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Science Fiction Cult Classic

A rolling alien fireball hunts down anyone with its mysterious glowing rocks.

THE CREMATORS

From the sun come the Fire-People to incinerate all mankind! Great Balls of Fire: Scorching! Ravaging! Engulfing!

1972 · 1h 12m · PG · Science Fiction · IMDB TMDB

An alien life form that is a huge ball of living matter invades earth, and replenishes itself by absorbing people.

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Quick Answer

What is The Cremators about?

The Cremators is a 1972 American science fiction film directed by Harry Essex about a giant alien fireball that absorbs humans and seeks out mysterious glowing rocks.

Programmer's Pick

If you like your alien threats less ray-gun and more rolling ball of cosmic barbecue, The Cremators is your jam. Harry Essex delivers a low-budget sci-fi with glowing rocks, skeptical sheriffs, and a fireball that isn’t here to make friends.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

The Cremators opens with a tale of a meteor crash three centuries ago, witnessed only by an unfortunate native and a fish—both soon reduced to ash by a mysterious rolling fireball. In 1972, entomologist Ian, living in a lighthouse, stumbles across some glistening rocks that seem out of place. As he sends them off for study, strange deaths begin to follow in their wake, often involving the relentless fireball. With skeptical authorities brushing off these incidents as lightning strikes, Ian, aided by the curious Jeanie and a cast of locals, tries to piece together the connection between the shiny rocks and the mounting danger. The film blends alien invasion suspense with small-town investigation and a dash of romance.

Details & Specs

Director
Harry Essex
Writers
Harry Essex, Julian C. May
Release
1972
Runtime
1h 12m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Science Fiction
Also Known As
Dune Rollers

Why This Matters

This early science fiction horror film marks one of the first projects from special effects expert Doug Beswick, offering a glimpse into the beginnings of his career.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Harry Essex Writers: Harry Essex +1 more
Maria De Aragon Maria De Aragon Jeanne Marvin Howard Marvin Howard Dr. Iane Thorne Eric Sinclair Eric Sinclair Dr. Willy Seppel (as Eric Allison) MC Mason Caulfield Mason, the Hippy RB R.N. Bullard CR Cecil Reddick Medical Examiner TF Tim Frawley JJ Jax Jason Carroll OK Ola Kauffman Mrs. Lacey John Barnum John Barnum Merv (as Barney Bossick) AW Al Ward Phil Masters CH Chuck Hillig JR James Ragan Ben DE David Essex

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Why Cult

Alien Fireball Antagonist

The central threat is a massive, sentient ball of living matter that incinerates and absorbs its victims.

Mysterious Glowing Rocks

Strange, heat-emitting rocks connect the deaths and the alien menace, adding a tactile sci-fi mystery.

Lighthouse Setting

The protagonist’s base of operations is a lonely lighthouse, giving the film an isolated, windswept vibe.

Skeptical Authorities

Local lawmen and examiners repeatedly misread the threat, pinning bizarre deaths on rogue lightning.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Possession or disturbance of glowing rocks

Threat

Rolling alien fireball

Effect

Incinerates and absorbs people and animals

Countermeasure

Destruction with dynamite

Setting

Coastal town, lighthouse, surrounding sands

Questions from the Vault

When was The Cremators released? +

The Cremators was released in 1972.

Who directed The Cremators? +

The Cremators was directed by Harry Essex.

How long is The Cremators? +

The Cremators has a runtime of 72 minutes.

What genre is The Cremators? +

The Cremators is a science fiction film.

Where can I watch The Cremators? +

You can watch The Cremators on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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