19. Altair IV (Forbidden Planet)
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? In fact, if one is good, why not two? While we’re at it, let’s class it all up with some heavy-duty Shakespeare references. If nothing else, it will balance of the effect of that story robot that’s hanging around. That, and more, is what you’ll be confronted with once you visit Altair IV as featured in 1956’s Forbidden Planet.
Okay, Altair IV itself isn’t the most scenic planet in the galaxy. Still, it has to have something going for it if these scientists are to be believed. We’d ask them, but it looks like Dr. Morbius and his daughter Altaira are the only survivors of a scientific expedition.
The crew sent to check in on the colony, including Commander John J. Adams, sure would like to know what happened to everyone else. While they’re at it, they would also like to learn more about the invisible monster that’s attacking them almost constantly.
Too bad Morbius and Altaira are being really sketchy about the whole thing. Altaira, who was born on the planet, at least gets a pass for being rather innocent and naive. But what’s up with Morbius? Does it have anything to do with the ancient alien ruins on the planet? Those long-gone indigenous inhabitants, the Krell, have left behind some big, spooky machinery.
Invisible attackers
Morbius eventually reveals that the mysterious force attacking the crew also picked off all the other expedition members. It sure is convenient that Morbius, his daughter, and his wife (who later died of natural causes) were the only ones unaffected. And isn’t it weird how this invisible monster only comes about when Morbius is upset or threatened? A careful observer might even think that the Krell machines, which are mind-controlled, might have something to do with it.
If we could somehow sneak past this monster, Altair IV would be pretty fascinating. Besides the landscape, which is beautiful in its own desolate way, the archaeological finds would be amazing. Maybe we just need to appease Morbius by bringing in a fruit basket and promising to leave his daughter alone.