The Astro-Zombies Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mad scientist makes gross zombie robots out of dead people, but they’re terrible at their job and stumble around, accidentally attracting spies and the CIA who are equally confused.

🍿 The Astro-Zombies: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Mad Scientist’s Deadly Creation

Dr. DeMarco, a disgraced scientist fired from the Space Agency, retreats to his makeshift laboratory. Driven by a twisted vision, he aims to create a ‘super human’ or ‘Astroman’ by piecing together body parts from murdered victims. His gruesome experiments result in the creation of grotesque, reanimated creatures known as Astro-Zombies. These beings are intended to be controlled remotely, but DeMarco soon loses mastery over his monstrous creations, unleashing them upon the unsuspecting public.

The Rampage Begins

The newly created Astro-Zombie goes on a violent killing spree, leaving a trail of mutilated bodies. The random and brutal nature of the attacks quickly draws the attention of law enforcement and federal agents. The CIA, led by Agent Holman, begins investigating the bizarre murders, suspecting a connection to the disappeared Dr. DeMarco and his controversial research into synthetic life forms and mind control.

Spies and Suspects

Adding to the chaos, an international spy ring, headed by the enigmatic and ruthless Satana, also becomes interested in Dr. DeMarco’s work. Satana and her associates seek to acquire the secrets of the Astro-Zombies for their own nefarious purposes, putting them on a collision course with both the monster and the authorities. The converging interests of the CIA, the foreign spies, and the rampaging Astro-Zombie create a tangled web of pursuit and violence across Los Angeles.

Double Agents and Deadly Encounters

As the investigation deepens, CIA agents attempt to track DeMarco and understand the nature of his creations. They clash with Satana’s spy network, leading to shootouts and confrontations, often with the Astro-Zombie lurking in the background. DeMarco, aided by his mute assistant Franchot, continues his experiments, sometimes capturing new subjects for his grisly work, while trying to evade capture from all sides.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. DeMarco (John Carradine): The disgraced scientist secretly creating monstrous astro-zombies from body parts.
• Janice (Tura Satana): A determined CIA agent assigned to investigate the string of brutal murders linked to the astro-zombies.
• Holman (Wendell Corey): The pragmatic head of the CIA team overseeing the investigation into the mysterious killings.
• Juan (Rafael Campos): The ruthless leader of a criminal syndicate seeking to control or destroy Dr. DeMarco’s creations.
• Dr. Petrovich (Joseph Hoover): Dr. DeMarco’s jealous former assistant who now works for the syndicate to gain revenge and control.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. DeMarco: “Activate the sonic transmogriceptor!” – A typical example of the nonsensical scientific jargon Dr. DeMarco spouts while working in his lab.
• Satana: “I said kill him!” – A cold command given by Satana, showcasing her ruthless personality as she orders her henchmen to execute a victim.
• Agent Holman: “Well, there’s one basic element of human life that can never be removed – the emotions!” – A seemingly profound, albeit awkwardly delivered, concluding line attempting to summarize the film’s theme after the climax.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $37,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 The Astro-Zombies Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘The Astro-Zombies’ expecting some grade-Z schlock, and boy, did it deliver! Honestly, I wasn’t always sure what was happening plot-wise; it felt like three different movies stapled together. But I couldn’t look away! The lab scenes with John Carradine spouting off gibberish to his silent, hunchbacked assistant were comedy gold. And Tura Satana? Absolute screen presence! Every time she was on screen in those amazing outfits, the whole movie got a jolt of energy. Sure, the ‘Astro-Zombies’ looked like guys in ill-fitting Halloween masks, and the scene where one needed a flashlight to keep going was peak absurdity. But that’s the point, right? It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends, pointing and laughing. It captures a certain kind of late-60s exploitation vibe perfectly. Those opening credits with the toy robots and colored smoke? Genius. It sets the tone for the wonderful nonsense that follows.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of low-budget exploitation films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy ‘so bad it’s good’ movies”
  • “Enthusiasts of cult horror and sci-fi”
  • “Fans of actors John Carradine and Tura Satana”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore (low budget effects)”
  • “Mutilation”
  • “Partial nudity (brief scene)”
  • “Dated and potentially offensive stereotypes”

Professional Reviews

• Fictional Critic: “Ted V. Mikels’ ‘The Astro-Zombies’ is a cinematic endurance test. What little plot exists is nonsensical, drowning in endless, dull lab scenes and jarring, inept action. The acting is often painful, with John Carradine mumbling through techno-babble and Wendell Corey appearing visibly checked out. While Tura Satana provides brief moments of captivating weirdness, the film is overwhelmingly slow and devoid of genuine entertainment, even for bad movie enthusiasts. It’s less ‘so bad it’s good’ and more ‘just bad’.
• Fictional Critic: “Forget conventional cinema; ‘The Astro-Zombies’ is a glorious fever dream of Z-grade absurdity! From the inexplicable toy robot credits to the lumbering skull-masked monsters, every frame screams low-budget charm. John Carradine’s hilariously earnest scientific jargon and Tura Satana’s magnetic, over-the-top villainy are worth the price of admission alone. Yes, the pacing is atrocious and the plot a chaotic mess of spies and reanimated parts, but its sheer, unadulterated ineptitude creates a unique and often laugh-out-loud viewing experience. A true pinnacle of drive-in delirium.

Audience Reactions

Tura Satana’s presence and wardrobe stole the show for many.: Many viewers appreciate the movie’s unintentional humor and camp value, finding it enjoyable as a ‘so bad it’s good’ experience.

The opening and closing credits featuring toy robots are surprisingly memorable and fun.: The sheer absurdity of the plot, acting, and effects provides consistent entertainment for fans of low-budget cinema.

John Carradine’s over-the-top mad scientist performance was a definite highlight.: Despite significant pacing issues, the film’s unique blend of horror, sci-fi, and spy elements makes it a bizarre cult classic worth seeing for its historical oddity.

Overall Consensus: Widely considered one of the ‘worst movies ever made,’ ‘The Astro-Zombies’ is a notorious Z-grade film. While many find it boring and poorly made, others embrace its chaotic plot, cheap effects, and unintentional humor, declaring it a cult classic for fans of truly bad cinema.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The house used for Dr. DeMarco’s laboratory and residence actually belonged to actor Peter Falk, who was a friend of writer/producer Wayne Rogers. Falk even filmed a cameo that was ultimately cut by director Ted V. Mikels.”
• “Actor Wendell Corey, who played agent Holman, reportedly struggled with severe alcoholism during filming and sadly passed away from cirrhosis of the liver shortly after production wrapped, making this his final film role.”
• “Tura Satana’s character is shown using a silenced revolver throughout the film, which is a technical inaccuracy as revolvers cannot be effectively silenced due to gas escaping from the cylinder gap.”
• “Wayne Rogers, later famous for his role as ‘Trapper’ John McIntyre in the TV show M*A*S*H, co-wrote and co-produced the film, though he reportedly didn’t often speak of his involvement later in his career.”
• “Director Ted V. Mikels makes a brief cameo appearance as the bongo player during the nightclub scene featuring the psychedelic body-painted dancer.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Astro-Zombies?

As a cult classic from 1969, ‘The Astro-Zombies’ may have limited availability on mainstream subscription services. However, it is frequently found on free, ad-supported streaming platforms like Tubi. It may also be available to rent or purchase digitally on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and others specializing in classic or B-movies. Check specific platform listings for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Astro-Zombies, you might like these similar films:

• Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957): Often cited alongside ‘The Astro-Zombies’ as one of the worst films ever made, featuring similarly bizarre plots, low budgets, questionable acting, and significant cult status.
• Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965): Stars Tura Satana in a much more prominent and iconic role, sharing the same exploitation genre roots, strong female characters, and B-movie aesthetic.
• The Corpse Grinders (1971): Another infamous low-budget horror film directed by Ted V. Mikels, known for its outlandish premise, cheap effects, and cult following among fans of Z-grade cinema.
• Basket Case (1982): A cult horror film that embraces its low budget and outlandish premise, featuring a bizarre creature and memorable characters, appealing to fans of unique, non-mainstream horror.
• Frankenstein Island (1981): Features John Carradine in a late-career, low-budget horror role similar to ‘Astro-Zombies,’ combining mad science, monsters, and various unrelated genre elements into a confusing, yet often-watched, B-movie.

🛒 The Astro-Zombies Related Products

• The Astro-Zombies (Blu-ray/DVD Combo): Own the notorious cult classic in high definition! Features include commentary tracks, interviews, and other bonus materials exploring the film’s legacy.
• Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (DVD/Blu-ray): Experience Tura Satana’s most iconic role in Russ Meyer’s legendary exploitation film. Features stunning visuals and Satana’s unforgettable performance.
• Incredibly Strange Films: An Encyclopedia of Mutant Cinema: Explore the world of cult, exploitation, and bizarre cinema, featuring essays and information on films like ‘The Astro-Zombies’.
• Classic Horror Movie Monster Poster Set: A set of posters featuring classic horror and monster movie artwork, perfect for decorating a den or home theater.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Astro-Zombies features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Astro Zombies” – performed by The Misfits

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Astro Zombies

Did you know this movie inspired the legendary Misfits song? This short fan video uses images from the film set to the track, and honestly, it’s pretty cool how the movie’s vibe perfectly matches the song’s energy.

Dark Corners – The Astro Zombies: Review

Want to know if ‘The Astro Zombies’ is worth your time? Let Dark Corners break it down for you – their take on the ‘solar-powered bad guys’ is exactly the kind of quirky detail I look for in these old horror flick reviews!

✨ Rate