Happy 47th Birthday, SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS!

EVERYBODY SING! S-A-N-T-A-C-L-A-U-S, Hooray For Santy CLaus!

Happy anniversary to SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964). Forty-Seven years ago today, the mayhem was unleashed upon an unsuspecting world. Boasting one of movie history’s most outlandish titles, this perennial holiday cult classic still amazes on so many levels. Plain and simple, it’s a TRIP! When their own kids are bored and lifeless, the Martian leaders decide that they need Santa on Mars to bring them happiness, so naturally they fly to Earth and kidnap him from the North Pole. Madness ensues….

I saw this in the movies in the late 70s when it was re-released on a double bill with THE CHRISTMAS THAT ALMOST WASN’T (1966), and as a kid, it floored me. It was silly slapstick, and back in the 70s was exactly what was needed and loved, especially by kids. Part of what gives it its cult flair, is the fact that a young Pia Zadora makes her screen debut in it as the daughter of the Martian leader. In fact, almost every video release that came out in the 90s lead with that in their cover art “PIA ZADORA STARRING IN…”, even though she wasn’t really the star. It was a holiday staple for years on local channels in the 70s & 80’s but vanished as they started phasing movies out of their lineups. I actually missed seeing it, until it was among the first films that brought a little show called MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 to my attention. It’s among the best loved episodes of MST3K to this day. Do yourself a favor – see this if you can, especially if you never have, because though it’s super-cheesy – it is WILD. It’s of the must-be-seen-to-be-believed variety and the so-bad-it’s-GOOD ilk.

HO HO HO!