Watch Invasion: UFO

Invasion: UFO is a 1974 British television movie that follows the investigations of the secret military organization SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defense Organization) as they attempt to protect Earth from a hostile extraterrestrial force. The movie stars Ed Bishop as Commander Edward Straker, Michael Billington as Colonel Paul Foster, and Gabrielle Drake as Lieutenant Gay Ellis.

The film begins with a series of UFO sightings across the globe, leading SHADO to investigate the possibility of an alien invasion. The organization's top officials conclude that a group of aliens, known as the Tarkons, are responsible for the attacks and are seeking to take over the Earth by exploiting human weaknesses. SHADO's leaders quickly mobilize the organization's resources in order to develop a plan to thwart the Tarkon invasion.

The cast of Invasion: UFO is led by Ed Bishop, who delivers a captivating performance as Commander Straker, the stern but caring leader of SHADO. Bishop's character is tasked with coordinating the organization's efforts to combat the alien threat, and he brings a level of gravitas to the role that helps to keep the film grounded, despite its sci-fi premise. Michael Billington also impresses in his role as Colonel Foster, a hot-headed pilot who frequently clashes with Straker, but ultimately proves himself to be a valuable asset to the team.

Gabrielle Drake plays Lieutenant Ellis, one of the few female members of SHADO's team. Drake's character is a competent and confident officer, but she also brings a level of vulnerability to the role that helps to humanize the organization's members. When the Tarkons launch a massive attack on SHADO's main base, Ellis finds herself in a dangerous situation, and Drake is able to convey the character's fear and bravery in equal measure.

The film's special effects are a mixed bag, with some of the UFO designs looking outdated by today's standards. However, the film's miniature work is impressive, and the various models of the organization's vehicles and equipment are convincingly rendered. Additionally, Invasion: UFO benefits from a strong score by composer Barry Gray, whose music gives the film a sense of urgency and excitement.

One of the film's standout sequences is a tense infiltration mission, in which a group of SHADO operatives enter a Tarkon spacecraft in order to gather intelligence. The scene is expertly filmed, with the combination of tight close-ups and widescreen shots helping to capture the intensity of the situation. The film's climax, set in a sprawling alien base, is also well-staged, although some of the action can be difficult to follow due to the frantic editing.

Ultimately, Invasion: UFO is a compelling sci-fi adventure that manages to balance spectacle with character development. Its story of a hi-tech military organization fighting to protect Earth from an alien threat is reminiscent of later shows like Stargate SG-1 and Battlestar Galactica, and shows the influence that the film had on the genre as a whole. While some of the film's effects may seem dated, Invasion: UFO remains an entertaining watch for fans of classic sci-fi.