.
Who are you?
Otis is the name.
Charles Otis.
I hope I didn't frighten you.
Oh, no.
I always shake like this.
What are you doing here?
Trying to get out of
town, like yourselves.
Only it won't do any good to
look for a car. in running condition.
What makes you to sure of that?
I've tried it half a dozen in
the last three or four miles.
The distributor arms are
missing, in all of them.
Who are you trying to kid?
Not so fast, Jim.
It seems to me they did
something like this in England
during the war when they
thought they'd be invaded.
Did what?
Order the distributor caps removed
whenever a car was left unattended.
But that still doesn't
explain why he was killed.
Well, here's one gal that's
not going to hang around
wondering, even if I have
to walk clear out of this state.
Which where did you come?
From the north, uptown.
You'd never believe it.
The whole town's a wreck.
Windows smashed.
Houses and stores wrecked.
There must have been a lot of
looting before everyone cleared out.
That figures.
Did you see any people?
About a dozen.
Like that.
They all seem to be
killed the same way.
There was one guy
just outside an art store.
Must have been trying to get away
with a painting when they got him.
That means they're already
in the north end of town.
And in the west, near
my rooming house.
Frank, I'm scared.
You're not the only one.
Look!
Over there on the wall!
I'm getting out of here.
Don't be a fool.
If you run out there,
he'll spot us all.
What do we do?
Like against the wall, quick.
Take it easy, hon. He can't
see us from where he is.
It doesn't look human.
Don't let the shadow fool you.
What else could it be?
I wish I knew.
It's going away.
Yeah. For how long?
We can't stay here.
We'll be killed,
like all the others.
Shut your mouth
or I'll shut it for you.
The hotel over there.
It ought to be easy
enough to get inside?
Yeah, for us or for them?
Both.
We have to make a break for it and
hope we make it before they spot us.
Then let's get started. Anything's better
than standing out in the open like this.
I'll go ahead.
And if the coast
is clear, I'll wave.
What if it isn't?
Then you can be
the next guinea pig.
Be careful.
Don't worry.
This street's probably a lot safer
now than it is when the traffic is normal.
- All right now.
- Come on.
Alright. Down behind the furniture,
quick, and keep out of sight.
Do you think they spotted us?
We'll know.
Soon enough.
Hey Jim, do you see anything?
Not a sign of them.
The streets deserted.
Aren't you the optimistic soul?
Come on.
What are we do now?
We have to figure
a way out of this.
It's not going to be easy. We don't
even know what we're up against.
Take a look at this.
A state of national emergency was
declared yesterday when hostile forces of
unknown origin landed in
open country, approximately 50
miles due north of the
city at 11 o'clock last night.
While little is known as to strengthen
deployment of the enemy at this time,
Bruce K. Peterson, in
charge of civil defense for this
area, ordered immediate
evacuation of the city.
- I knew it was bad, but this...
- I don't believe it.
Mystery, man.
Who are they kidding?
That shadow on the wall.
He could...
I mean, they could be anywhere.
Thousands of them.
I don't think so.
At least not yet.
If they operate like we
did during the last war, the
one who almost spotted us
was part of an advance patrol.
Then the rest
won't be far behind.
We're trapped.
Right in the middle.
- They'll kill us all, I tell you.
- Take it easy.
We've got plenty of trouble
without you blowing your top.
What do you expect me to do?
Stand still while you
sound off on military tactics?
You got any better ideas?
You bet I have.
I'm getting out of here. Now.
You're doing
nothing of the kind.
I'm warning you.
Don't you try to stop me.
But you can't go.
It's suicide.
They'll spot you before
you've gone 50 feet.
I'll take my chances.
It'll be a lot easier
getting past a few of them
than waiting here for the
whole army to show up.
Wait a minute.
No, no, keep... Keep away!
He's trying to come back.
Get down.
Isn't there anything we can do?
Just pray that he
hasn't seen the rest of it.
Listen, we'd be
better off upstairs.
Chances are they won't take
time to search all the buildings.
Look, get over
there by the stairs.
I'll grab some
keys from the desk.
Come on, let's go.
This ought to do it.
402 to 404 must be a suite.
Go ahead.
Here you are, honey.
Make yourself home.
Oh, what do you know?
It's a bridal suite at last.
I'd settle for a tent, about
a thousand miles from here.
I know what you mean.
Right now, even my desk at
the home office would look good.
Let's check the
joint just in case.
Good idea.
Well, we should be
reasonably safe up here.
Hey, this is swell layout.
Yeah.
Come on.
Well?
Well, what do you think?
I'm afraid we
haven't much choice.
At least it's comfortable.
You know, maybe it
isn't as bad as we think.
The Army must be
doing something.
Yeah, only in the meantime,
we've got to play hide and seek
with a bunch of zombies for
Mars or wherever they come from.
He's right, Frank, they're bound to
find out where we are sooner or later.
Yeah, I know.
And about the only thing
we can do is wait until it's
dark and then try to sneak
out of town toward the south.
You're not forgetting what
happened to Otis, are you?
I'm not forgetting a thing.
Run it.
Now, gentlemen, I don't have
to tell you the situation is critical.
Since roughly 2,300 last night, when their
first Eunice landed here in sector B-97,
we have been confronted with an
enemy the like of which defies description.
Who or what they are
is an open question.
We won't know the answers
till we take a few prisoners.
So far we haven't
been able to do that.
All we can be sure of is this.
The invasion was not launched by
any power on the surface of this earth.
What about the
scientist general?
Haven't they any idea where
the enemy could have originated?
The consensus of theories
points to the planet Venus...
assuming, of course, that the invaders
are human beings like ourselves.
Is there any reason
to believe they're not?
Frankly, we don't
know what to think.
What fragmentary reports
we've been able to piece
together indicate they
behave like automatons.
Apparently completely
indifferent to personal danger.
So far, they've made no
effort to break out of the city,
but that's
only a matter of time.
How many of them?
Not more than several
hundred, the most.
They're obviously only an
advance element for the main force.
Well, a few hundred men
shouldn't be much of a problem.
That's what we thought.
The first contact was made by
the 387th Airborne,
at about 2400.
They were wiped out to a man.
At the present moment, our main
line of defense is here in the semicircle,
roughly 10 miles
south of the city line.
The third armored is
holding down the left
flank here, and the
seventh is on the right.
They're both pretty
much chewed up by now.
General Wood, sir.
What is it?
Air strike in progress against
the main enemy position.
Colonel Meath thought
you'd want to follow by radar.
Are the ours?
I think so.
Then they're bomb the city.
Just keep your fingers crossed
that we're not in the middle of a target.
Those planes never even knew what hit 'em.
It's horrible.
They must have weapons
we've never even dreamed of.
That figures, they were smart
enough to get here in the first place.
Who are they, Frank?
Where can they come from?
Who can tell?
My guess would be Venus.
What makes you say that?
As far as I know, it's the only planet that
might be capable of supporting human life.
It's covered by a
heavy layer of clouds.
That means plenty of water, oxygen,
and hydrogen in its atmosphere.
Say, where'd you learn all this?
College.
Only I didn't get it all
from the classrooms.
I had a buddy named Richard
Banks, a regular science fiction bug.
He got me reading
the magazines, too.
Don't tell me you
believe all that stuff.
Oh, not all of it, but some of those
writers weren't too far off the beam.
There's plenty of evidence
of that right outside.
Yeah, and if the Air Force couldn't get
past those guys, it don't look too good.
For us.
Those planes were shot down
a good 15 miles south of here.
That would mean the whole
city must be surrounded.
You mean even if we did get out of
here after dark, it wouldn't do any good?
I'm afraid we wouldn't get
any further than Otis did.
Oh, you guys are a big help.
Things aren't rough enough.
You have to scare her half to death.
- Well, all I said was...
- Oh, skip it. Vicki's right.
We did act like a
couple of chumps.
I'm sorry, Nora.
I shouldn't have said that.
Why not?
Is the truth?
Well, we might still have a
chance to get out of this.
After all, we know the
Air Force is still fighting.
Only we're right in the middle.
Funny, isn't it?
This time yesterday,
I wouldn't have cared
if they dropped an
H-bomb right on the roof.
What do you mean?
This afternoon when you found me, I
told you I'd slept through the evacuation.
Well, didn't that sound
a little peculiar to you?
Maybe I didn't think it was
any of my business then.
And now?
A lot's happened since then.
Now I want to know
everything I can about you.
Would it make any
difference if I told you the
reason I slept through
everything was because...
Because I never
intended to wake up at all.
I tried to kill myself
last night, Frank.
Sleeping pills.
I know what you're thinking.
Otis wanted to live and he died.
I wanted to die and...
Oh, I guess it doesn't
make much sense.
Suicide never does.
But why should a girl like you?
What do you know about me?
I could be anything, a thief,
a murderess, even worse.
No, I don't think so.
Whatever you did, there must
have been a very good reason.
You don't need a
reason to die, Frank.
Just one to live.
Somehow I thought that I
didn't have one anymore.
You still feel that way?
I don't know why, but
everything's changed.
Now that it's too late
to do anything about it.
Right.
What have you got?
A report from the 337th
fighter-bomber command.
Any of them get through?
Not a one, sir.
If those jets can't get
through, nothing can.
What about the atomic artillery?
We got the new models that
were flown in an hour ago.
They won't be assembled
for several hours.
Are they sending us
the new guided missiles?
Yes, we receive those
along with the atomic artillery.
I never thought the day would come when we
turned them against one of our own cities.
There won't be a
building left standing.
I know, I know.
It can't be helped.
Urgent dispatch, sir, from Colonel
Powers, 7th Armored Division.
We've captured one.
How'd they do it?
A tank crew picked them
up by the side of the road.
in sector B-107.
It says it was completely
inactive lying there.
Where is he now?
They're bringing
him into the lab, sir.
The lab?
Why not to interrogation?
We'll find out when
we get over there.
Come on.
There's a third pair
in the last ten minutes.
I wonder where they're going.
I don't know.
But I got a good
suggestion for them.
Vicki, how can you
joke at a time like this?
Don't kid yourself, honey.
The only reason I open my trap
is to keep my teeth from chattering.
Those things out there are
bad enough in broad daylight.
It's going to be
dark pretty soon.
You know, I was just thinking,
as long as we have to stay here,
we might as well
do it the right way.
Now, there must be a flashlight or
some candles around somewhere.
Why don't I go
and look for them?
You mean downstairs alone?
With all those creeps
around, not on your life.
Well, we have to have some light, and who
knows, I might be able to find some food.
All right, but I'm
going with you.
One of us ought to
stay here with the girls.
All right, you stay.
Oh, we're so gallant
all of a sudden.
Yesterday you wouldn't even
stand up to give me a seat on the bus.
Yeah, and today the buses
aren't running anymore.
Jim is right, Frank.
You should both go.
It's the only fair thing to do.
What about you and Vicki?
Don't worry about us.
We'll lock yourselves
in until you get back.
Go on. Get started while
there's still some light.
Come on.
Where is he?
Right here sir.
- Hi Tom.
- Hello General.
Robot?
Yes, sir, we think they all are.
It's fantastic.
No wonder we haven't been
able to stop them anywhere.
Well, at least now we
know what we're up against.
We only had a little time
to work out of defense.
We've already started
electronic research.
The objective being to find
out what caused this break.
We might have a few
hours if we're lucky and
they hold off reinforcing
their advance elements.
Has the general
staff been notified?
Yes, sir, and Major Reynolds
sent an urgent message.
Good.
They'll probably want to
fly in the team from G2.
Order the landing strip
at Able sector held at all cost.
Yes, sir.
That'll take almost four hours.
I doubt that we'll
have the time.
I understand, General.
We'll do everything
we can, just in case.
Better keep away
from the window. Nora.
There's no use taking any
more chances than we have to.
I'm sorry, I guess
I wasn't thinking.
We shouldn't have
let them go, Vicki.
Something's gone
wrong, I know it.
Hey, take it easy, kid.
They've been gone
almost 20 minutes.
If anything's happened to
Frank, I'll never forgive myself.
I thought you just
met him today.
What's that got to do with it?
Nothing.
Not a thing.
It's just that way
with me and Jim.
Only neither one of us were smart
enough to do anything about it.
Hey, open up, it's us.
Oh, I thought you'd never get back.
Hey, you hit the jack pot.
You ain't seen nothing yet.
Better wait till I make sure
the drapes are drawn tightly.
Okay.
There you are, all
the comforts of home.
Sure, if you like
haunted houses.
Don't you two ever do anything
besides insult each other?
Oh, we have our moments.
Yeah, but this
isn't one of them.
Oh, funny.
How long do you
think we'll have to stay here?
I'm afraid that's
up to the Army.
Yeah, but whose?
Ours or theirs?
You have to do that?
You'd think you were in a cage or
something the way you keep pacing around.
What do you want me to do?
Take a nice long
walk out in the street.
A few more hours in this fleet
trap and we'll all be stir crazy.
Well, at least
we're still alive.
Now sit down and
keep your mouth shut.
Who do you think you are ordering
me around like a trained monkey?
You'd think we were
married or something.
Well, if we're not, I ain't because you
haven't been trying for the last ten years.
Go ahead.
Rub it in.
I ought to have my head examined
for putting up with you at all.
We wouldn't be here now if
you'd listen to me last night.
Sure, the whole
thing's my fault.
I even planned the invasion.
We still could have been
evacuated with the others.
But no.
No, you had to drink your way
through half the bars in town.
All right, so I did
a little celebrating.
How often does a guy hit
the daily double at 60 to 1?
Once in 10 years, if
you're any example.
Let's live, baby.
I hit the GGs for 240 clams.
Ha!
A lot of good the money is now.
You didn't have to come along.
You ain't the only
blonde around.
Crazy dame.
Uh, Jim.
Why do we have to
fight like this all the time?
I don't know, baby.
I'll tell you one thing.
If we ever get out of
this thing alive, we'll do
all out fighting from the
same corner from now on.
Firework's over?
For a few rounds, anyway.
You know it's funny
about those two.
Gee, they needle
each other every minute.
Yet, when the chips are down...
I know.
Jerry and I were
a lot like that.
Jerry?
My husband.
Thanks.
What happened to your husband?
He was killed.
In an automobile
accident six months ago.
Oh, we were arguing
just like Jim and Vicki.
I was driving, never even
saw the car that hit us.
When I regained consciousness
in the hospital, they...
They told me Jerry was dead.
You've been blaming
yourself ever since.
Is that why you took
those sleeping pills?
I guess.
I know how you must feel, Nora,
but you can't keep on letting it get you
like I did last night.
I'm sorry.
It's just that I've never
been able to talk about it.
Too hard.
Look, we've been on
the go for nearly 14 hours.
What you need is a little sleep.
With one of those things
or whatever they are
alive would have burst
in here any minute.
Well, they haven't tried anything yet.
I think we're safe
enough until morning.
And after that...
You share the
bedroom with Vicky.
Jim and I will be in the other
room, just in case anything happens.
Well, that'll do it
for the time being.
All right, cut in
your generator.
So that's what makes them tick.
Electronics.
Let's call it a system of
electromagnetic impulses.
By exerting positive or negative charges,
as the case may be, they've been able to
duplicate every desired
motion of the human body.
Hmm.
What's it made of?
Surgical steel, according
to all the usual tests.
But how they make it pliable
in the joints is something else.
An army of machines,
incapable of pain, fear,
or compassion, and
practically indestructible.
There's got to be a
human element somewhere.
No machine can think for itself.
No, we're coming to that.
Martin, would you set up the
helmet for another test, please?
As far as we've been able to determine,
these robots operate on a radar principle,
utilizing the super
high frequencies.
Like our homing
type guided missiles.
Precisely.
First, an image is picked
up on the cathode ray
tube, which is mounted
in the face of the helmet.
From there, it's transmitted to some
control point or monitor station by this.
I've never seen
anything like it.
Are sure this is a transmitter?
It has to be from the
position it occupied in
the helmet in relation
to the cathode tube.
Actually, it operates
on a completely different
principle from anything
we've ever developed.
What's its frequency range?
So far, we haven't
been able to figure it out.
What about the antenna?
The length of that
ought to give you a lead.
There is no antenna.
They must utilize a portion of the surface
of the shell, or perhaps the entire robot.
And there's no way we can jam it and
put their whole army out of commission.
I'm afraid not.
What about the control point?
They have to correlate
their information somewhere
and send back the impulses
to guide the machine.
That all depends on the
strength of the transmitter.
Could be only a few miles.
On the other hand, it might reach
all the way back to their home base.
Wherever that may be.
There's got to be a
weak point somewhere.
What about the cathode ray tube?
It was damaged, wasn't it?
That's right.
It was the only visible damage.
And we figured that it put the
entire mechanism out of commission.
But if that's the case,
you mean all we have
to do is knock out the
cathode grade tube.
Except for two things.
In the first place,
nobody's ever been able to
get that close to one
without being annihilated.
And the second?
I'll show you.
Everything's that, Tom.
Thank you, Martin.
As you can see, this is a
standard M1 semi -automatic rifle.
It's aimed squarely at the center of
the undamaged portion of the tube.
Now, you gentlemen
just stand back.
Didn't even ricochet.
Just flattened down
like a wad of chewing gun.
That's right.
I don't know how that tube
was cracked originally, but
we'll never do it with a bullet,
even at point-blank range.
- What's the matter?
- The other room, quick!
Frank! Help me!
It's caught by the fingers.
Jim, give me a hand!
Stand back.
Keep away!
Hold it, sister,
before you get hurt.
All right, now back out
to the center of the room.
Let's go.
That goes for you too, Junior.
Start moving.
Do as he says it, Jim.
Please.
Not so fast. Who are you
and what do you want?
You heard what the lady said.
Start moving.
That's better.
Is any light in here?
There's a candle on the
table right behind you.
There now.
Now suppose we all keep
calm and have a little talk.
Nice and friendly like.
Oh, sure.
All my friends carry guns.
Why did you take a shot
at us through the door?
What did you expect me to do?
Stand still while
you chop my hand off?
We thought you were
one of the invaders.
You know something.
I thought the same
thing about you.
All right, so we all
made a mistake.
You're gonna hold
that gun on us all night?
I don't know yet.
That all depends on you.
What happened?
Well, it looks like a whole
chain of resistors went out.
We'll have to start
again from scratch.
How long will it take?
About an hour, unless his
playmates beat us to the punch?
Look, do you have to do that?
What are you talking about?
In the last half hour, you've
done everything but kiss that gun.
Gives me the creeps.
Well now, I'm real sorry I didn't
know you were the sensitive type.
She's not but I am.
Now put that away
before somebody gets hurt.
I wouldn't try anything if I were you...
wouldn't be smart.
Forget it Jim.
I guess I'm jumpier than I thought.
We all are since he showed up.
If you don't like this
set up, why don't you leave?
Wouldn't have a
chance by myself.
And neither what
you, without this gun.
No matter how you figure it,
we're just stuck with each other.
Nora, come on, let's
try to get some sleep.
Hey, what time is it?
6:15
The sun's coming up.
What happens now?
We can't leave until
we're sure they're gone.
Let's pray they don't
search the building.
You know, I don't
know which is worse.
Taking a chance outside or being cooped
up here with that trigger-happy screwball.
You mean Davis?
- Every time he looks at me, I...
- Yeah, I know what you mean.
You know, this may sound crazy, but I
swear I've seen that guy somewhere before.
It's possible?
He could have lived or worked
in your own neighborhood.
You could have passed him
on the street a dozen times.
Not what I meant.
Here's another thing. Why wasn't he
evacuated like everybody else in town?
You forget they overlooked us too.
We've only got ourselves to blame.
Maybe.
Only what about that gun.
Hmm?
I'm not sure, but it looks
just like a police revolver.
Now you are imagining things And
if it were true how would you know?
You kidding? There isn't a flatfoot
I'd... Ah skip it I must be off my rocker.
Boy, what I'm what I need is a drink.
There's some
beer in the kitchen.
It's probably awfully
warm by now.
Honey, I don't
care if it's on fire.
I'll get it.
I want to see if
Frank's awake anyway.
Suit yourself.
I always did like
breakfast in bed.
I won't be a minute.
Mm-hmm.
Sorry if I scared you.
What do you want?
Well, let's say I've been
waiting for a chance to talk to you.
Alone.
Not now.
Please, I'm tired.
- Later.
- Not very friendly, are you?
It's my privilege.
Well, maybe I'd like
to change your mind.
- I'll remember that.
- So will I.
- Now let me pass.
- Use your head Nora, were in a tight spot.
I can get us out of here alive.
How?
Now look, there's a main sewer line
on 7th Street, only a block from here.
Once we reach it, we could
double back behind their lines.
We'd be safe.
How come you
haven't told the others?
Why should I?
We couldn't all make
it without being spotted.
- We could try.
- Uh -huh.
Nora, I got other plans for them.
Yes, I think we
use them as decoys.
While they were being run down, we
make a break in the opposite direction.
Just you and me.
You mean you'd...
You'd kill all the others
just to save your own life.
Yours too.
Don't forget that.
You must be insane. If you think...
You shouldn't
have said that, Nora.
I don't like people
who think I'm crazy.
Let me go! Jimmy! Help me!
Yeah, call your
boyfriend, call them all!
You had your chance!
Alright, take your
hands off her.
Hold it.
All right...
All right, now back out in
the center of a living room.
All of you.
Let's go.
Figure it at 14 millimeters.
I got it.
Where will we start the machine?
We're gonna start it at 30,000.
We'll bring it up in
controlled intervals from there.
Right.
How long will it take?
Just a few minutes, we're making
some last minute changes now.
You still figure the answers are
in the cathode ray tube?
It's got to be.
Course, were hampered
by the fact that the surface
is an integral part
of the helmet itself.
We couldn't dare
risk taking it out.
This is our last chance, Tom.
The atomic artillery and guided
missiles are all assembled in in position.
If we don't come up with
anything in the next five minutes.
I've got orders to
start shelling the city.
All right, sir.
Good. Now, you gentlemen
will just stand over there.
Okay, this is far
enough for now.
What are you trying
to prove, Davis?
You'll find out when I'm
good and ready to tell you.
Go on up front and see if you can
spot any of our playmates on the street.
If you're so interested,
go see for yourself.
I said get moving before
this gun happens to go off.
It's somebody's belly.
Stay where you are, Vicki.
He hasn't enough nerve to shoot.
Oh, I wouldn't count
on it if I were you.
You win.
- See anything?
- Sure.
One out there on the front lawn.
Having a picnic.
How far away is it?
About 50 yards on the
other side of the street.
Moving away from us.
Good.
We'll give it a
couple of minutes.
You talk as though you
expect to go out there.
I'm not.
But you are.
Oh?
And what makes
you so sure of that?
Because I've got the gun.
So that's it.
We're the pigeon so you can take
off while that thing out there chases us.
Well, now you
catch on real quick.
But that would be murder.
Maybe.
Only this time nobody
can do a thing about it.
This time?
Sure.
I knew he looked familiar.
He's the guy that killed that dame
down on Skid Row about a month ago.
It was in all the papers.
That's right.
Big headlines, lots of pictures.
Just like they'll be when
they found out I killed
the guard and got
away in the evacuation.
So that's why you stayed behind.
You didn't dare leave the city.
They'll be watching
every road out of town.
Sure.
Every road except the
ones behind the enemy lines.
Now all I need is
a five-minute start.
And you're going
to give it to me.
Now get moving, all of you.
But you can't do this.
Well, what'll it be, guys?
Take a chance on the street,
or get it here.
It won't work, Buster.
If we're going to die anyway,
one of us will get you first.
I'm warning you.
Keep back.
You won't shoot.
- Frank, your shoulder.
- Oh, it's not bad.
Sorry, Jim.
You... crazy dame.
Back to the stairs, quick!
The gun. Where's the gun?
Jim, aim for its face.
Upstairs, it's our only chance.
Go on. I'll try to hold this door.
See if you can find
a way to another roof.
There must be a
ladder somewhere.
- Over there, quick.
- Frank!
You folks okay?
We are now.
But if you got here 30 seconds later,
it would have been a different story.
What are you doing
in the city anyway?
Don't you know
it's a combat zone?
You should have been
evacuated like everybody else.
I guess we were overlooked.
By the time we'd guess what was
happening, it was too late to leave.
Those men were everywhere.
Not men, lady.
They were robots, a
whole army of them.
No wonder the bullets
wouldn't stop them.
Nothing will, except this.
I don't understand.
What is it?
An oscillator.
You heard the noise it puts out.
We discovered the robots couldn't
take the vibrations of the sound waves.
Smashes the glass in
their cathode rate tube.
You mean the vibrations
smash the tubes?
That's right. Put 'em out of
commission in nothing flat.
Then you mean the city?
The whole world is safe again.
Maybe... till the next time.
What makes you so sure
there'll be a next time?
Well, from what I was told, if they would
have used a certain metal instead of glass
in that tube, all the oscillators in
the world couldn't have stopped them.
But don't worry, folks.
We're working on that right now.
Hop in the jeep and we'll see
what the medics can do with that arm.
Mrs. Bennet?
Mrs. Bennett?
It's Noah King.
Mrs. Gordon.
Are you in there?
Mrs. Gordon?
Stephanie?
Where is everybody?
Oh,
Please, somebody answer.
Hey, wait a minute!
Stop!
Keep away from me.
Don't come any closer.
Take it easy, I'm
not going to hurt you.
That's more like it.
Now, calm down.
Let me go.
Please.
Relax. I am not
going to hurt you.
Then why did you chase me?
Why did you run?
I was afraid.
- That girl in the street, I thought...
- That I killed her?
Look, it will make you feel
any better. Think this over.
If I had killed her, I'd be miles
away from here by now, wouldn't I?
I suppose you're right.
It's just that the whole city
is so quiet and empty, I...
What could have happened?
I wish I knew.
Everything since dinner last
night is a complete blank to me.
I don't understand.
I only got here from
Detroit yesterday afternoon.
Just killing time
between trains.
I should have known better
than to flash a big roll in a bar.
You mean you were robbed?
Yeah, and slugged
and dumped in an alley.
And you were unconscious
through most of the night.
Oh, I came to about noon.
The only thing I had
left was a headache.
I guess I owe you an apology.
Oh, that makes us even.
You know the way back
to the center of town?
Yes.
We better get moving.
We have a lot better chance of finding
out what's happened when we get there.
Not that it's so important
at the time like that.
but my name is Frank Brooks.
I'm... I'm Nora King.
- Hi.
- Hello.
How come you're still in town?
I was asleep in my room
and the door was locked.
Well, then you haven't any
idea what happened last night?
No.
Have you?
Well, there's been an evacuation of
some kind, but the question is why?
The H bomb.
Maybe there's
going to be an attack.
It's possible, but
I don't think so.
The enemy wouldn't give us
advance notice of a thing like that.
What about our radar system?
Four or five hours
warning at best.
It's taken at least twice
that long to evacuate the city.
Well, then how about germ warfare?
There's been a lot of talk about that.
The water isn't running. As far as that
goes, none of the utilities are working.
Well, in that case, they'd
still be patrols around town.
The army, the police,
civilian defense.
Well, for some reason, they
had to get everybody out of town.
But there were half a
million people here yesterday.
Now, for all we know,
they're just the two of us left.
It doesn't make sense.
It has to. It happened.
In about 12 hours, too.
I wonder if there's
anyone else left in town.
Probably a few.
You ever try to
empty a sack of sugar?
Hmm?
What's that got to do with it?
Some of the grains always
stick to the sack, like the two of us.
If something tells me we'd
better get out of here fast.
How would you like
to go, bus or taxi?
I'm serious, Nora. The only
reason they'd clear out an entire city
like this would be to get
away from certain death.
That would mean
anyone still here is...
Well, a dead pigeon.
It's funny, I was so anxious trying to find
somebody, anybody that I never thought of that.
I did.
You don't seem
to be worried at all.
Maybe not.
Not of dying anyway.
Dying is such a normal
thing, but with nobody around now...
We'd better start walking
toward the center of town.
If we only knew how
much time we have.
It's no use. You won't
find anyone in there either.
I know, but I just had an
idea,
if we could get our hands on a portable
battery radio, we might be able...
Here, let me take
you back for a moment.
What are you going to do?
Here, hold this.
Stand back so you don't
get cut by flying glass.
So far, so good.
You know, they shoot people
for looting at times like this.
I don't care, just so we
find a radio that works.
I don't see any.
Yeah, you check that display case,
I'll see if there's
anything back here.
Frank, look.
I'm afraid you're wasting your time.
The phones are out too. I
checked a couple of them earlier.
Any luck?
I'm a frayed knot.
Looks like you're not
doing too well either.
Oh, were not licked yet?
Let's try the backroom.
Well, this is more like it.
There must be at least
one set in all this junk.
Ordinarily, I suppose there
would be, but portables
would be at a premium
at a time like this.
The Army probably ordered
everyone who could to carry one.
Nora, I found one.
Turn it on, quick.
Oh, no battery.
They probably
ship them separately.
There must be one somewhere.
Ah, it's no use, Nora.
I've already checked that shelf.
There isn't a
battery in the place.
We're right back
where we started.
Well, at least
we're still alive.
But for how long?
It's getting worse
every minute, isn't it?
Look, we'd better get out of here,
we can't afford to waste any more time.
What's that?
Be quiet and listen.
Sounds like a piano.
It's coming from up the street.
Come on, let's take a look.
The whole town's deserted.
We might be blown up any
minute, and somebody's in
there playing the piano
as if they didn't even care.
Yeah.
Wait here while I check.
You mean, alone?
Alright, come on, but be quiet.
Oh, waiter.
Waiter!
The well's gone dry!
What kind of a joint is us anyway.
Treat a lady like that.
What'll it be?
Paul Roger 43 or um, Bollinger 48?
It makes no difference,
just so it's wet.
Right, that's good enough
for you, good enough.
Let's have one of each.
Alright.
Like old times, eh Vicky.
Are you kidding?
When'd you ever
buy me, champagne?
Oh, I was saving
it for our honeymoon.
Look, Niagara Falls.
Well, what do you know?
After ten years,
I finally made it.
I don't understand.
They're celebrating as
though it were New Year's Eve.
Maybe they just like privacy.
Either they're crazy, or we are.
Only one way to find out.
Come on.
But what do you know?
Hey, Vicki, we got guests.
What did I tell ya?
We weren't the
only ones left behind.
Come on, sit
down, join the party.
Hey, what are you
two doing here?
Waiter, glasses, please.
Very good, madam.
Come now, look, the
whole city's deserted.
We've been all over
town looking for someone.
What are you doing here?
Living, man.
Really living.
Hey, you ain't the guy
that owns this dump by you.
- No.
- Hardly.
I'm Nora King.
This is Frank
Brooks from Detroit.
Detroit, huh?
You sure picked a fine
time to visit this town.
You can say that again.
You sure picked a fine time.
All right, we heard
you the first time.
That's Vicki Harris,
never shuts up.
I'm Jim Wilson.
Well, now that we're all friends,
how about some champagne?
You mean you're going
to sit here and whoop it up
when heaven knows what's
going to happen or when?
Not just here, lady.
There are a lot of high-class
joints I always wanted to crash.
The St. Regis, the Ritz.
We're going to hit them all.
That's what you said last night.
Now look at the spot we're in.
Hey, honey.
You look like you could
stand something to eat.
At a time like this, no thanks.
Now, wait a minute,
Nora, she's right.
We'd better have something
while we figure out what to do next.
Well, there's everything in the
joint from roast turkey to salami.
I'll see what I can whip up.
Uh, doll face, fill her up.
I said I wanted a drink.
Not a bath.
How about a little more turkey?
Not me.
One more bite and
I'd split my girdle.
I know just what you mean.
You know, there's no
telling how long it'll be.
before we run across
any more food like this.
We have to try to figure out
a way to take some with us.
What makes you think
you're going anywhere?
Well, use your head. You
can't stay here indefinitely.
Why not?
We're doing all right.
Maybe, but our luck
can't hold out forever.
We should at least
try to get out of town.
What? And leave all
this? Not on your life.
We never had it so
good, right, Vicki?
Right.
Why spoil the party?
First decent joint you've
taken me two in ten years.
That's only because it's free.
Fill her up.
Crazy dame.
You know, this isn't the
only good night club in town.
Why don't we try the Club Royale?
Now you're talking.
What? That's over five miles
away on the main highway.
Or, whatever. There ought to be plenty
of places along the way we can stop.
And who knows, we may even
find a portable radio while we're at it.
Well, if you put
it like that, okay.
Let's go.
Whoops.
Sure you can make it?
Are you kidding?
Come on, honey.
I'm with you.
Well, swing low, sweet chariot.
Jim-bo. my feet were
beginning to kill me.
Be my guest.
Ahh.
His face...
Just like the girl in the alley.
I think I'm going to be sick.
Better give Vicki a hand.
How do you think it happened?
I wish I knew.
The keys are still in ignition.
Help me get him out of the way.
Let's see if we can
get this thing started.
No use. The battery's
probably dead.
The battery must be dead.
The radio doesn't work either.
Let's have a look
under the hood.
Looks like somebody
beat us to it.
Let's hope I'm a better
mechanic than he was.
What's wrong?
Distributor cap is off
and the arm is missing.
What does that mean in English?
It means you can't
get the engine started.
Who are you?
Otis is the name.
Charles Otis.
I hope I didn't frighten you.
Oh, no.
I always shake like this.
What are you doing here?
Trying to get out of
town, like yourselves.
Only it won't do any good to
look for a car. in running condition.
What makes you to sure of that?
I've tried it half a dozen in
the last three or four miles.
The distributor arms are
missing, in all of them.
Who are you trying to kid?
Not so fast, Jim.
It seems to me they did
something like this in England
during the war when they
thought they'd be invaded.
Did what?
Order the distributor caps removed
whenever a car was left unattended.
But that still doesn't
explain why he was killed.
Well, here's one gal that's
not going to hang around
wondering, even if I have
to walk clear out of this state.
Which where did you come?
From the north, uptown.
You'd never believe it.
The whole town's a wreck.
Windows smashed.
Houses and stores wrecked.
There must have been a lot of
looting before everyone cleared out.
That figures.
Did you see any people?
About a dozen.
Like that.
They all seem to be
killed the same way.
There was one guy
just outside an art store.
Must have been trying to get away
with a painting when they got him.
That means they're already
in the north end of town.
And in the west, near
my rooming house.
Frank, I'm scared.
You're not the only one.
Look!
Over there on the wall!
I'm getting out of here.
Don't be a fool.
If you run out there,
he'll spot us all.
What do we do?
Like against the wall, quick.
Take it easy, hon. He can't
see us from where he is.
It doesn't look human.
Don't let the shadow fool you.
What else could it be?
I wish I knew.
It's going away.
Yeah. For how long?
We can't stay here.
We'll be killed,
like all the others.
Shut your mouth
or I'll shut it for you.
The hotel over there.
It ought to be easy
enough to get inside?
Yeah, for us or for them?
Both.
We have to make a break for it and
hope we make it before they spot us.
Then let's get started. Anything's better
than standing out in the open like this.
I'll go ahead.
And if the coast
is clear, I'll wave.
What if it isn't?
Then you can be
the next guinea pig.
Be careful.
Don't worry.
This street's probably a lot safer
now than it is when the traffic is normal.
- All right now.
- Come on.
Alright. Down behind the furniture,
quick, and keep out of sight.
Do you think they spotted us?
We'll know.
Soon enough.
Hey Jim, do you see anything?
Not a sign of them.
The streets deserted.
Aren't you the optimistic soul?
Come on.
What are we do now?
We have to figure
a way out of this.
It's not going to be easy. We don't
even know what we're up against.
Take a look at this.
A state of national emergency was
declared yesterday when hostile forces of
unknown origin landed in
open country, approximately 50
miles due north of the
city at 11 o'clock last night.
While little is known as to strengthen
deployment of the enemy at this time,
Bruce K. Peterson, in
charge of civil defense for this
area, ordered immediate
evacuation of the city.
- I knew it was bad, but this...
- I don't believe it.
Mystery, man.
Who are they kidding?
That shadow on the wall.
He could...
I mean, they could be anywhere.
Thousands of them.
I don't think so.
At least not yet.
If they operate like we
did during the last war, the
one who almost spotted us
was part of an advance patrol.
Then the rest
won't be far behind.
We're trapped.
Right in the middle.
- They'll kill us all, I tell you.
- Take it easy.
We've got plenty of trouble
without you blowing your top.
What do you expect me to do?
Stand still while you
sound off on military tactics?
You got any better ideas?
You bet I have.
I'm getting out of here. Now.
You're doing
nothing of the kind.
I'm warning you.
Don't you try to stop me.
But you can't go.
It's suicide.
They'll spot you before
you've gone 50 feet.
I'll take my chances.
It'll be a lot easier
getting past a few of them
than waiting here for the
whole army to show up.
Wait a minute.
No, no, keep... Keep away!
He's trying to come back.
Get down.
Isn't there anything we can do?
Just pray that he
hasn't seen the rest of it.
Listen, we'd be
better off upstairs.
Chances are they won't take
time to search all the buildings.
Look, get over
there by the stairs.
I'll grab some
keys from the desk.
Come on, let's go.
This ought to do it.
402 to 404 must be a suite.
Go ahead.
Here you are, honey.
Make yourself home.
Oh, what do you know?
It's a bridal suite at last.
I'd settle for a tent, about
a thousand miles from here.
I know what you mean.
Right now, even my desk at
the home office would look good.
Let's check the
joint just in case.
Good idea.
Well, we should be
reasonably safe up here.
Hey, this is swell layout.
Yeah.
Come on.
Well?
Well, what do you think?
I'm afraid we
haven't much choice.
At least it's comfortable.
You know, maybe it
isn't as bad as we think.
The Army must be
doing something.
Yeah, only in the meantime,
we've got to play hide and seek
with a bunch of zombies for
Mars or wherever they come from.
He's right, Frank, they're bound to
find out where we are sooner or later.
Yeah, I know.
And about the only thing
we can do is wait until it's
dark and then try to sneak
out of town toward the south.
You're not forgetting what
happened to Otis, are you?
I'm not forgetting a thing.
Run it.
Now, gentlemen, I don't have
to tell you the situation is critical.
Since roughly 2,300 last night, when their
first Eunice landed here in sector B-97,
we have been confronted with an
enemy the like of which defies description.
Who or what they are
is an open question.
We won't know the answers
till we take a few prisoners.
So far we haven't
been able to do that.
All we can be sure of is this.
The invasion was not launched by
any power on the surface of this earth.
What about the
scientist general?
Haven't they any idea where
the enemy could have originated?
The consensus of theories
points to the planet Venus...
assuming, of course, that the invaders
are human beings like ourselves.
Is there any reason
to believe they're not?
Frankly, we don't
know what to think.
What fragmentary reports
we've been able to piece
together indicate they
behave like automatons.
Apparently completely
indifferent to personal danger.
So far, they've made no
effort to break out of the city,
but that's
only a matter of time.
How many of them?
Not more than several
hundred, the most.
They're obviously only an
advance element for the main force.
Well, a few hundred men
shouldn't be much of a problem.
That's what we thought.
The first contact was made by
the 387th Airborne,
at about 2400.
They were wiped out to a man.
At the present moment, our main
line of defense is here in the semicircle,
roughly 10 miles
south of the city line.
The third armored is
holding down the left
flank here, and the
seventh is on the right.
They're both pretty
much chewed up by now.
General Wood, sir.
What is it?
Air strike in progress against
the main enemy position.
Colonel Meath thought
you'd want to follow by radar.
Are the ours?
I think so.
Then they're bomb the city.
Just keep your fingers crossed
that we're not in the middle of a target.
Those planes never even knew what hit 'em.
It's horrible.
They must have weapons
we've never even dreamed of.
That figures, they were smart
enough to get here in the first place.
Who are they, Frank?
Where can they come from?
Who can tell?
My guess would be Venus.
What makes you say that?
As far as I know, it's the only planet that
might be capable of supporting human life.
It's covered by a
heavy layer of clouds.
That means plenty of water, oxygen,
and hydrogen in its atmosphere.
Say, where'd you learn all this?
College.
Only I didn't get it all
from the classrooms.
I had a buddy named Richard
Banks, a regular science fiction bug.
He got me reading
the magazines, too.
Don't tell me you
believe all that stuff.
Oh, not all of it, but some of those
writers weren't too far off the beam.
There's plenty of evidence
of that right outside.
Yeah, and if the Air Force couldn't get
past those guys, it don't look too good.
For us.
Those planes were shot down
a good 15 miles south of here.
That would mean the whole
city must be surrounded.
You mean even if we did get out of
here after dark, it wouldn't do any good?
I'm afraid we wouldn't get
any further than Otis did.
Oh, you guys are a big help.
Things aren't rough enough.
You have to scare her half to death.
- Well, all I said was...
- Oh, skip it. Vicki's right.
We did act like a
couple of chumps.
I'm sorry, Nora.
I shouldn't have said that.
Why not?
Is the truth?
Well, we might still have a
chance to get out of this.
After all, we know the
Air Force is still fighting.
Only we're right in the middle.
Funny, isn't it?
This time yesterday,
I wouldn't have cared
if they dropped an
H-bomb right on the roof.
What do you mean?
This afternoon when you found me, I
told you I'd slept through the evacuation.
Well, didn't that sound
a little peculiar to you?
Maybe I didn't think it was
any of my business then.
And now?
A lot's happened since then.
Now I want to know
everything I can about you.
Would it make any
difference if I told you the
reason I slept through
everything was because...
Because I never
intended to wake up at all.
I tried to kill myself
last night, Frank.
Sleeping pills.
I know what you're thinking.
Otis wanted to live and he died.
I wanted to die and...
Oh, I guess it doesn't
make much sense.
Suicide never does.
But why should a girl like you?
What do you know about me?
I could be anything, a thief,
a murderess, even worse.
No, I don't think so.
Whatever you did, there must
have been a very good reason.
You don't need a
reason to die, Frank.
Just one to live.
Somehow I thought that I
didn't have one anymore.
You still feel that way?
I don't know why, but
everything's changed.
Now that it's too late
to do anything about it.
Right.
What have you got?
A report from the 337th
fighter-bomber command.
Any of them get through?
Not a one, sir.
If those jets can't get
through, nothing can.
What about the atomic artillery?
We got the new models that
were flown in an hour ago.
They won't be assembled
for several hours.
Are they sending us
the new guided missiles?
Yes, we receive those
along with the atomic artillery.
I never thought the day would come when we
turned them against one of our own cities.
There won't be a
building left standing.
I know, I know.
It can't be helped.
Urgent dispatch, sir, from Colonel
Powers, 7th Armored Division.
We've captured one.
How'd they do it?
A tank crew picked them
up by the side of the road.
in sector B-107.
It says it was completely
inactive lying there.
Where is he now?
They're bringing
him into the lab, sir.
The lab?
Why not to interrogation?
We'll find out when
we get over there.
Come on.
There's a third pair
in the last ten minutes.
I wonder where they're going.
I don't know.
But I got a good
suggestion for them.
Vicki, how can you
joke at a time like this?
Don't kid yourself, honey.
The only reason I open my trap
is to keep my teeth from chattering.
Those things out there are
bad enough in broad daylight.
It's going to be
dark pretty soon.
You know, I was just thinking,
as long as we have to stay here,
we might as well
do it the right way.
Now, there must be a flashlight or
some candles around somewhere.
Why don't I go
and look for them?
You mean downstairs alone?
With all those creeps
around, not on your life.
Well, we have to have some light, and who
knows, I might be able to find some food.
All right, but I'm
going with you.
One of us ought to
stay here with the girls.
All right, you stay.
Oh, we're so gallant
all of a sudden.
Yesterday you wouldn't even
stand up to give me a seat on the bus.
Yeah, and today the buses
aren't running anymore.
Jim is right, Frank.
You should both go.
It's the only fair thing to do.
What about you and Vicki?
Don't worry about us.
We'll lock yourselves
in until you get back.
Go on. Get started while
there's still some light.
Come on.
Where is he?
Right here sir.
- Hi Tom.
- Hello General.
Robot?
Yes, sir, we think they all are.
It's fantastic.
No wonder we haven't been
able to stop them anywhere.
Well, at least now we
know what we're up against.
We only had a little time
to work out of defense.
We've already started
electronic research.
The objective being to find
out what caused this break.
We might have a few
hours if we're lucky and
they hold off reinforcing
their advance elements.
Has the general
staff been notified?
Yes, sir, and Major Reynolds
sent an urgent message.
Good.
They'll probably want to
fly in the team from G2.
Order the landing strip
at Able sector held at all cost.
Yes, sir.
That'll take almost four hours.
I doubt that we'll
have the time.
I understand, General.
We'll do everything
we can, just in case.
Better keep away
from the window. Nora.
There's no use taking any
more chances than we have to.
I'm sorry, I guess
I wasn't thinking.
We shouldn't have
let them go, Vicki.
Something's gone
wrong, I know it.
Hey, take it easy, kid.
They've been gone
almost 20 minutes.
If anything's happened to
Frank, I'll never forgive myself.
I thought you just
met him today.
What's that got to do with it?
Nothing.
Not a thing.
It's just that way
with me and Jim.
Only neither one of us were smart
enough to do anything about it.
Hey, open up, it's us.
Oh, I thought you'd never get back.
Hey, you hit the jack pot.
You ain't seen nothing yet.
Better wait till I make sure
the drapes are drawn tightly.
Okay.
There you are, all
the comforts of home.
Sure, if you like
haunted houses.
Don't you two ever do anything
besides insult each other?
Oh, we have our moments.
Yeah, but this
isn't one of them.
Oh, funny.
How long do you
think we'll have to stay here?
I'm afraid that's
up to the Army.
Yeah, but whose?
Ours or theirs?
You have to do that?
You'd think you were in a cage or
something the way you keep pacing around.
What do you want me to do?
Take a nice long
walk out in the street.
A few more hours in this fleet
trap and we'll all be stir crazy.
Well, at least
we're still alive.
Now sit down and
keep your mouth shut.
Who do you think you are ordering
me around like a trained monkey?
You'd think we were
married or something.
Well, if we're not, I ain't because you
haven't been trying for the last ten years.
Go ahead.
Rub it in.
I ought to have my head examined
for putting up with you at all.
We wouldn't be here now if
you'd listen to me last night.
Sure, the whole
thing's my fault.
I even planned the invasion.
We still could have been
evacuated with the others.
But no.
No, you had to drink your way
through half the bars in town.
All right, so I did
a little celebrating.
How often does a guy hit
the daily double at 60 to 1?
Once in 10 years, if
you're any example.
Let's live, baby.
I hit the GGs for 240 clams.
Ha!
A lot of good the money is now.
You didn't have to come along.
You ain't the only
blonde around.
Crazy dame.
Uh, Jim.
Why do we have to
fight like this all the time?
I don't know, baby.
I'll tell you one thing.
If we ever get out of
this thing alive, we'll do
all out fighting from the
same corner from now on.
Firework's over?
For a few rounds, anyway.
You know it's funny
about those two.
Gee, they needle
each other every minute.
Yet, when the chips are down...
I know.
Jerry and I were
a lot like that.
Jerry?
My husband.
Thanks.
What happened to your husband?
He was killed.
In an automobile
accident six months ago.
Oh, we were arguing
just like Jim and Vicki.
I was driving, never even
saw the car that hit us.
When I regained consciousness
in the hospital, they...
They told me Jerry was dead.
You've been blaming
yourself ever since.
Is that why you took
those sleeping pills?
I guess.
I know how you must feel, Nora,
but you can't keep on letting it get you
like I did last night.
I'm sorry.
It's just that I've never
been able to talk about it.
Too hard.
Look, we've been on
the go for nearly 14 hours.
What you need is a little sleep.
With one of those things
or whatever they are
alive would have burst
in here any minute.
Well, they haven't tried anything yet.
I think we're safe
enough until morning.
And after that...
You share the
bedroom with Vicky.
Jim and I will be in the other
room, just in case anything happens.
Well, that'll do it
for the time being.
All right, cut in
your generator.
So that's what makes them tick.
Electronics.
Let's call it a system of
electromagnetic impulses.
By exerting positive or negative charges,
as the case may be, they've been able to
duplicate every desired
motion of the human body.
Hmm.
What's it made of?
Surgical steel, according
to all the usual tests.
But how they make it pliable
in the joints is something else.
An army of machines,
incapable of pain, fear,
or compassion, and
practically indestructible.
There's got to be a
human element somewhere.
No machine can think for itself.
No, we're coming to that.
Martin, would you set up the
helmet for another test, please?
As far as we've been able to determine,
these robots operate on a radar principle,
utilizing the super
high frequencies.
Like our homing
type guided missiles.
Precisely.
First, an image is picked
up on the cathode ray
tube, which is mounted
in the face of the helmet.
From there, it's transmitted to some
control point or monitor station by this.
I've never seen
anything like it.
Are sure this is a transmitter?
It has to be from the
position it occupied in
the helmet in relation
to the cathode tube.
Actually, it operates
on a completely different
principle from anything
we've ever developed.
What's its frequency range?
So far, we haven't
been able to figure it out.
What about the antenna?
The length of that
ought to give you a lead.
There is no antenna.
They must utilize a portion of the surface
of the shell, or perhaps the entire robot.
And there's no way we can jam it and
put their whole army out of commission.
I'm afraid not.
What about the control point?
They have to correlate
their information somewhere
and send back the impulses
to guide the machine.
That all depends on the
strength of the transmitter.
Could be only a few miles.
On the other hand, it might reach
all the way back to their home base.
Wherever that may be.
There's got to be a
weak point somewhere.
What about the cathode ray tube?
It was damaged, wasn't it?
That's right.
It was the only visible damage.
And we figured that it put the
entire mechanism out of commission.
But if that's the case,
you mean all we have
to do is knock out the
cathode grade tube.
Except for two things.
In the first place,
nobody's ever been able to
get that close to one
without being annihilated.
And the second?
I'll show you.
Everything's that, Tom.
Thank you, Martin.
As you can see, this is a
standard M1 semi -automatic rifle.
It's aimed squarely at the center of
the undamaged portion of the tube.
Now, you gentlemen
just stand back.
Didn't even ricochet.
Just flattened down
like a wad of chewing gun.
That's right.
I don't know how that tube
was cracked originally, but
we'll never do it with a bullet,
even at point-blank range.
- What's the matter?
- The other room, quick!
Frank! Help me!
It's caught by the fingers.
Jim, give me a hand!
Stand back.
Keep away!
Hold it, sister,
before you get hurt.
All right, now back out
to the center of the room.
Let's go.
That goes for you too, Junior.
Start moving.
Do as he says it, Jim.
Please.
Not so fast. Who are you
and what do you want?
You heard what the lady said.
Start moving.
That's better.
Is any light in here?
There's a candle on the
table right behind you.
There now.
Now suppose we all keep
calm and have a little talk.
Nice and friendly like.
Oh, sure.
All my friends carry guns.
Why did you take a shot
at us through the door?
What did you expect me to do?
Stand still while
you chop my hand off?
We thought you were
one of the invaders.
You know something.
I thought the same
thing about you.
All right, so we all
made a mistake.
You're gonna hold
that gun on us all night?
I don't know yet.
That all depends on you.
What happened?
Well, it looks like a whole
chain of resistors went out.
We'll have to start
again from scratch.
How long will it take?
About an hour, unless his
playmates beat us to the punch?
Look, do you have to do that?
What are you talking about?
In the last half hour, you've
done everything but kiss that gun.
Gives me the creeps.
Well now, I'm real sorry I didn't
know you were the sensitive type.
She's not but I am.
Now put that away
before somebody gets hurt.
I wouldn't try anything if I were you...
wouldn't be smart.
Forget it Jim.
I guess I'm jumpier than I thought.
We all are since he showed up.
If you don't like this
set up, why don't you leave?
Wouldn't have a
chance by myself.
And neither what
you, without this gun.
No matter how you figure it,
we're just stuck with each other.
Nora, come on, let's
try to get some sleep.
Hey, what time is it?
6:15
The sun's coming up.
What happens now?
We can't leave until
we're sure they're gone.
Let's pray they don't
search the building.
You know, I don't
know which is worse.
Taking a chance outside or being cooped
up here with that trigger-happy screwball.
You mean Davis?
- Every time he looks at me, I...
- Yeah, I know what you mean.
You know, this may sound crazy, but I
swear I've seen that guy somewhere before.
It's possible?
He could have lived or worked
in your own neighborhood.
You could have passed him
on the street a dozen times.
Not what I meant.
Here's another thing. Why wasn't he
evacuated like everybody else in town?
You forget they overlooked us too.
We've only got ourselves to blame.
Maybe.
Only what about that gun.
Hmm?
I'm not sure, but it looks
just like a police revolver.
Now you are imagining things And
if it were true how would you know?
You kidding? There isn't a flatfoot
I'd... Ah skip it I must be off my rocker.
Boy, what I'm what I need is a drink.
There's some
beer in the kitchen.
It's probably awfully
warm by now.
Honey, I don't
care if it's on fire.
I'll get it.
I want to see if
Frank's awake anyway.
Suit yourself.
I always did like
breakfast in bed.
I won't be a minute.
Mm-hmm.
Sorry if I scared you.
What do you want?
Well, let's say I've been
waiting for a chance to talk to you.
Alone.
Not now.
Please, I'm tired.
- Later.
- Not very friendly, are you?
It's my privilege.
Well, maybe I'd like
to change your mind.
- I'll remember that.
- So will I.
- Now let me pass.
- Use your head Nora, were in a tight spot.
I can get us out of here alive.
How?
Now look, there's a main sewer line
on 7th Street, only a block from here.
Once we reach it, we could
double back behind their lines.
We'd be safe.
How come you
haven't told the others?
Why should I?
We couldn't all make
it without being spotted.
- We could try.
- Uh -huh.
Nora, I got other plans for them.
Yes, I think we
use them as decoys.
While they were being run down, we
make a break in the opposite direction.
Just you and me.
You mean you'd...
You'd kill all the others
just to save your own life.
Yours too.
Don't forget that.
You must be insane. If you think...
You shouldn't
have said that, Nora.
I don't like people
who think I'm crazy.
Let me go! Jimmy! Help me!
Yeah, call your
boyfriend, call them all!
You had your chance!
Alright, take your
hands off her.
Hold it.
All right...
All right, now back out in
the center of a living room.
All of you.
Let's go.
Figure it at 14 millimeters.
I got it.
Where will we start the machine?
We're gonna start it at 30,000.
We'll bring it up in
controlled intervals from there.
Right.
How long will it take?
Just a few minutes, we're making
some last minute changes now.
You still figure the answers are
in the cathode ray tube?
It's got to be.
Course, were hampered
by the fact that the surface
is an integral part
of the helmet itself.
We couldn't dare
risk taking it out.
This is our last chance, Tom.
The atomic artillery and guided
missiles are all assembled in in position.
If we don't come up with
anything in the next five minutes.
I've got orders to
start shelling the city.
All right, sir.
Good. Now, you gentlemen
will just stand over there.
Okay, this is far
enough for now.
What are you trying
to prove, Davis?
You'll find out when I'm
good and ready to tell you.
Go on up front and see if you can
spot any of our playmates on the street.
If you're so interested,
go see for yourself.
I said get moving before
this gun happens to go off.
It's somebody's belly.
Stay where you are, Vicki.
He hasn't enough nerve to shoot.
Oh, I wouldn't count
on it if I were you.
You win.
- See anything?
- Sure.
One out there on the front lawn.
Having a picnic.
How far away is it?
About 50 yards on the
other side of the street.
Moving away from us.
Good.
We'll give it a
couple of minutes.
You talk as though you
expect to go out there.
I'm not.
But you are.
Oh?
And what makes
you so sure of that?
Because I've got the gun.
So that's it.
We're the pigeon so you can take
off while that thing out there chases us.
Well, now you
catch on real quick.
But that would be murder.
Maybe.
Only this time nobody
can do a thing about it.
This time?
Sure.
I knew he looked familiar.
He's the guy that killed that dame
down on Skid Row about a month ago.
It was in all the papers.
That's right.
Big headlines, lots of pictures.
Just like they'll be when
they found out I killed
the guard and got
away in the evacuation.
So that's why you stayed behind.
You didn't dare leave the city.
They'll be watching
every road out of town.
Sure.
Every road except the
ones behind the enemy lines.
Now all I need is
a five-minute start.
And you're going
to give it to me.
Now get moving, all of you.
But you can't do this.
Well, what'll it be, guys?
Take a chance on the street,
or get it here.
It won't work, Buster.
If we're going to die anyway,
one of us will get you first.
I'm warning you.
Keep back.
You won't shoot.
- Frank, your shoulder.
- Oh, it's not bad.
Sorry, Jim.
You... crazy dame.
Back to the stairs, quick!
The gun. Where's the gun?
Jim, aim for its face.
Upstairs, it's our only chance.
Go on. I'll try to hold this door.
See if you can find
a way to another roof.
There must be a
ladder somewhere.
- Over there, quick.
- Frank!
You folks okay?
We are now.
But if you got here 30 seconds later,
it would have been a different story.
What are you doing
in the city anyway?
Don't you know
it's a combat zone?
You should have been
evacuated like everybody else.
I guess we were overlooked.
By the time we'd guess what was
happening, it was too late to leave.
Those men were everywhere.
Not men, lady.
They were robots, a
whole army of them.
No wonder the bullets
wouldn't stop them.
Nothing will, except this.
I don't understand.
What is it?
An oscillator.
You heard the noise it puts out.
We discovered the robots couldn't
take the vibrations of the sound waves.
Smashes the glass in
their cathode rate tube.
You mean the vibrations
smash the tubes?
That's right. Put 'em out of
commission in nothing flat.
Then you mean the city?
The whole world is safe again.
Maybe... till the next time.
What makes you so sure
there'll be a next time?
Well, from what I was told, if they would
have used a certain metal instead of glass
in that tube, all the oscillators in
the world couldn't have stopped them.
But don't worry, folks.
We're working on that right now.
Hop in the jeep and we'll see
what the medics can do with that arm.