Captive Women

Did not expect much from this one but found it to be more than OK. Three factions contend with each other long after a nuclear war devastates the earth. A theological themes runs throughout- one side, disappointed that God seemingly has forgotten them turns to devil worship. This aspect could have bene more developed, but oh well. The plotlines and dialogue are very interesting, even if the fighting scenes could have used some more effort. The main thing here is the interpersonal relationships between characters from each faction. I sense that the scrip read deeper than it was acted out, which is a pity. The amazing use of a story from the Old Testament to win the final battle was pure genius- the ending sealed up this yarn as being a thought provoking morality tale all along.. 5 stars.

A thought-provoking morality tale involving the dangers of atomic power, the thin veneer of civilization, and the pitting of good forces vs. bad ones. The apocalyptic glimpses of New York City in ruins (courtesy of matte painter Irving Block) and the quasi-Medieval/ancient Mediterranean costumes were definitely inspired by the science fiction pulp magazines of the 1940s, as well as the script. Acting fairly good, especially by Margaret Field (mother of Sally). The action moves swiftly, the sets are imaginative (especially the sewers where the Norms live and the tunnel that is beneath the river) and the film has a mood of haunting sadness that stays with one. A fairly expensive-looking production from producers Pollexfen, Wisberg, and Zugsmith, certainly costing more than Pollexfen and Wisberg's previous Sci-Fi classic, The Man from Planet X.