As with the past two Moviedrome Monday entries, this one also includes a youtube link to Moviedrome presenter Alex Cox’s introduction of this film, which is director Don Siegel’s much beloved 1956 science-fiction classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The episode’s original airdate was July 31, 1988 (read here). There is really not much I need to add here other than pointing out that Cox’s sentiments of the film are spot on (read here). Interestingly enough, Cox introduced the 1978 remake on the same show 5 seasons later in 1993 and loved it just as much as the 56 version. As Cox implies here, the film (depending on one’s political leanings) can be viewed as either an attack on anti-communism or on communism itself during the McCarthy era 1950’s. In case anyone is interested, here is a link to my list of my favorite films of director Don Siegel.
Here is a youtube link to Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to the 56 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYFi9wTOVEE
Here is a youtube link to the film’s original theatrical trailer
UPDATE 11/03/2021: Also, here is a youtube video link to fellow reader Steve’s (click here to view his youtube channel) upload of Alex Cox’s Moviedrome intro to it
cinematiccoffee 
While I like the 56 version, I think the later version is a masterpiece. One of the scariest last 5 minutes in any film!
I love the 1978 version as well and yes it is a masterpiece as you so eloquently state. And yes, who can forget those final 5 minutes of the film. Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
A rare occasion where both films are equally as good. The 1956 version just steals it for me, with its air of ‘innocence’. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Brilliant film. I saw the original when I was a kid. I enjoyed it very much. Haven’t seen the ’78 version.
It’s been years since I last watched this one, although from what I remember I do agree with Alex Cox that Invasion of the Body Snatchers is one of the few films where the remake is as good as the original. It’s also interesting that he thinks Invasion of the Body Snatchers exists on the borderline between science fiction and film noir, rather like another cult classic Kiss me Deadly. If you ask me that sounds like a fine double feature.
Same here 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
The 78 version is every bit as great 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I agree completely 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
One off my all time favorite Sci-Fi films. The ’78 version IMO is almost as good. A rarity among remakes.
I love the 56, 78 and 93 versions 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
I totally agree…when Donald Sutherland starts pointing and we know all is lost…I remember a whole room of friends who were watching were going “whoaaaaaa”,none of us saw that end coming.
Neither did I see that end coming either. I was left speechless 🙂 Anyway, thanks for dropping by 🙂
So was Veronica Cartwright!!! I think most people forget Lenord Nimoy made a rare feature film appearence in “Body Snatchers”