RAB'S REVIEWS

DAY THE EARTH ENDED 1956

Welcome friend, to the monstrous World of black and white sci-fi, a time when things were plain and simple, an achromatous era, one could gaze upon a T.V. set or silver screen and see a whole spectrum of colours, an age were the chromatics were inside the minds of the producers and directors. In the hearts of the actors a rainbow of actions, communications, and acoustics, colour washed the world.

How red did we see the spilt blood of the wounded monster

How orange was the glow beneath the U.F.O.

How yellow the lava that flowed towards us

Green the shrub where the beast did hide

How blue the sky when the world was saved

Indigo was the colour of tyrannosaurus and triceratops the snake the flower and the finch.

Violet the colour of our imagination and excitement, the colour of our own introspectiveness, for we never watched a black and white movie, we took part in it.

The Noah’s Ark of sci-fi man’s tampering with weapons grade plutonium, producing all manner of weird creatures. A lingering painful death by radiation poisoning awaits a small group of characters brought together under one roof to beat all the odds. A beautiful young psychotic woman suffering from neurosis, choose to repopulate the world. You’ll discover, Amour plated monkeys you’ll see a body fall of a cliff and bounce like a real dummy, and you’ll be introduced to cabaret. Whether psychologist or psychiatrist there is much to observe and learn as schizophrenia, stigma, nervosa, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder run amok, so it’s throttle up away we go….

“Our story begins with THE END!” A hydrogen bomb explosion greets us with a title THE DAY THE WORLD ENDED and everything scrolls as if on a large invisible cylinder.

Scripture, “The elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up…”

Cities are in ruins, nothing but skeletal remains and desolation. “Total destruction by nuclear weapons the world as we know it no longer exists, over all the land and sea the earth hangs in the atomic haze of death.” Through a poisonous gas cloud a man stumbles, “Man has done his best to destroy his self.” The man (Radick) collapses, his face reveals a horrible luminous radiation scar, “But there is a force more powerful than man and in his infinite wisdom he has spared a few.”

Tony and Ruby arrive in a convertible they see a house in the valley Tony points, “Down there, let’s go.” Another man appears through the gas (Rick) he kneels down to comfort Radick who mutters, “Kill me, kill me.” Rick slings him over his shoulder and carries him. A gold digger Pete and his donkey Diablo make it through the gas. Tony and Ruby arrive at the house. The homeowner Jim a stern faced man, with a Missoula complex, sits by the radio, he twiddles with the controls, and turns to his daughter saying, “Its no use Louise, no sign of life New York, London, Rome, Moscow, honey check the Geiger counter.” She lifts the counter it clicks a few times, “47 Richen.” Jim says, “Its down another 1, we might live, I told them this day would come, I begged them to get ready for it.” Louise looks through the curtains, “Dad, someone is coming.” Jim explains, “I can’t let them in.” Louise implies, “You’ve got to.” Jim reasons, “I only planned for you and me, I’ve only got provisions for us.” Tony knocks the door he has a gun. Jim reminds Louise, “It’s our lives or theirs girl.” She replies, “I’m letting them in.” and unlocks the door Tony bursts in, his gun pointing at Jim’s chest. “That wasn’t much of a welcome mister.” Jim protests, “No, you’re not welcome, put that gun down.” Ruby interrupts, “Come on Tony put it away.” Jim adds, “You better give it to me.” Tony replies. “Where I go this goes.” Jim orders, “Louise give Ruby a change of clothes, have her wash with the water in the CO Jars.” He looks at Tony, “Go to my room change your clothes and wash if you want to stay alive.” Tony mocks, “You sound like you’re used to giving orders.” They stare menacingly at each other.

Rick arrives and slumps Radick onto the sofa. Jim scans him with the Geiger counter, “We won’t have to feed this poor devil he’s done for.” Rick says, “I couldn’t just leave him there.” Jim reads the counter, “740 Richens, don’t touch him Louise.” He tells Rick, “Go to my room change you’re clothes and wash.” As he passes Louise he says, “My brother is dead he was only 30 feet from me, 22 years old he was studying for the ministry he was going to be a man of God.” Gold digger Pete and donkey Diablo arrive, Louise invites them in, Pete asks, “Mam could you make a place for me and Diablo.” Louise says, “Tie him outside, and come into the house.” Jim grunts, “Another one, huh, that makes 7 of us, none of us will make it you should have let me stop them.” Louise replies, “I couldn’t have lived with that on my conscience, and neither could you.” Ruby appears, She looks at Radick, Jim warns her, “Stand clear of him Miss, he’s lit up like an atomic phial.” Tony inquires, “Can he pass it on.” Jim replies, “I don’t know, there’s no point in taking chances.” Tony says, “Why take a chance.” He points his gun at Ridicks’ head, “I’ll just put him out of his misery.” Jim draws his gun, “No you don’t give me that gun.” Tony offers his weapon but grabs Louise around her body, and points the gun at Jim, “Once and for all Mr, no one takes my gun.” Ruby cries, “Tony look out.” Rick swings Tony round, laying a right hook on his chin sending him sprawling to he floor, he looks up, “I ain’t gonna like you Mr.” Rick says, “I can stand it, get up.” They square up to each other but move away. Jim points his gun at Tony, “If I were to use my best judgement I’d kill you right now.” Ruby interrupts, “He’ll be alright captain, he steps out of line once in a while.” Tony snarls, “Ruby shut up.” Pete enters carrying his sleeping bag, “You know Mam, Diablo could sleep in the kitchen with me, why he was watching me when I uncovered that gold vane.” Louise settles him, “Well no I’m afraid not.” Jim orders, “Come over here all of you, this is a Geiger counter, its recording 46 Richens of radioactivity in this house, and 50 are considered dangerous, 500 fatal.” Rick adds, “It depends on the individual, different people have different absorption capacity.” Jim retorts, “When I want an opinion I’ll ask for it, we may live we may not, some of us may be dieing now.” Ruby (busy with her make up) asks, “How long before we leave this rural paradise.” Jim says, “I wish you’d never found it lady.” Tony buts in, “I got big things working for me in Frisko.” Jim looks at Louise, “Tell him love.” She says, “There is no San Francisco, no radio signals from any city in the world.” Tony remarks, “Ahh your kiddin no Frisko.” Jim speaks, “The 7 of us are the beginning of a new era, a new civilisation I spent 10 years getting ready for it.” He gets a map, “I’ll show you why we’re still alive, this is my house, it’s own generating equipment and food supply, the hills surrounding are full of lead bearing ore act as a barrier against radioactivity, through these gorges and canyons blows a strong steady wind with enough velocity to keep the radioactivity contamination out of it, each of you were in this sheltered area except the man on the couch, you can see the results, I don’t think he’ll live, as long as the wind blows and the rains don’t come to soon we may live that’s if we’re not destroyed by other forces.” Tony asks, “What other forces.” Jim answers, “Never mind that now, make no mistake about it you’re not welcome here, food enough for 2, divide that among 7 of us we’ll find ourselves walking around with aching bellies, I and only I will decide when and how much we eat any argument, I settle it with this (pats his gun).” Tony says, “You’re a tough man alright, packin that gun, just don’t let go of it.” Jim reminds him, “I don’t intend to.” Rick lifts Radick, Ruby says, “Do you think he’s got it.” Jim answers, “Maybe may-be not.” Ruby moans, “Cute guy like that such a pity.” Next door Radick speaks to Rick, “I’m not gonna die I thought I was but I’m not, I’m hungry I need food, red meat, really raw I don’t know why but it’ll do me good.” Rick jokes, “I’ll leave your order with the chef.” He leaves.

Jim scans the area, Rick approaches he looks at the dial, “If that Geiger counter is accurate, I wouldn’t spend too much time out here.” Jim inquires, “You’re no stranger to this are you.” He replies, “I’m a geologist, my meat was uranium exploration.” Jim says, “The real force of the atom has never been truly calculated.” Rick implies, “I think it reached its fulfilment today.” Jim wonders, “It only affects our form of life.” Rick adds, “Do you think any other form of life could have survived that.” Jim reasons, “Do you remember the H-bomb test at Matsuo, I captained one of the ships 5 days after the blast I towed the animal ship out of target zero, the world never had a true account of that test.” Rick thinks, “What are you trying to tell me (a creature howls in the background).” Jim says, “Coyote, lots of game in here now.” Rick points out, “Contaminated game fighting for life just like us.” Jim informs him, “They started coming in a week ago it’s like the valley is Noah’s ark.”

Rick holds a pot plant Louise waters it, “It’s doing nicely your plant of the future.” Louise says, “Celebrates a birthday tomorrow, 3 weeks.” Rick replies, “3 weeks I thought we’d all be dead by now.” She tells him, “Even Radick got out of bed today and he gives me the creeps.” Rick adds, “Logically he should be dead.” Jim approaches, “There’s no such thing as logic any more, he hasn’t touched food or water for 3 weeks what does he live on, last night he left the house, didn’t get back until dawn.” Rick thinks, “He’s lives in a world all of his own.” Jim adds, “He’s a mutation Rick, a freak of this new atomic world of ours.” Radick appears, “I’m going out for a walk.” Jim warns him, “Stay in sight of the house.” He asks, “Why.” Jim says, “Because I tell you to.” Radick answers, “I’m not afraid I like it out there, (he looks at Louise) would you go with me.” Louise is nervous, “NO!” Radick walks away, Jim warns, “He’s dangerous he should be destroyed.” Rick says, “No Jim, It’s important to watch how he lives.” Jim inquires, “But why!” Rick says, “I’m not sure yet, when I am I’ll tell you.”

Sexy trumpet music plays, Ruby is shaking her stuff beside the record player, “At this part I’d do a few little dance steps, boy the contrast would kill them did you hear what I said.” Tony says, “No, turn off that crummy record.” Ruby says, “You only got eyes and ears for Louise, huh.” Tony snaps, “Shut up.” Ruby moves close, “You don’t like it when she goes out walking with Rick do ya.” He repeats, “I said shut up.” Outside Rick and Louise are talking, “I think I’m beginning to want to live again, its taken 7 weeks and you, oh! Louise.” They kiss. A high pitched sound is heard, Rick asks, “What’s the matter.” Louise says, “Didn’t you hear that.” “Hear what.” She continues, “Lets go into the house quick.”

Radick is in the woods, he has set a trap and caught a rabbit, he kills it with his knife, but another much larger creature is approaching he sees it, drops the rabbit and flees, a close up of the rabbit and the monsters claw picking it up sends shivers down our spine.

Jim and Rick stumble on some bones, and footprints, Rick thinks they are Radicks. Jim asks, “Do you think he ate that rabbit.” He checks the area, “49 Richen, do you think a man could eat that poison and live.” Rick says, “He spends his nights out here in the woods.” Jim answers, “No human could eat it and live, it defies all the laws of man and God.” Rick offers an explanation, “There maybe an entirely new set of laws, even small amounts of radiation produce change, if a man could live through complete saturation, a thousand generation of change could take place its only a theory.” Jim (with his 1000 yard stare) says, “Matsuo test.” Rick says, “There maybe more Radicks worse than him, all of us have survived more cumulative exposure than we ever dreamed possible.” Jim asks, “Are you saying we might all become like Radick, stalking the woods at night eating raw meat.” Rick says, “It’s possible.” The scream of a wild animal echoes through the wood, they look up, Jim inquires, “What can we do Rick.” Rick says, “My brother believed the Bible gave strength, and revealed a plan for everything.” Jim replies, “Well I hope I find it before I lose my mind.”

Jim reads the Bible, Louise is listening, “For I am with thee, to save thee and deliver thee saith the Lord, I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.” Tony speaks, “I had enough of the Bible when I was a kid.” Jim tells him, “It’s easy to see it had no effect on you Tony.” Rick looks out of the window a large storm cloud is passing over, “I think you outta tell them about the rain.” The reply is, “Yes! It’s going to rain, it will fall through the clouds saturated with nuclear death, there’s no escaping it but in case the weather clears and we do escape starting tomorrow we go on half rations.” Tony shrugs, “Ha, what’s half of nothing.” Jim says, “If we’re still here when the weather clears we’ll start planting, we’ll sow seed and grain, we’re just about out of water there’s a waterfall near the house, I’ve tested it and its safe starting tomorrow we bathe there.”

The girls go to the waterfall to bathe, Ruby notes, “This place looks spooky even in the sunlight, boy what I would give to be standing back on Broadway.” They enter the water, Ruby says, “You’re good looking country style, that’s why Tony goes for you its something new to him. Louise replies, “Tony,” “Aye he can’t take his eyes of you, can’t see me anymore, don’t encourage him otherwise I’ll make a play for that guy of yours.” Louise takes heed, “I’ll remember that.” Louise seems startled, Ruby asks, “What’s the matter.” She replies, “We’re being watched.” Something stirs in the shrubs, Ruby looks. “I don’t see anything.” Louise is frightened, “There’s something moving in the bushes.” Ruby says, “It’s probably one of the men, boys will be boys.” Louise cries, “Let’s get out of here, I felt eyes staring at me I heard it too.” Ruby is uneasy now, “Hey, cut that out.” They look at the ground and see 2 large footprints, Louise calls. “Come on.” And they flee. Jim and Rick go to examine the prints. Rick lifts something and says, “Radick is not the only one eating this game.” Jim replies, “When they finish the game we’ll be next, this place is cursed Rick we’ve got to kill Radick.” Rick thinks, “He’s our only chance to find out what we’re up against we can’t kill him.” Jim hints, “The animals at Matsuo.” Rick asks, “Tell me about Matsuo.” Jim replies, “Yes tonight, you’ll think I’m crazy just like the rest of them”

Pete tends his donkey; Ruby appears “I sneaked some more sugar for Diablo.” Pete says, “Thank you Ruby (strokes the donkey) he’s scared, one of these days we’re gonna high tail it out of here.” Ruby asks, “Where will you go.” Pete answers, “We’ve got a gold strike on the other side of the hills.” Ruby suggests, “Not much use for that now Pete.” Who replies, “No use eh, all my life I’ve been hunting for gold and now that I’ve found it, it’s up there and I’m down here.” Ruby laughs, “Your crazy but don’t feel bad, I think we all are.” “Thanks, Ruby you know Diablo is just crazy about sugar.” Ruby reveals, “Cut that out you old conniver I know what you do with the sugar, when the next batch of moonshine is ready I want some.” Pete hugs Diablo.

Jim asks, “How are you feeling honey.” Louise says, “Fine where’s Rick.” Jim replies, “He’ll be back soon.” She says, “I’ll go outside and wait for him.” Tony follows her and Ruby follows Tony. Tony catches up with Louise, “I just want to talk, I haven’t said a dozen words to you since we got here, what’s so bad about me, I’m not bad looking, I don’t smoke, I don’t drink.” He pulls her body close to him and tries to kiss her. “Let me go you belong to Ruby.” Tony replies, “I belong to myself.” he kisses her, she struggles free and runs away. Ruby arrives, “I found some perfume in my bag does it smell nice.” Tony says, “It stinks.” He lifts her hand, “what are you smoking.” Ruby says, “It’s some concoction of Pete’s, he makes a brew too (laughs) don’t that kill ya.” Tony tells her to throw it away. Ruby says, “You really go for her, nothing like a country girl that plays hard to get.” She embraces Tony, “Are we ready to come home to Ruby.” She kisses and squeezes him. “Still got her on your mind haven’t you.” Tony says, “Oh, forget her there are bigger things to worry about, there’s only enough food for a month.” Ruby implies, “I wouldn’t worry about that, I’ve got an idea we’re not gonna live that long.” Tony does the maths, “4 weeks for 6 people, how long can 2 people live on that 12 weeks, get it.” Ruby agrees. Tony adds, “Ah, you and me Ruby, 3 months and it should be alright.” Ruby asks, “But how are you gonna get rid of 4 people, 5 counting Radick.” Tony conceives, “I gotta get my hands on a gun, are you with me honey.” They have a long lingering kiss.

A figure disappears over the gas covered mountain. Rick is watching, he goes back to the house, “Radick walked into that murderous vapour like it was just plain fog.” Jim says, “How much do you know about the Matsuo bomb test.” Rick says, “Rumours.” Jim adds, “It’s time I showed you something, my job was to tow the animal ship out of target zero, I got the first look at them a 1000 different species.” Rick says, “The newspapers said they had been completely destroyed.” Jim reveals, “It was lies Rick, 3 of them lived.” Rick inquires, “Lived through the H-bomb.” Jim informs him, “There was a law against taking photographs.” But he has some sketches, “They were placed in cages male and female of each species.” He shows Rick the first sketch, (wow must see) “It was a chip monk” Rick cannot believe what he sees. “That was alive.” Jim adds, “It lived for 3 days, the 3rd survivor was a monkey, its skin looked like rubber but it had the feel of metal.” (These are not Picasso’s) Rick concludes, “Amour plated natures answer to complete nuclear radiation, a million years of evolution with 1 bomb.” Rick wonders, “If we could find out why they died it might help us.” Jim is stuck, “I couldn’t figure it out except they wouldn’t touch food or water.” Jim is droll, “Sometimes I have the feeling of doom.” Rick says, “There are 2 forms of life fighting for survival in this valley, one of them can win it’s gotta be us.” Jim takes heart, “You’re right Rick, it’s surprising how much strength I’ve drawn from you, and you’ve given me a feeling of responsibility towards the future of our kind.” Rick says, “Thanks, I think I’ll turn in now.” Jim replies, “I’ve thought a lot about it, I’ll talk to the girls in the morning.” Rick ponders, “The girls.” Jim finishes, “Yes, they should bear children as soon as possible.”

Jim is sleeping his gun is beside him, Tony appears stealth-like making for the revolver, Jim stirs Tony hesitates but continues, hand stretched out to take the gun. Rick has spotted him and dives at him from behind, they crash over the couch and fall to the floor, they get back on their feet Rick’s left hook sends Tony into the cabinets, Tony strikes a right, but is met with a left and right hook from Rick, objects fly across the room, throats are squeezed Louise enters, “Stop them Dad.” But Jim says, “No, let them go Rick will teach him a lesson.” Tony throws a wondrous right hook, Rick wipes his nose he sees blood and becomes enraged, chairs pictures cabinets drawers and tables are scattered everywhere, more throat clenching, a right a left a right from Rick sends Tony to the floor. He looks up, “I’m gonna kill you.” Ruby tries to comfort him, “Are you alright honey.” Tony growls “Get out of my life.”

Jim and Louise are outside, Jim says, “Winds good, no sign of rain, I’ll speak my peace, I’m a blunt man but you do like Rick.” Jim kneels, “Honey could you love him.” She nods, “A sea captain can perform marriages, I want you to marry Rick and have children.” Louise replies, “There’ll be no wedding and no children.” Jim says, “Honey you’ve got to think of the future.” Louise informs him, “There is no future.” Jim implies, “There’s a future for you, are you listening to me.” Louise replies, “Yes dad I’ll marry Rick in a week if he’s still here, if I am.” Jim becomes emotional, “What’s the matter baby.” Louise softly says, “I’m alright.” Jim ends, “You tell Ruby, I’ll speak to Tony and Rick.”

Tony and Ruby sit at the mountain, Tony is whittling a stick, “This is gonna open that store room door for me.” Ruby is not concerned “Can you imagine us with a kid we won’t tell him his old lady was a striptease artist.” Tony inquires, “I wonder what’s wrong with Louise she’s been in her room all day.” Ruby says, “I think she’s going off her rocker, you still go for her don’t ya, she wants no part of you.” Tony says, “All I want is this key to open the storeroom door.” Ruby gets angry, “You and me you said, but it’s her you’re thinking of you rotten liar.” Tony repeats, “So I’m a liar.” Ruby informs him, “The only friend in the world you have is me, anyone who loved you was me you cheap……” Tony gets up and slaps her across the face with the back of his hand, she screams Tony says, “That’s for you lover, now leave me alone.” She runs away crying.

Rick and Jim are inspecting the gas cloud, Rick notices. “It’s lost some of its density.” Jim informs, “Not enough Rick, we won’t be able to go up there for 2 months, and supplies are low.” A scream is heard and Radick appears at the top of the mountain he falls down at the men’s feet, Jim says, “Don’t touch him.” His face is horribly deformed Rick shouts “Look at his feet.” Jim adds, “The footprints by the water.” Radick lifts his head, “Food, they won’t give me any.” Jim asks, “Are there more of you up there.” Radick growls, “Stronger than me, much stronger.” Rick inquires, “How many more.” He replies, “Not many but strong, food…” Jim notices, “Look at his head the bone structure.” Rick remembers, “Like the sketches you made at Matsuo.” Jim adds, “Look, the same mutated skin the animals had, he said there were stronger ones up there.” Rick nods, “Stage 2 this one, stage 3 stronger, stage 4 maybe invulnerable.” Jim asks, “What about stage 1.” Rick says, “Radick is stage 1.”

Rick is in Louise’s bedroom, “Your father told me you’re not feeling to well, I’m sorry.” Louise says, “I’m feeling much better now…….Rick there’s something out there, you know that don’t you.” Rick thinks, “We’re just guessing, we don’t know.” Louise says, “I do, and it tries to talk to me remember I told you at the lake, I had a tingling sensation like I was being charged with electricity, my pulse was pounding and skipping beats then pounding again.” Rick comforts her, “You were just frightened.” She adds, “It’s been coming back stronger and stronger, you don’t believe me do you.” Rick ends, “I’m beginning to believe a lot of things I never believed before.” Louise is comforted, “I’m glad you’re here with me, they smile at each other.

Pete is tending Diablo; Ruby draws near, “I’m getting outta here soon.” Ruby says, “Pete I need a drink.” Pete produces a hip flask, “You’ve come to the right place.” She takes a swig, “Ruby you’re my friend, half of that gold is yours.” Ruby says, “Thanks for the poison Pete.” She returns to the house and sits beside Tony. “You’ve been drinking Pete’s Shellac again, I can’t stand a boozer.” She hugs Tony, “We’ve had fights before but we’ve straightened them out, oh, Tony you and me belong together, poured out of the same mould.” Tony says, “I wouldn’t make a bet on that baby, I’m turning in.”

Rick is sleeping, Radick appears, Rick wakes Radick speaks, “You followed me last night.” Rick says, “You went over the ridge.” Radick adds, “If you went up there you’d die.” Rick tells him, “I know what you do up there.” Radick says, “Wonderful things happen.” Rick asks, “What kind of things.” “Maybe I’ll tell you sometime.” “Tell me now.” Radick says, “I don’t like this house.” Rick inquires, “Why do you come back here to sleep.” Radick says, “My enemy he wants to kill me, I come here when I’m tired, soon all of you will be dead, you think I’m crazy don’t you.” Rick says, “I don’t know.”

Rick goes outside he notices large footprints, “It’s starting to come closer to the house.” Jim says, “We’ll stand night guard, I’d use Tony but I wouldn’t put a gun in his hand, I know his kind spawned in booze water.” Rick works the radio, Louise says, “You keep hoping don’t you.” He says, “We have to keep trying, somewhere somehow we might get something.” Ruby takes a swig of liqueur, sexy trumpet music is playing she goes over to Pete. “Hey Pete the boats rocking, put an anchor on it.” Pete pours Ruby another drink she knocks it back, (Folks this is cabaret time) she starts to gyrate with the music, lets her hair down. “When I’d come on they start shouting and whistling and after a while all you could hear was their breathing…..mmmmmmmmm…they used to scare me the way they breathed. She sways back and fourth across the floor, “What’s my Richen count, read me daddy.” She swings her body and scarf around the floor, goes over to Tony, “I was working at Follies when I met Tony, remember.” She shakes her shoulders, “About here I’d start peeling, as I get to the other wing they’d give me a blue spot, then I’d start to give them the clincher.” She runs her hand sexily up and down the wall, trumpet music gets louder. Pete claps but Ruby starts to cry, she remembers the good times she’s distraught and drops her head.

Rick takes over guard duty from Jim, he straps on his revolver. He patrols around the house its dark something is missing he calls Jim, “What’s the matter.” Rick shouts, “Diablo is gone he was untied from the tree.” Jim asks, “Was Radick in his bed when you came out.” Rick says, “No, come on lets go after him before it’s to late.” Radick is taking the donkey up the mountain, Jim and Rick follow but can’t make it, they move back down, Rick calls, “Over here quick.” The men kneel down and stare at a human skull placed on a rock. Jim says, “Radick ate him, the scavenging ghoul.” Rick says, “Maybe not.” But Jim insists, “It was him alright when we find him I’m gonna kill him.” Back at the house Pete is sleeping, the howl of a coyote wakes him he looks out the window. “Diablo is gone.” He wakes Tony, “My burro he’s gone.” Tony says, “I’ll help you find him.” Radick crouches in the bushes with Diablo a claw reaches across his neck, Radick Squeals in agony he flops down dead. All the men hear the scream they race towards Radick. Rick arrives first, “Look at his arm Jim.” Who asks, “What killed him Rick.” He says, “Three punctures like steel daggers, I’m going after it.” Jim stops him, “No we’re fighting on his ground.” Rick replies, “It has to be settled one way or another.” Jim adds, “3 steel claws, defies understanding. “ Rick says, “Steel claws Jim, the surviving monkey boat.” Tony and Pete arrive Pete says, “I knew he was gone.” He kneels down “We should have stayed on top of the mountain where we belong.” Jim reassures him, “Come on Pete come on home.” Tony asks, “Who killed Radick you.” looking at Rick. “Well he had it coming he was crazy look at his skin, what happened to it.” Rick replies, “Let’s call it atomic skin.” Tony says, “Could that happen to us.” Rick answers, “It might.”

Louise is in bed reading, she hears a high pitched ringing sound and becomes unsettled, Ruby asks, “What’s the matter kid.” Louise says, “Didn’t you hear it.” “Hear what.” Louise speculates, “I must have been dreaming.” Ruby advises her, “Go back to sleep kid.” Outside a hideous alien shadow moves across a wall.

Pete decides to go up the mountain, Jim sees him and follows Pete enters the gas cloud. Jim calls, “I’m coming after you.” Pete Replies, “Go ahead captain if that’s what you gotta do.” Jim calls, “Come back you’ll die you old fool.” Jim grabs him by the legs, but Pete beats him off with his stick knocking him unconscious, Pete continues into the gas cloud. Jim Recovers, Pete starts to chip at the gold but is overcome by the fumes and falls. Jim returns home he’s suffering from the effects of the gas. “Help me to the couch.” Rick asks, “How long were you up there.” Jim says, “Long enough, Louise is not to know, tell the others I hurt myself.” Rick comforts him, “Don’t worry maybe you’ve developed an immunity to it.” Jim says, “Save your bed side manner.”

Storm clouds are building, dark and thunderous. Tony and Ruby are together, Ruby asks, “I wanna know the truth.” Tony says, “About what.” She holds her arm out, “Look at my skin what’s the matter with it, it’s getting like Radicks.” Tony pats her arm, “Oh no it isn’t.” but she’s worried and begins to cry.

Jim is on the couch Louise comforts him, “Feeling better dad.” Jim says, “Much better honey, are you ok.” She replies, “I’m fine, I’m just going outside to see Rick” Ruby approaches Tony, “Someone took one of the knives out of the kitchen.” Tony mutters, “You don’t say I think I’ll go outside for some air.” Ruby asks, “Let me go with you.” But Tony insists, “You stay here I’ll see you later.” Ruby complains, “Oh I hate this place, I wish we’d never found it, look what’s happening to my skin. Tony is angry, “I’ve looked at it 10 times already, there’s nothing wrong with it.” Tony leaves and spots Louise, he pulls a knife from the inside of his shirt and creeps up on her, swings her around and points the knife at her face. “Scream and I’ll cut, I mean it move.” Ruby follows them up the mountain. Tony orders Louise to sit down, he sits beside her. “Nothing ever comes easy to me all my life I had to claw for things.” Louise asks, “What do you want.” Tony says, “You mean you don’t know.” Ruby gets closer. “There’s something new in my life, I haven’t had time for your kinda woman….” Louise shouts, “Don’t touch me, I can’t stand you.” Tony says, “You won’t hate me when there’s just 2 of us, get what I mean.” He tries to kiss her she struggles, “Leave me alone.” He laughs, Ruby stands behind him. “Tony let the little girl go.” Tony replies “Get out of here.” Ruby tells Louise, “Run along honey, I’ve got a few private words with Mr heal.” Louise leaves. Ruby is filled with rage, “The 2 of us you said but you meant her.” “Yeah that’s right, you’re dime store stuff you’re cheap.” Ruby fumes, “She hates your guts Tony, you’re dirt to her she’d wish herself dead first.” But Ruby’s heart melts, “Oh Tony what are we fighting about we’re like a couple of kids.” Tony is full of hate, “I want no part of you.” Ruby goes for the knife, Tony twists her arm around and the blade enters her body she falls to the ground. Tony lifts her, “Happy landings sweet heart.” He throws her of the edge of the ravine. (Note how she tumbles over the rocks like a real dummy)

Jim is on the couch, Tony enters, “Ruby wouldn’t come back with me we had a little beef.” Rick replies, “I’ve a little something to settle with you myself.” Tony says, “Tomorrow maybe, I’m tired.” Rick grabs him by the neck, Tony submits, “Ok, so you can beat me up what does that solve.” Rick says, “If you go near Louise again I’ll……..” Tony finishes, “Kill me, you huh I haven’t had a good laugh all day, I think I’ll turn in now.” He leaves Jim says, “He’ll kill you Rick, get him first take my gun.” Rick answers, “Just sneak up on him and empty your gun into him, you know me better than that.” Jim adds, “There’s a lot at stake at least carry a gun get one out of the store room.”

Louise is swimming at the waterfall. Rick sits nearby he checks his gun. Tony is with Jim at the house, Jim fiddles with the radio. Tony inquires, “Nothing Huh, reminds me of a song 10 little Indians, then they got knocked of 1 by 1, that’s the way it is with us, 4 left then 3, 2 little, no little Indians. Tony moves towards the gun he snatches for it, but Jim is too quick for him. He points the gun at him, “Try that again and I’ll kill ya.” Tony replies, “Sure captain I know when I’ve had it.” He sits down.

At the waterfall Louise hears a low pitched humming noise, something dark and sinister moves in the shrubs she calls, “Rick, Rick,” and swims for the bank. Rick asks, “What’s the matter.” She says, “It called to me don’t leave me alone take me home.” Rick says, “Any idea what it looked like.” She says, “I didn’t see it but I heard it.” Rick says, “I was only 20 feet from you I didn’t hear anything.” She screams, “Take me home just take me home.”

Jim asks, “How is she.” Rick replies, “She’s still badly shaken I gave her a sedative.” Jim inquires, “Did you find out anything.” Rick says, “She insists that it called to her.” Jim adds, “What about its appearance.” Rick informs him, “Its skin was like Radicks and it had more than 2 eyes.” Jim reminds him of the sketches of the monkeys at Matsuo. Rick asks, “Louise said that this thing is man sized, how can we fight it.” He thinks, “It lives on contaminated flesh it thrives on contaminated air, the things that kill men nourish it, to kill it we’ve got to understand it we know it has fears it was close enough to Louise to attack her but it didn’t it wouldn’t follow her into the lake, why.”

Louise is in her bedroom she hears a low humming noise and goes into the next room to investigate but soon settles back into bed, and falls asleep. Suddenly a monstrous shadow appears on the wall above her it moves eerily back and fourth, we see tentacles and antenna it moves away Louise wakes and goes outside into the woods as if been guided by some mysterious force, the hideous creature appears and pounces on her it lifts her with its claws.

Jim wakes, “Louise Louise, Rick, Rick.” Rick enters, “What’s the matter.” Jim orders “See if Louise is alright.” she’s gone. Jim says, “It’s got her, get an M-1 rifle out of the store room.” Tony comes in, “What’s all the noise.” Jim repeats, “It’s got her go with Rick maybe between the 2 of you….” Tony interrupts, “Oh No she’s Ricks remember you gave her to him here’s your chance to be the all American hero.” Jim calls Rick, “Rick if there’s no other way out use the gun on Louise.” Rick rushes outside into the woods calling for Louise. The Monster is carrying Louise through the forest she lies in its claws unconscious.

Tony looks through the curtains, “Dawn already, well Captain look’s like your ship’s falling apart.” Jim says, “You wouldn’t look for Ruby nor Rick find Louise you’re a low scum.” Tony says, “I’m a coward I only fight when I have to and on my conditions and one is that I know what I’m fighting.” Jim’s gun rests on the couch Tony snatches it and points it, “That’s better Captain when 2 men have 1 gun I like to have it.”

The monster carries Louise through the woods (its head is like a game of ker-Plunk) it lays her on the ground she regains consciousness, “Rick!” but the clawed creature covers her mouth. Rick is nearby with his rifle the creature picks Louise up and continues.

Jim is tuning the radio a voice is heard, Tony hears it, Jim says, “Its nothing.” Tony calls him, “A liar.” Jim says, “That’s why you’re so brave that’s why you’re moving in.” Tony informs him, “Moving in…..I’m taking over, the works the house Louise if she gets back, I’d make a better father for her kids they’d be tough.” He looks outside, “Looks like rain, think it’ll kill us.” Jim replies, “You’ll know soon enough.”

The monster sets Louise down beside the lake she goes into the water, “Rick! Rick!” the monster stares at her transfixed, Louise seems hypnotised by the creature. Rick lifts his rifle and shoots 3 rounds, the monster swipes the bullets away, it approaches Rick who fires a couple more rounds, the hideous beast grabs the rifle knocks Rick to the ground Louise calls, “The water, he’s afraid of the water.” The monster rolls Rick into the lake. A roaring thunderous booming is heard, dark clouds sweep across the sky, the mutant looks up it begins to rain the creature tries to cover its head with its claws it runs away. Rick shouts, “I’m going after it.”

Tony looks out of the window, “There’s your rain how long do you think we’ve got to live captain.” Jim says, “Get me a sample I’ll test it.” Tony collects some rain water Jim tests it, “It’s clear it’s just rain water.” Tony smiles, “Well what do you know.”

The mutant continues through the forest Rick follows, the creature seems to be weakening lightening strikes, the monster raises its claws but continues unsteadily, Rick watches but doesn’t shoot, the creature tries to hold unto a tree but collapses to the ground, torrential rain and lightening fill the sky the creature contorts and writhes on the ground smoke begins to emerge from it’s body, Rick grimaces, the creature dies, Louise runs up to Rick they hold each other, “ I can’t hear it anymore the noise I’m free of it, he tried to speak to me he called me by my name.” Rick says, “Come on let’s go you’re soaking wet.” Louise asks, “Rick what killed him.” Rick replies, “We’ll talk about it later.” She adds, “I feel so sorry for him strange I feel that way.” (The beast lies on the ground like an old smouldering tyre) Rick says, “I’ll let your father know we’re ok.” He points the gun into the air and fires 3 shots.

At the house Tony says, “Hear that, they’re ok.” Jim tells him, “Go outside and see.” Tony replies, “I can see them coming they’re getting closer.” He opens the window and draws his revolver. Jim calls, “What are you doing with that gun.” Tony informs him, “I’m gonna kill Rick.” Jim cries, “In God’s name why.” He says, “Don’t you know why, I want Louise, I see them now yeah, it’s gonna be a tough shot she’s hanging all over him.” Jim takes another revolver from under the cushion, “Get away from that window.” Tony says, “Shut up.” (He doesn’t see Jim has a gun) Tony points the gun out of the window, “Pretty soon now.” BANG! Jim shoots Tony, BANG! BANG! Tony twists round in total bewilderment and falls dead onto the floor. Rick and Louise enter and see the body, Jim tells Louise, “He was gonna kill Rick I had to stop him.” Louise embraces her father, Rick says, “The thing out there is dead the rain killed it.” Jim adds, “I tested the rain and found it free from contamination, I remember the animals on my ship how they wouldn’t touch food or water and I knew why, that thing was created to live on a poisoned world, the rain came and it was pure.” Louise adds, “Man created it but God destroyed it he brought the rain and fresh air.” Rick says, “If he couldn’t live, neither could the others of its kind.” Jim informs them, “There was a voice on the radio, there are others out there there’s a future for you 2 you’ve got to go and find it.” Jim collapses into Louise’s arms and dies, she cries. Rick takes Louise into his arms embracing her warmly.

A fresh young Louise with her back pack on gathers all her belongings, Rick calls, “Are you about ready Louise.” She smiles, “Coming.” and takes one last look at her fathers photograph. So as we end the show, we are treated to see the young couple with their back packs on, Rick has his arm around her, they’re heading up the mountain to repopulate the world. Big white lettering appears THE BEGINNING, wonderful refreshing thoughtful music plays, a new era a new lease of life, mankind has survived yet again, good luck Rick and Louise….(sniff)….thank you.

 

 

Done