EPISODE · Jun 30, 2025 · 13 MIN
Forbidden World • Member Bonus
from The Next Reel Film Podcast · host TruStory FM
“It's simplifying the cells, until there's no difference between a cell in your eye or your toe.”Alien Ripoffs, Mutations, and Space Station RomanceIn 1982, legendary B-movie producer Roger Corman released Forbidden World, a low-budget sci-fi horror film that shamelessly borrowed elements from Ridley Scott's 1979 classic Alien. Directed by Allan Holzman and starring Jesse Vint and June Chadwick, this exploitation flick follows a space marshal investigating a deadly mutant creature on a remote research station. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Roger Corman series with a conversation about Forbidden World.We dive into the schlocky delights of this Alien knockoff, from its cheap special effects to its gratuitous nudity. We discuss the film's place in Corman's canon of quickly produced, low-budget genre fare, and how it compares to other Alien imitators of the era.We highlight some of the more memorable aspects of Forbidden World, including:The film's creative use of recycled sets and footage from other Corman productions like Battle Beyond the StarsThe surprisingly effective creature effects, despite the obvious budget constraintsThe scene-stealing performance of Fox Harris as the eccentric Dr. CalThe copious amounts of female nudity, a hallmark of many Corman productionsWe also touch on some of the film's shortcomings, such as its derivative plot, uneven pacing, and occasional lapses in logic. However, we both agree that Forbidden World delivers exactly what it promises—a cheesy, exploitation-laden sci-fi romp that's perfect for fans of low-budget genre cinema.Additional topics covered in the conversation include:The film's not-so-subtle sexual undertonesCorman's influence on the careers of many notable filmmakers, including James Cameron, who worked on Forbidden World's art directionThe effectiveness of the film's practical effects, particularly the gory scenes involving the mutant creatureIn conclusion, while Forbidden World may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's an entertaining example of the type of low-budget genre filmmaking that Roger Corman excelled at producing. We have a great time discussing this schlocky 1982 Alien knockoff, praising its creative practical effects and cheesy exploitation elements while also acknowledging its numerous flaws. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at LetterboxdTheatrical trailerWant More?This is a member bonus episode! While we'd love your support, you'll love what membership brings: monthly bonus episodes like this one, ad-free listening, early releases, exclusive Discord channels, and voting rights on future member movies. It truly pays to be a member.Ready to join? Visit TruStory FM to learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.
What this episode covers
“It's simplifying the cells, until there's no difference between a cell in your eye or your toe.”Alien Ripoffs, Mutations, and Space Station RomanceIn 1982, legendary B-movie producer Roger Corman released Forbidden World, a low-budget sci-fi horror film that shamelessly borrowed elements from Ridley Scott's 1979 classic Alien. Directed by Allan Holzman and starring Jesse Vint and June Chadwick, this exploitation flick follows a space marshal investigating a deadly mutant creature on a remote research station. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we continue the Roger Corman series with a conversation about Forbidden World.We dive into the schlocky delights of this Alien knockoff, from its cheap special effects to its gratuitous nudity. We discuss the film's place in Corman's canon of quickly produced, low-budget genre fare, and how it compares to other Alien imitators of the era.We highlight some of the more memorable aspects of Forbidden World, including:The film's creative use of recycled sets and footage from other Corman productions like Battle Beyond the StarsThe surprisingly effective creature effects, despite the obvious budget constraintsThe scene-stealing performance of Fox Harris as the eccentric Dr. CalThe copious amounts of female nudity, a hallmark of many Corman productionsWe also touch on some of the film's shortcomings, such as its derivative plot, uneven pacing, and occasional lapses in logic. However, we both agree that Forbidden World delivers exactly what it promises—a cheesy, exploitation-laden sci-fi romp that's perfect for fans of low-budget genre cinema.Additional topics covered in the conversation include:The film's not-so-subtle sexual undertonesCorman's influence on the careers of many notable filmmakers, including James Cameron, who worked on Forbidden World's art directionThe effectiveness of the film's practical effects, particularly the gory scenes involving the mutant creatureIn conclusion, while Forbidden World may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's an entertaining example of the type of low-budget genre filmmaking that Roger Corman excelled at producing. We have a great time discussing this schlocky 1982 Alien knockoff, praising its creative practical effects and cheesy exploitation elements while also acknowledging its numerous flaws. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel—when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at LetterboxdTheatrical trailerWant More?This is a member bonus episode! While we'd love your support, you'll love what membership brings: monthly bonus episodes like this one, ad-free listening, early releases, exclusive Discord channels, and voting rights on future member movies. It truly pays to be a member.Ready to join? Visit TruStory FM to learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.
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Forbidden World • Member Bonus
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