A meteor shower disrupts the earth's ecosystem and, unfortunately for the roughly 99% of the world's population that either advertently or inadvertently witnessed the beautiful but dangerous event, it blinds them. Moments later, Bill Masen takes off his hospital blindfold and realizes he's one of the only people with sight left on Earth. It just might be up to Bill and an alcoholic scientist to care of the Triffids, sentient and hostile alien plant life triggered by the blinding blast to emerge from spores that had already been brought to Earth by an earlier meteor shower. Based on a novel by John Wyndham that originally revolved around experimental-but-decidedly-earthly plants running amok, many elements were added to this feature adaptation to make it somewhat reminiscent of WAR OF THE WORLDS. The screenplay was originally credited to only Phillip Yordan, with co-scribe Bernard Gordon receiving no billing.

A meteor shower disrupts the earth's ecosystem by blinding mankind and awakening meat-eating plants. As the hungry foliage grow ever faster, a sighted sailor and an alcoholic scientist help save humanity from becoming plant food.

Filmed at Shepperton Studios, London, England.

Color by Eastmancolor; shot in CinemaScope.

Released theatrically in USA April 27, 1963.

Dissatisfied with his own role in the screenplay, actor Howard Keel rewrote much of his dialogue.

Additional cast: Carole Ann Ford (Bettina) and Geoffrey Matthews (Luis).

Additional credit: Douglas Hermes (assistant director).

Excerpt: "Keep behind me. There's no sense in getting killed by a plant." (Scientist Tom to Karen)

"Because of worldwide disruption, it is impossible for delegates to gather. Paris itself, with its millions of helpless inhabitants, has become dangerous. This will be our last broadcast. There is no one here who can see. There is no one left." (Radio broadcast from Paris)

"All plants move. They don't usually pull themselves out of the ground and chase you..." (Tom)

"Most plants thrive on animal waste. But I'm afraid this mutation possesses a taste for the animal itself." (Mr. Cocker to Bill Mason)

DVD Features:

Audio:
(unspecified) - English

Howard Keel: American Actor/Singer
Nicole Maurey: French Actress
Kieron Moore: Irish Actor/In UK & USA
Janette Scott: British Actress
Alexander Knox: Character Actor/Writer
Mervyn Johns: Actor/Father Glynis
Janina Faye: British TV Actress
Alison Leggatt: British Character Actress
Ewan Roberts: Scottish Character Actor

Steve Sekely: Director

George Pitcher: Producer

Philip Yordan: Screenwriter

Ron Goodwin: British Composer/Conductor

Spencer Reeve: