Here's a movie really obscure but worthy of more notoriety. SPACEMASTER X-7 was one of the wide-scope science fiction films produced by Regal Films to play on double bill with 20th Century Fox product. So far as I'm aware, an actual scope print has yet to be released -in fact the film itself doesn't seem to've received an official home format release of any kind. This one mixes science fiction with domestic crime drama, as an all-devouring fungus from space is being carried unknowingly by a woman wanted for the murder of her husband. Anywhere the fungus has a chance to spawn is quickly overtaken in monstrous tissue that must be burned. Unless the fungus is completely contained and destroyed, it could quickly end all life on Earth! A kind of cross between THE KILLER THAT STALKED NEW YORK and an episode of Science Fiction Theatre, SPACEMASTER X-7 even stars Bill Williams -one of the most frequently employed actors for that series. The film also offers a rare showy part for legendary voice and character actor Paul Frees. Most memorably, though, the film spotlights Moe Howard in one of his very few straight dramatic bits away from his comedy team! (Interestingly, fellow Stooge Joe Besser has a small part in the similarly obscure CinemaScope monster B picture HAND OF DEATH.) A real rarity that's worth a look if you ever have the chance, it even holds up well when cropped for television showings. That's good, because TV has been the only place to find it since it's original release in 1958!
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