The Day It Came To Earth

The 1977 movie, The Day It Came To Earth, produced by Harry Thomason and directed by Harry Thomason and Lee Jones, features a unique storyline that takes viewers on a journey of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Starring Wink Roberts, Roger Manning, and Robert Ginnaven, the film brings together a talent pool that seamlessly weaves together a narrative that leaves audiences spellbound.

The Day It Came To Earth opens in the vast expanse of the cosmos, where the wrathful and unpredictable forces of the universe send a glowing meteor plunging into Earth's atmosphere. Instead of disintegrating, as most meteors do, this one survives its fiery descent and lands in a secluded swamp near an unnamed Southern city. The story kicks off as this cosmic object takes the main stage and initiates the uncanny events that unfold in the movie.

The Day It Came To Earth primarily revolves around a group of college students who, amidst their usual college life filled with studies, relationships, and, of course, parties, stumble upon this meteor. They realize that it harnesses a power that is beyond anything earthly, something near-magical and supernatural. As the film progresses, they are drawn into a web of strange occurrences and ominous implications linked to the meteor.

The lead roles are portrayed by Wink Roberts and Roger Manning, who ensure not one dull moment in their performances. Wink Roberts portrays a character who is both courageous and curious. His bravado fueling his character's determination to explore the meteor and the mysteries surrounding it. Meanwhile, Roger Manning acts as his perfect foil; his character exudes a sense of caution and sense of consequence, often trying to deter his friend from the perils of the unknown.

Adding another dimension to the storyline is the role of a local mob boss, brought to life by Robert Ginnaven. The mob boss, with his interests rooted in illegitimate affairs and a thirst for power, also becomes embroiled in the sequence of strange events. Ginnaven's portrayal of the cunning and ruthless mob boss adds a thrilling twist to the plot, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

As the movie navigates the students' investigations and the mob boss's intentions, it effectively taps into themes of friendship, loyalty, power, greed, and the unforeseen consequences of exploring the unknown. Playing out against a backdrop of Southern colloquialism, crooked mobsters, and the ever-present tension surrounding the otherworldly meteor, the film captivates viewers with its balance of suspense and unforeseen turns of events.

Through clever cinematography and effective sound design, the film intensifies the sense of mystery surrounding the meteor. It utilizes creative close-ups and long shots, which, coupled with the dynamic lighting, accentuates specific details, drawing the audience deeper into the mystery and suspense. The sound design, ranging from dramatic melodies to ominous silence, echoes the characters' emotions and the plot's tension.

Dialogue in The Day It Came To Earth is crafted with care to echo the regional dialect of the American South, lending authenticity to the characters while creating an immersive environment for the audience. A mix of light-hearted banter, serious confrontations, and subtly intimidating mob talk, the script successfully captures the essence of each character and their role in the unraveling plot.

Set in the late 70s, the film captures the fashion and culture of the period, creating a vibrant and believable world in which the story unfolds. From college dorms and crowded bars to secluded swamps and mob boss hangouts, each location in the film serves to construct a believable and tangible atmosphere that amplifies the suspenseful narrative.

The Day It Came To Earth, with its unique premise and compelling performances, is a film that treads the line between thrilling and ominous. Its captivating storyline, coupled with the actors' credible performances and the atmospheric cinematography, deliver a suspense-filled cinematic experience that keeps the viewers guessing until the end.