Guest Author - Kirsten Olsen-Keyser

The Last Man on Earth is the first movie based on the book I Am Legend by author Richard Matheson. Unlike it’s 1971 counterpart, Omega Man, The Last Man on Earth incorporates the vampire storyline into the script. While often categorized as a horror film, its existential message and use of biochemistry can also place it in the genre of science fiction.

Horror legend Vincent Price plays Dr. Robert Morgan, the only man on Earth not affected by a strange new plague that has infected the rest of humanity turning them into vampire-like creatures. By day, Morgan drives through the city, collecting food and supplies and staking as many of the creatures as possible. At night, he locks himself in his home, listening to jazz and the sound of his former friend calling out his name.

Price’s portrayal of Morgan as a tragic figure is perfect. As a doctor, he tried valiantly to create a serum for the disease but failed. Heartbreakingly, he watched as both his wife and young daughter were taken by the plague. His once beautiful home is now just a shadow of its former elegance.

Desolate shots of the city coincide with Morgan’s mundane existence. He doesn’t enjoy killing, it’s just something that he must do on the shopping list of survival. In between fighting for his survival, Morgan grieves for the life he once had. A particularly poignant scene involves Morgan watching old home videos. His jubilant laughter degrades into a mad crying spree.

Convinced that he is truly alone, Morgan is surprised to see a young woman, Ruth (Franca Bettoia), walking the streets during the day. He chases her and finally convinces her to come back to his home. At first he is ecstatic by her presence but it isn’t long before he is questioning whether she is truly one of “them”, his paranoia getting the better of him. While Ruth appears to be normal on the outside, she holds a secret greater than he could ever suspect.

The Last Man on Earth makes for great late night entertainment. Grab a bag of popcorn and settle in for a classic of sci-fi/horror.

Directors: Ubaldo Ragona
Sidney Salkow

Writers: Richard Matheson (novel),
Furio M. Monetti (adaptation)
Ubaldo Ragona (adaptation)

Rating : G - some violent situations

Trivia: Richard Matheson began writing the script for the movie and did not approve of the final result. He is listed as “Logan Swanson” on the writer’s credits.