The movie was originally titled “Grave Robbers from Outer Space.”

Ed Wood changed the title to Plan 9 from Outer Space just before the film’s release, hoping it would attract more attention.

It is often referred to as the “worst movie ever made.”

Despite its flaws, Plan 9 from Outer Space has gained a dedicated following that appreciates its campy charm and unintentional entertainment value.

Bela Lugosi, legendary horror actor, passed away during production.

Lugosi filmed a few scenes for the movie before his death, and Ed Wood used footage from other projects to include him posthumously.

Bela Lugosi’s character was played by a different actor.

Wood enlisted his wife’s chiropractor, Tom Mason, and even had him hold a cape in front of his face to hide the fact that he looked nothing like Lugosi!

The budget was incredibly low.

With a budget estimated between $20,000 and $60,000, Plan 9 from Outer Space was a true example of independent, low-budget filmmaking.

The iconic flying saucers were made from toy spinning tops and paper plates.

Due to the limited budget, Wood got creative with the special effects, resulting in laughably low-quality UFOs.

One of the actors reused his wife’s bra as a prop.

During a scene, actor Criswell wore his wife’s bra under his shirt to create a futuristic look!

The film’s original producer backed out after seeing the script.

Wood’s friend and original producer, Tony McCoy, left the project after reading the screenplay, claiming he did not understand it.

The movie was released a few years after its completion.

Plan 9 from Outer Space was finished in 1956 but wasn’t released until 1959 due to difficulties finding distribution.

The film’s dialogue is filled with memorable quotes.

Lines like “Your stupid minds! Stupid! Stupid!” and “I can’t stand it! These… these stupid earth brutes!” have become fan favorites.

Vampira, a famous horror host, appears in the film.

Maila Nurmi, known as Vampira, plays a mournful zombie in Plan 9 from Outer Space.

The movie makes extensive use of stock footage.

Wood incorporated footage from another film called “The Earth Dies Screaming” into Plan 9 from Outer Space to keep costs down.

It inspired Tim Burton’s film “Ed Wood.”

Director Tim Burton, known for his quirky style, paid tribute to Ed Wood and Plan 9 from Outer Space by making a biographical film about the infamous director.

Critics initially panned the film.

Upon release, critics were unimpressed with Plan 9 from Outer Space, calling it amateurish and incoherent.

The film gained a new audience through late-night television screenings.

As the years went by, Plan 9 from Outer Space found its audience through late-night TV broadcasts, becoming a cult classic.

It features an alien invasion plot.

The film centers around a group of aliens who attempt to stop humans from creating a doomsday weapon that could destroy the universe.

The movie was produced independently.

Pressed for funds, Ed Wood produced the film himself and even borrowed money from his friends to cover production costs.

Tor Johnson, a former Swedish wrestler, had a prominent role.

Known for his size and distinctive looks, Tor Johnson played the role of Inspector Daniel Clay and became one of the film’s most memorable characters.

The film’s editing is notoriously choppy.

Due to budget restrictions, Wood struggled to achieve consistent editing, resulting in abrupt scene transitions and continuity errors.

It showcases Ed Wood’s signature quirky writing style.

Plan 9 from Outer Space is filled with Wood’s unique dialogue and unconventional storytelling choices.

The spacecraft takes off by shaking the camera.

Unable to create convincing special effects for the spaceship launch, Wood resorted to shaking the camera to create the illusion of movement.

The film’s original title can be seen within the movie.

During a newspaper sequence, the original title “Grave Robbers from Outer Space” is visible on a page.

Wood reused the graveyard set.

To save money, Wood used the same cemetery location for multiple scenes, often from different angles to create the illusion of a larger area.

The film’s poster is a work of art.

Featuring bold colors and dramatic artwork, the poster for Plan 9 from Outer Space has become iconic in its own right.

The movie has inspired numerous parodies and homages.

From “The Simpsons” to “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” Plan 9 from Outer Space has left its mark on pop culture.

The film addresses themes of resurrection and reanimation.

Plan 9 from Outer Space explores the concept of bringing back the dead through aliens’ unconventional resurrection methods.

The characters react calmly to alien invasions.

Despite the imminent threat of extraterrestrial attack, the characters in the film often respond with bewildering calmness.

The film’s soundtrack is composed of stock music.

Wood used pre-existing tracks from a music library to create the score for Plan 9 from Outer Space.

The cast and crew were not paid upfront.

Due to budget constraints, many of the actors and crew members were promised a share of the profits instead of receiving immediate payment.

Plan 9 from Outer Space was one of Ed Wood’s last films.

After a string of low-budget movies, Wood struggled to find success and ultimately passed away in 1978.

The film has been preserved in the National Film Registry.

In recognition of its cultural significance, Plan 9 from Outer Space was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress.

It has scenes that take place during the day and night simultaneously.

Due to poor editing and lack of continuity, there are scenes where one character is in daylight while another is in the middle of the night.

Plan 9 from Outer Space features memorable costumes.

From Vampira’s iconic black dress to the aliens’ metallic suits, the movie’s costumes have become synonymous with its unique style.

The film’s opening narration sets the tone.

The opening lines, delivered by narrator Criswell, set the stage for the outlandish and paranormal events that unfold throughout the movie.

The movie was shot in only four days.

Due to the limited budget, Wood had to rush the production, resulting in fast-paced filming.

Plan 9 from Outer Space has inspired scholarly analysis.

Despite its reputation, some scholars have examined the film as a commentary on societal fears and anxieties of the time.

The movie includes a scene with a soapbox alien.

In one of the most bizarre moments in the film, an alien stands on a soapbox to deliver a monologue about the dangers of humanity.

The film was not a financial success upon release.

Despite becoming a cult classic, Plan 9 from Outer Space earned very little money during its initial run.

Plan 9 from Outer Space features “reanimated” corpses.

Aliens reanimate corpses as part of their plan to conquer humanity, leading to hilarious and often awkward interactions.

The film’s script was written in just four days.

Ed Wood famously wrote the screenplay in a caffeine-fueled frenzy, completing it within a matter of days.

Plan 9 from Outer Space has inspired stage adaptations.

Some theater companies have recreated the film in live performances, embracing its campy and low-budget aesthetic.

The movie features wooden tombstones that wobble.

The tombstones seen in the cemetery scenes were made of lightweight materials, causing them to sway and wobble during filming.

Plan 9 from Outer Space is in the public domain.

Due to a failure to properly place a copyright notice, the film is now available for public viewing and distribution.

It has been praised for its unintentional humor.

Plan 9 from Outer Space has become a favorite among fans of “so bad, it’s good” cinema, with its unintentionally funny moments.

The movie still resonates with audiences today.

Over six decades after its release, Plan 9 from Outer Space continues to captivate audiences who enjoy its unique charm and enduring legacy in the realm of “so bad, it’s legendary” movies.

In Conclusion

Plan 9 from Outer Space, with its colorful history, unintentional humor, and enduring cult following, has solidified its place in film history. Despite all its flaws, this B-movie masterpiece continues to entertain and amuse audiences, cementing its status as the “worst movie ever made” that people just can’t help but love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Plan 9 from Outer Space is a cult classic that has gained notoriety for its unconventional storyline, low-budget production, and quirky performances. Despite being criticized for its technical flaws and outlandish plot, the movie has managed to capture the hearts of audiences and has become a beloved part of cinema history. From its connections to real-life events to its unintended comedic moments, Plan 9 from Outer Space continues to entertain and fascinate viewers decades after its release. Whether you enjoy it for its campy charm or appreciate it as a piece of cinematic history, there’s no denying the enduring legacy of this iconic film.

FAQs

1. Is Plan 9 from Outer Space considered to be the worst movie ever made?

While Plan 9 from Outer Space often tops lists of the “worst movies ever made,” it has also gained a cult following and is celebrated for its unintentional humor and charm.

2. Who directed Plan 9 from Outer Space?

Plan 9 from Outer Space was directed by Ed Wood, who is known for his low-budget and unconventional films.

3. What is the plot of Plan 9 from Outer Space?

The movie revolves around a group of aliens who attempt to conquer Earth by resurrecting the dead and using them as their mindless minions. It follows the efforts of a small group of humans to stop the alien invasion.

4. Who stars in Plan 9 from Outer Space?

The film features actors such as Bela Lugosi, Vampira, and Tor Johnson, among others.

5. How did Plan 9 from Outer Space gain its cult status?

Plan 9 from Outer Space gained its cult status due to its unique blend of B-movie elements, unintentional humor, and the enthusiasm of its dedicated fan base.