We’ve all had it happen before. . . an experiment goes awry – a recipe doesn’t turn out (and the cake somehow turns green), or we simply think ‘the old Mentos in a bottle of Coke trick’ is just a myth, but you’ve likely never had a day quite like scientist André Delambre (David Hedison – the only actor to play Felix Leiter in two James Bond flicks), a moment that will change his life forever – so, without further ado, I present to you 1958’s: The Fly.
Written by James Clavell (based upon a short story by George Langelaan) and directed by Kurt Neumann, the story is set in exotic Montreal, the french speaking Canadian city that is one of the oldest continuously inhabited locations in North America. It is here that a wealthy industrialist family is seemingly struck by a more than unusual tragedy – André Delambre has been found dead, head and arm obliterated by a hydraulic press. . . further adding to the mystery, his loving wife Hélène (Patricia Owens) is seen running from the scene of the crime.
André’s brother, François (Vincent Price), is informed of the disturbing situation prior to the police, and the well connected sibling immediately calls an acquaintance, Inspector Charas (Herbert Marshall), to investigate.
A case that lacks motive, Hélène is unwilling to provide the answers needed to clarify the troubling set of circumstances. What is evident, her house seems to have an awful lot of flies (she is obsessed with finding a specific fly that has a white head). With insanity being the most plausible explanation, it is slowly unearthed that François has long held an affection for his sister-in-law – something that goes above and beyond what would be considered a healthy family bond.
Fearing that the secret love of his life will earn the death penalty, François pleads with Hélène to reveal the mysteries of that night (also claiming to have found the elusive bug), this white lie allows her to finally open up.
Leading to an even more complicated quandary, Inspector Charas and François listen to a fantastical tale of André entering a molecular transporter – unbeknownst to him, with a fly, their genetic DNA infusing together. . . making for a horrific transformation. With the scientist slowly going mad, the couple (unable to find the elusive insect) felt there was no other solution than to end his life (eradicating any evidence of his fly head and hand). As to that fly she was obsessing about, supposedly it was the second half of the experiment (it containing a piece of her husband). Not truly clarifying things, it furthers the Inspector’s belief that she is mad, while François is at his wit’s end – Charas’ only solution: find the white fly that supposedly exists. Is Hélène simply insane? Is there truly a white fly – and, if it is found, would a jury buy into the unbelievable yarn?
A vivid fifties colour film, funnily enough, many believe they have seen it in black and white – known as the Mandela Effect (or a false memory), The Fly was released in CinemaScope with Color by Deluxe, never having been shown in the two-toned format. Those who believe they have seen it are probably recalling promotional stills or the two sequels (which were both shot in black and white instead of colour). Intriguingly, it is a solid choice – the striking texture of the multi-coloured shots adding to the intense opening, the sci-fi effects, and the overall mood of the picture.
The inspiration for David Cronenberg’s 1986 memorable cult classic of the same name, The Fly (which itself spawned two sequels, 1959’s Return of the Fly and 1965’s Curse of the Fly) is its own piece of classic B cinema (as of this year, celebrating its sixtieth anniversary) – a film that will have you bugging out. A case of man delving into the unknown, it is a prime example of the Atomic Age, the 1950’s fears of science, atoms, cloning, and the like. Its novel premise draws the viewer in, a macabre opening that leads to revealing flashback. . . a fun, silly and spooky morality tale dealing with the dangers of attempting to tinker with the natural order of things. . . leading to a concluding note that, to this day, will shock – a touch of genius that will sear a permanent spot in your brain. Lastly, it is noteworthy that The Fly is the film that put Vincent Price on the horror map, a major role (in one of Fox’s biggest moneymakers of the year) that led to him becoming one of the most exemplary horror actors of all-time. So, fly right into this sordid sci-fi horror tale, it will have you screaming “Help me! Help me!” as you are ensnared by the engrossing trap it weaves.