Invasion U.S.A. (1952)

The "Red Scare" of the early 1950s was exploited for cinematic purposes in the Albert Zugsmith production Invasion USA. As a diverse group of customers in a New York bar discuss politics, a special news bulletin on the bar's TV set announces that enemy troops have invaded Alaska and are heading for the continental U.S. In a panic, everyone rushes home to await his or her fate. Only the mysterious Mr. Ohman (Dan O'Herlihy) reacts calmly to the invasion news, for reasons that are explained at film's end. In the meantime, the enemy not only invades the major cities of America, but simultaneously A-bombs them! Some fairly good special effects occur during the film's climax, enabling the audience to forget the gaping holes in logic that have gone before. When first released in 1952, Invasion USA was advertised by a blurb from columnist Hedda Hopper, who promised "It'll scare your pants off!"