Instant Favorite.

The movie runs out of plot and jokes well before the end of a two-hour running time, long for a light comedy.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

When the film begins, the Howards are involved in a serious car accident. Clay Howard (James Franciscus) is badly injured and required a steel plate in his head*. After his recovery, the couple go on a vacation--a road trip to unwind and relax after this incident. Their trip takes them to a strange little town where everything appears totally normal by day...but at night the townspeople become zombies and disappear on trucks bound for who knows where! When he tries to investigate, he finds a force field is in place and he cannot penetrate it. Apparently he's unaffected by whatever or whoever is controlling everyone due to his steel plate...but why? What is this all about and are these people, including Clay's wife, safe?!I liked this made for TV film because it was original and quite strange. The only apprehension I have is about the ending. I didn't mind it but it does leave the viewer a tad confused as to really what happened after all. I didn't mind this...some might. Still, it is a neat little film and I found a copy of it on YouTube....though, sadly, the print was pretty terrible. If you like other supernatural made for TV films such as "The Stranger Within" (with Barbara Eden), "Dont' Be Afraid of the Dark" (with Kim Darby) or "Crowhaven Farm" (with Hope Lange), then you will most likely enjoy "Night Slaves".*I did find it silly that the husband looked not only okay following getting a metal plate in his head but he was STILL the very handsome James Franciscus! No scars...nothing!

1970's "Night Slaves" is one of those curious little films that, on the one hand, probably won't go down as one of the greatest movies ever made but never the less, does seem to have something deeper going on under the surface. It all begins when businessman Clay Howard (James Franciscus) is seriously injured in an auto accident and as a result, is left with a metal plate in his head and the emotional scars that come from the experience. To make matters worse, he and his wife, Marjorie (Lee Grant), have been drifting apart for some time. So, in an attempt to rekindle, they go on a road trip and come to a small town, where they decide to spend the night. Trouble is, something strange is going on at night; the town's folks are roaming around town like zombies onto trucks and being driven off somewhere! It gets even more troubling when Clay's wife is caught up in the spell as well. He tries but fails to stop her and the next morning, nobody remembers a thing; nobody that is, except Clay. Night after night, this happens and things get even more interesting when a mysterious young woman keeps appearing to Clay while all this is going on. Rather than being scared, Clay finds himself falling in love with this mysterious girl and from there, Clay begins questioning his own life, about whether or not he is truly happy in this life and wondering if all this is the key to changing that. The movie is able to tell its story through good use of night filming, an effective music score, good acting on the part of Franciscus and Grant, and competent writing that examines love, one's place in the universe, and happiness. The film is certainly not perfect, but like I said, there does seem to be something underneath it all that is worth looking at. So, if you get the chance, check this one out on you tube because even small TV movies can have something to say about life. Also starring Leslie Nielsen as the town sheriff. 8 out of 10.

Now this movie had potential. However, several things were basically done wrong in the movie.Most of the people in the movie sleep in their clothes. The aliens who control everyone (save the hero) shouldn't understand about things like robes and slippers, yet the hero's wife dons hers before leaving. The town is about 95 percent male as well. The people move at normal speed from time to time, not looking like sleepwalkers at all.This could have been one of the great mind control movies. Instead, being made for TV in 1970, did not deliver.

I recently purchased this movie NIGHT SLAVES, but I received a copy, so my guess is that this was never released on video, which is a shame, because it is a fun film. Now, I didn't think the film was great, but it was entertaining and short. I could see some stupid producer making a boring mini-series out of this story, but luckily this film is short and never loses your attention. The plot is not perfect, and the acting is subtle. I would only recommend watching this movie if you are bored and want some entertainment, not if you're looking for a great movie to watch with some great actors and a "sounds-interesting" plot. SUMMARY: Clay Howard (Jim Franciscus) is in a horrible car crash, which kills another couple involved. Clay is put in the hospital, while his wife Marjorie (Lee Grant) and friend Matt (Scott Marlowe) plan to leave him and become lovers. A metal plate is inserted into Clay's head, he leaves the hospital and takes a road trip with his wife. They stop in a small town for the rest of one day and evening. That night Clay wakes up from his slumber to discover the entire town loading into one truck and vacating the town, his wife included. He meets Naillil/Annie (Tisha Sterling) who tells him she's to make sure he doesn't escape. The next morning Clay wakes up to find his wife in bed, sleeping and everything back to normal. Was it a dream, or is he really going crazy? Clay decides to stay in town a few more days and figure out what really is going on.This is a great made for TV film. I suggest you check it out if the chance arises. The setting is creepy in the old town. The ending is no big surprise. A recommendation for this film would definitely be: THE STEPFORD WIVES. ** 1/2 STARS and 7/10.