The threat of an alien invasion was a popular theme of sci-fi films in the 50s and this 1956 film explores our fear of losing our identity and humanity in a complex world.  The film was directed by Don Siegel who would later go on to direct Clint Eastwood in five films including the first Dirty Harry movie in 1971. Originally titled “The Body Snatchers” and based on the novel of the same name by Jack Finney, the title was changed to “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” by the studio that made the film Allied Artists. Joseph Cotton, Dick Powell and Gig Young were all considered for the lead role but Siegel cast Kevin McCarthy who had been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1951 for the film adaptation of “Death of a Salesman.” Up and coming actress Dana Wynter was cast as his love interest. The studio did not like the ending that Siegel had planned for the film and went with a more happy conclusion with an added prologue and epilogue that Siegel did not approve of but was forced to shoot. The film was shot all over  Sierra Madre, Chatsworth, Los Feliz and Bronson and Beachwood Canyons .  Learn about these interesting facts and many more from the movie guy as we talk about “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” with Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Carolyn Jones and King Donovan and then show the movie.