Psych-Out Cinema: SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964)

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964) is a cult-classic, campy sci-fi Christmas comedy with an early-’60s, so-bad-it’s-good, psychedelic vibe.

Directed by Nicholas Webster, the film stars John Call as Santa Claus, a 10-year-old Pia Zadora as Girmar the Martian girl, and Doris Rich in the first documented on-screen appearance of Mrs. Claus.

The far out plot follows the Martians as they kidnap Santa in hopes of bringing Christmas joy to the children of Mars. The film is packed with colorful, low-budget 1960s sci-fi effects, flashing lights, and spaceships surrounded by bubbling sound effects. The outlandish sets and costumes only add to the movie’s delirious charm and hilarity.

This interplanetary Christmas oddity is guaranteed to defrost even the coldest holiday heart — a perfect psych-out, spaced-out fun night at The Revue Cinema! (TERRY O’FLAHERTY) 

Part of the Psych Out Cinema series!

Cast/Crew Info
Director: Nicholas Webster | Cast: John Call, Leonard Hicks, Vincent Beck, Bill McCutcheon, Victor Stiles