Share
Released to theatres in 1953, "Phantom from Space", is one of the few films directed by the not so successful, W. Lee Wilder. Wilder, is the older brother of Billy Wilder, a famous director who unlike his brother, was widely received and recognized in Hollywood. The older Wilder got his start as a purse maker in New York City, where he worked until 1945, when he moved to Hollywood to produce films. Many of the actors whom Wilder hired for "Phantom from Space" never acted in film again, and if they did, maintained such small roles that they did not earn a place in the ranks of Hollywood.
Jim Bannon, who plays the role of Desk Sergeant Jim, is an exception to the many actors cast in the film. Before moving to Hollywood, Bannon was recognized as a star athlete while attending the Kansas City based Catholic school, Rockhurst University. Following his college graduation, Bannon became a sportscaster in Kansas City, where he worked until he moved to California in 1938. Bannon continued his work in radio while in California. He began working as a radio actor and eventually began acquiring small roles in movies. Bannon working as a movie stuntman in the early 1940s before obtaining the starring role in a detective series for Columbia based on the radio show, "I Love a Mystery". In 1949 he was given the star role of Red Ryder in the western series produced by Eagle Lion Productions. Bannon continued to work through the lat 50s, when he appeared in smaller character parts in westerns and on televisions.
Cast to play the role of Major Andrews, James Seay is another actor who was recognized throughout Hollywood. Seay was initially sought after for romantic leads after signing with Paramount in 1940. Seay soon found himself in a number of uncredited roles that resulted in casting directors viewing him as suited for villainous or stern, officious-type roles. Seay experienced steady employment throughout the 40s and 50s in films that depicted him as a voice of authority. The actor soon became a familiar figure in low-budget science fiction films, and later extended his career into television, where he played a number of recurring roles on Western series such as "Fury" and "Wyatt Earp". Throughout the later years of his career, Seay focused on minor character roles. He went on to make hundreds of small-screen appearances, but did not act after the early 70s.
The lovely Noreen Nash plays the role of Barbara Randall. Nash stumbled upon a career in acting after winning a beauty contest in her home state of Washington. Following her victory, Nash was invited to take a screen test in Hollywood, which resulted in her beginning her career as a showgirl and eventually playing a number of decorative roles in the late 40s and 50s. Nash married Dr. Lee Siegel, who worked as the Staff Physician for Century Fox and was commonly referred to as the "doctor to the stars". Nash, who wrote the romance novel, "By Love Fulfilled", had two sons with Dr. Siegel, whom she remained married to until his death.
