Sci-Fi Dystopia Theater: Chosen Survivors (1974)

I remember this ad for CHOSEN SURVIVORS in the crinkly pages of “The Monster Times” — my favorite newspaper of the 1970’s — and thinking that it looked cool and scary. I imagined how the film might unfurl onscreen, an underground world of steel and computers with hapless denizens screaming and running as deadly vampire bats attack them. Awesome. The film never came around to any of the air force base theaters where I spent some of my formative moviegoing and I never recall it playing on television at all; I was a dedicated troll of “TV Guide,” the kind who would instantly flip through the pages to see what sci-fi and monster flix would be on “Creature Features” the following weekend. So I’m not fucking around when I say I NEVER came across CHOSEN SURVIVORS in my late-nite tube travails…seasons change…decades roll past…the 21st century arrives…

Cut to the pre-dystopic world of 2008 and another wonderful Fox “Midnite Movies” DVD release of CHOSEN SURVIVORS in a terrific 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer. The intriguing premise is that a computer-picked selection of America’s best and brightest scientists, industrialists and even a writer, are dropped 1758 feet underground into a sterile, automated complex with individual quarters and living areas — as the Earth above has been reduced to a burning nuclear war cinder. The Government has supplied enough necessities for the five years before the elevator takes them back up to safely replenish the Garden. Oh yeah, and there’s also a cave of deadly vampire bats that have found their last living source of food…To say more would deprive the viewer of the nifty pleasures of CHOSEN SURVIVORS, filmed on a low-budget in Mexico and distributed by Columbia Pictures. The unusual mash-up of genres, apocalyptic sci-fi gothic horror, fits well within the 70’s dystopic ouvre such as THE OMEGA MAN and WESTWORLD.

The script by Harry Cross plays loose with logic and character, and we’re given little background outside of exposition by the group psychologist (an effective Bradford Dillman). Still, the archetypal personalities make for some interesting debate, which comprise sections of the film between deadly vampire bat attacks. The most memorable character next to the shaky Dillman is the angry, pragmatic corporate executive played to sleazy perfection by Jackie Cooper. Loud and bullying, you wish somebody would pop him in the mouth (especially after the former Little Rascal assaults one of the ladies). But I like Richard Jaeckel (THE GREEN SLIME) as the Captain of the complex and Alex Cord as The Writer (with feathered hair and a mustache that could have its own area code). There’s also an African-American Olympic athlete (Lincoln Kilpatrick) to add some diversity and an underused Pedro Armendariz Jr.

Of course, the real stars here are the deadly vampire bats. These creepy critters have expressive faces with sharp, pointy teeth. The attacks are fairly well-staged given the budget, sometimes using unique process animation and actual bats fluttering around the actors. Despite the “PG” rating, there is some grue and gore, but the film might as well have gone for bloody broke given the tone and subject matter. Directed by TV veteran Sutton Roley, whose episodic resume looks like a pop cultural buffet of shows like RAWHIDE; HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL; LOST IN SPACE; HAWAII 5-0; BONANZA; THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E; KOJACK; AIRWOLF; etc. You might already know his work based on the amount of airtime of his myriad hit shows. How he came to helm CHOSEN SURVIVORS would be an interesting story as Roley did no more features after this. His style is obvious and familiar, like a 70’s sci-fi series with low perspectives and wide-angle shots. The cinematography by Gabriel Torres (SWEET SUGAR (1972)) and second-unit on PAT GARRETT & BILLY THE KID) favors gauzy lens and symmetrical framing, which effectively keeps the characters trapped within their steely glass prison. I particularly like the stark blue light used for the attack sequences. Fred Karlin’s electronic score is also an eerie highlight, right on the heels of his soundtrack for WESTWORLD.

Overall, CHOSEN SURVIVORS is essential viewing for fans of the genre. The DVD release also restores 30 minutes (!) of footage that was sheared in the domestic USA 99 minute cut, but most of the material are quiet takes and loud debates betwixt the bickering survivors. I’m a sucker for long ethical debates between opposing archetypes so I was not bored. There are other worthy moments, especially the film’s best scene, the suspenseful climax involving one final escape attempt out of the underground complex. It’s nice to finally viddy this minor gem from the cynical, future shocked 1970’s. And deadly vampire bat attacks are always welcome.