The story begins when a defecting Soviet scientist named Joseph Javorsky arrives in the United States, carrying a valuable formula. As he crosses the Yucca Flats in the Nevada desert, he is pursued by KGB agents who want to prevent him from delivering the formula to American authorities.
During the chase, Javorsky is exposed to radiation from a nearby nuclear test, transforming him into a hulking, mute, and seemingly invulnerable beast. He becomes a monster with superhuman strength but limited mental capacity.
Meanwhile, a family is on a vacation in the same area, and they inadvertently become involved in the strange events surrounding the beast. The local sheriff and his deputy are also drawn into the situation as they try to understand the bizarre occurrences in Yucca Flats.
The film unfolds with a disjointed and often confusing narrative, featuring a minimal amount of dialogue and a heavy reliance on voiceover narration. Much of the story consists of isolated sscenes and long stretches of characters wandering through the desert landscape (1961).
Director: Coleman Franciss
Stars: Don Johnson, Jason Robards, Susanne Benton