"The Invader" is a simple science fiction tale from 1953, but it still holds up as one of Escape's best episodes. It shares some strong similarities to The Twilight Zone's 1961 episode "The Invaders" and to an X Minus One episode from 1956 called "Pictures Don't Lie" but neither has the wit of Escape's story.
"The Invader" begins with an atomic bomb test in the Nevada desert. The explosion is observed by a space ship on its way to visit the Earth carrying the advance guard of a more evolved race. These beings already know a few things about human beings and the Earth, and they seem irked that their superiors stuck them with an exploration mission to such a tedious and primitive planet.
We then meet Mr. Albert Tanner and his wife Martha. Mr. Tanner is a genius trapped in a lousy job teaching high school chemistry in La Mirada, California. He finally catches a break in life when he accidentally makes contact with the incoming space ship on his radio set. His wife then makes hysterical phone calls to the police and the army about the space men her husband talks to on his radio.
"The Invader" was directed by Antony Ellis and written by Michael Gray. It starred Howard McNear as Albert Tanner, Fay Baker as Martha, and Edgar Barrier as the Commander. Also appearing were Paul Frees, Peter Leeds, Bill Bissell and LeRoy Leonard.
. Download Escape_1953.03.29_ The Invader.mp3
Here also is X Minus One's similar story, "Pictures Don't Lie."
. Download xmn1.1956.10.24_Pictures_Don't_Lie.mp3
(Image from Morguefile.com)
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