I was pleased to see Gog, after having been interested in it for some years, since I read a positive review in, if memory serves, the Radio Times Encyclopedia of Film. Watching it, it turned out that the plot elements mentioned in the review that made the film so enticing to me were in fact only revealed a fair distance into the film and that the review had more or less spoiled the big reveal, as it were. Still, having settled into the film I was just glad of the enticement to check it out, as it's a good little item, decked out in interesting concepts and solid performances. The plot centres upon an underground scientific research laboratory that comes under investigation when strange accidents fell its personnel. Seems like mere sabotage, but what's really going on...? What transpires is engagingly speculative and charmingly dated, explanation and action threaded through an inspiring joy in science. There's a good deal of scientific chat in this one and a number of interesting gadgets, to give many examples would spoil some of the turns of the film but I did rather enjoy an apparatus assembled for observing the surface of the sun. The interest in science and slightly dry tone here is down to Ivan Tors who came up with the source story. He was prolific in science fiction of this era ad a notable proponent of science fiction as a vehicle for relatively grounded speculation rather than space monsters or giant bugs. The screenplay has more chat than action for a lot of the time though, with the result that the film is slightly plodding and pacing lapses are the main problem with Gog. The acting is also rather stiff, though Richard Egan and Constance Dowling hit the right dedicated notes as the pair in charge of solving the mystery, while assorted scientists are essayed in suitably smart and buttoned up fashion by the likes of Herbert Marshall and John Wengraf. Director Herbert L. Strock brings the film together in agreeably tight fashion, with some effectively intense moments and an overall efficient claustrophobic intrigue. It all comes across nicely, just rather slight, it tightens the screws rather well at times but doesn't maintain them, the effects are handy but rarely wow making, the acting comes off but never really pops, the film just has a bit of a minor league feel to it, fun but never essential. Still, it's a good 'un by and large, definitely worth a look for anyone with an interest in B grade science fiction. So check it out!
