1.) In a secret laboratory, two scientists use sophisticated equipment to try to create life by sending an electrical current through the body of a dead person created by scavenged body parts. The experiment works and the creature comes to life. An overload in the machinery causes a spark that sets the laboratory on fire. The creature, in a panic, kills both scientists before the entire place comes down on the creature’s head.
“The Monster” was released in 1953 and was written, directed and stars Bob Burns. It is an American home-grown science fiction horror short. The film was shot in Los Angeles in the garage of one of Burns’ friends. “The Monster” was Bob Burns’ second film as director, writer and star.
The creature was played by Lionel Comport. The mask of the creature was done by gluing lettuce to Comport’s face using spirit gum. I can’t find anywhere that notes who the second scientist is.
2.) In his laboratory, Dr. Ecks (Lionel Comport) is working on an experiment. He is attempting to create a teleportation machine. Dr. Ecks’ experiment works, and an alien is transported from the fourth dimension. The alien’s call himself OM. Dr. Ecks takes OM on a walking tour of the area to show him civilization.
“The Alien” was released in 1952 and was written, directed and stars Bob Burns. It is an American home-grown science fiction horror short of about 9 minutes long. It is the first film that Burns created.
Both films are in black and white and are silent. Bob was somewhere around 18 and 19 when he created the shorts. They are basically like watching home movies. They were done before Bob met Paul Blaisdell and created “The Cliff Monster” film in 1960. Both films are basic, primitive and full of childish charm.
Bob Burns is an American film consultant, producer, actor and science fiction, fantasy and horror historian. He is also a collector and archivist of television and motion picture props and memorabilia. He is known for playing Tracy the gorilla in the 1975 Saturday afternoon children’s show “The Ghost Busters”.