E. 06-32: On the Beach (1959) & The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)

ON THE BEACH (1959)—Set in a world devastated by nuclear war, On the Beach (1959) follows the lives of individuals in Australia awaiting inevitable radioactive fallout. As they grapple with impending doom, relationships form and unravel. The narrative unfolds with a poignant exploration of the human condition in the face of extinction, capturing the desperation, love, and humanity’s resilience in the shadow of impending catastrophe.

THE DAY THE EARTH CAUGHT FIRE (1961)—As Earth faces catastrophic climate changes because of simultaneous nuclear tests by superpowers, chaos ensues. Journalists investigate the anomalies, uncovering a government conspiracy to alter the Earth’s axis. Tensions rise as the world hurtles toward destruction.

Welcome to our fifth double-feature this season, delving into the apocalyptic realms of On the Beach (1959) and The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961). Join us as we explore the poignant aftermath of nuclear war in the former and the consequences of global climate manipulation in the latter. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys awaits the inevitable end of humanity, bleak and remorseful because it is by our own hands.

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Ep. 06-31: The Sorcerers (1967)

THE SORCERERS (1967)—revolves around an elderly couple, Professor Monserrat and his wife, who invent a mind-control device. They persuade a young man to be their experimental subject, giving them the power to experience his sensations. However, the experiment takes a dark turn as the couple becomes increasingly obsessed with the thrill of controlling another person’s actions, leading to tragic consequences.

This bizarre exploration of mind manipulation marks our inaugural venture into the realm of Michael Reeves. Join us, as we discuss why this oddity featuring the great Boris Karloff late in his career doesn’t fare so well today. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys revs up the mad scientist lab (in our apartment’s second bedroom) so that we can mesmerize the innocent and live vicariously through their actions.

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Ep. 06-30: Forbidden Planet (1956) REDUX

FORBIDDEN PLANET (1956)—A space crew is sent to investigate the disappearance of a colony on the distant planet Altair IV. Upon arrival, they discover Dr. Morbius, the lone survivor, and his daughter Altaira. The mystery unfolds as an ancient alien technology, the Krell, is revealed, along with a powerful and destructive force from Morbius’s subconscious.

Welcome to our 3rd REDUX of the season, the enchanting, Forbidden Planet (1956). Join us as we recall our first impressions and discuss the magical elements that brought this highly influential film to fruition. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys travels to another galaxy, where extinct aliens have left significant technology behind—dangerous technology that should perhaps remain unfound.

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Ep. 06-29: Duel (1971)

DUEL (1971)—David Mann is on a road trip and unwittingly provokes the wrath of a menacing tanker truck driver in the California desert. Soon, he finds himself in a tense cat-and-mouse chase, with the tanker relentlessly pursuing him through the isolated desert landscape. When the pursuit escalates to deadly levels, Mann must summon his inner warrior and turn the tables on his tormentor.

We’re back in the world of Steven Spielberg (David’s favorite director and the one we’ve covered most)! Duel (1971) is notable for many things. Not only was it Spielberg’s first film, but it was based on the short story by Richard Matheson (one of our most covered writers). Join us, as we discuss why this film still works and how it catapulted Spielberg into a career still going strong 5 decades later. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys races for survival against a faceless menace in hot pursuit, recklessly reeling on a lonesome desert highway.

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