Without Warning

1980's WITHOUT WARNING is a surprisingly old-fashioned horror/sci-fi time waster, one which could've easily been just another vulgar relic of its era.  That's not to say it is any lost classic, and that it was directed by schlockmeister Greydon Clark should tell you all you need to know.  Also that this film was used in one episode of Mystery Science Theater 2000.   It's campy enough to earn that honor, but was far less embarrassing and dumb than expected.  Hey, it was a Friday night and I wasn't in the mood to work too hard.  And it was one of those old cable favorites I never got around to when I was twelve.

There are these mysterious flying discs that are killing people in a small town.  Hunters, teenagers, and even Cub Scout masters aren't safe.  The discs look kinda like jellyfish with tentacles, which are slowly injected into their victims.  Where are they coming from? We see a shadow of a tall figure early on.  Is it an alien? What is its plan with the mere humans?

We meet some of the townspeople.  There's kooky military vet "Sarge" (Martin Landau), who knows there's some really evil business out in the woods.   Gas station owner Joe Taylor (Jack Palance), who warns a quartet of teens not to go down to the lake. Of course they do anyway.  Rounding out the cast of veterans is Neville Brand, Ralph Meeker, Cameron Mitchell, and Larry Storch.  All are fun to watch.  Especially Landau, really going over the top.  Once upon a time the actor was quite ubiquitous in "B" junk such as this, and will be a real surprise for viewers who only know him from his later work in high profile films like CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS and ED WOOD.

The younger cast doesn't fare so well, though one of them is played by David Caruso, who would become popular for his roles in several T.V. shows and movies. 

The effects are decent considering the film's low budget.  Most showcase the gooey gore when a disc lodges into someone's flesh.   It's sufficiently gross, and curiously reminded me of a breakfast special you might find at Denny's.  We do get a good look at the extraterrestrial (head created by f/x maestro Rick Baker) late in the movie.   Director Clark also manages some mild suspense and a nice spooky atmosphere, especially in an old house and a shed in which the victims are hung. 

Dean Cundey, who would also go on to more prestigious gigs, lends good cinematography to WITHOUT WARNING, which is a silly title because there are plenty of warnings for everyone threatened by those flying omelettes.

P.S. - WITHOUT WARNING is said to have inspired 1987's PREDATOR.  Both feature actor Philip Baker Hall under the alien suit.