Colonel Dan McCready (West) and Commander Christopher Draper (Mantee) are the first astronauts to travel to Mars, along with their test monkey, Mona (Barney). When they reach orbit, however, they are forced to use up all their fuel to avoid colliding with a comet or meteor. With no other choice, they descend to the surface in separate life pods. McCready is killed on landing. Draper manages (implausibly) to find air, food and water. However, as the months go by with only Mona for company, the loneliness starts getting to him.
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One day, he spots a spaceship landing nearby. When he gets close, he discovers that it is not a rescue mission from Earth, but an alien vessel. Concealed, he watches slaves engaged in mining. One of them (Lundin) escapes and heads in Draper's direction. The spaceship fires at them, but eventually departs, leaving behind the dead bodies of the other workers.
Draper names the slave Friday, and eventually they become good friends. When the ship returns to hunt for Friday, they flee through underground caverns to the polar ice cap. Near death, they are finally rescued by a ship from Earth.
Best part of story, including ending:
Despite the cheap, cheesy special effects and various unlikely events, the characters are well-developed and sympathetic. This film has gained a well-deserved cult following.
Best scene in story:
Maybe the part where Draper fashions a crude set of bagpipes and starts playing. I like bagpipes.
Opinion about the main character:
Draper is believably human, with strengths and weaknesses.
