Last Man on Earth - First Zombie Movie?

by Matt
(Minnesota, USA)

Zombie-Master!

I don't see "Last Man on Earth" with Vincent Price mentioned in your zombie-movie evolution essay - why is that?

Given that Romero pulled heavily upon the story "I Am Legend," and that "Last Man on Earth" has many of the prerequisites of a good zombie flick (home boarded up, generators running, going on zombie hunts and supply runs during the day, zombies attacking at night), I think it deserves at least a mention.

I know they are referred to as vampires, but they're zombies, man! And it's a good, freaky movie too!

Matt, Minnesota USA

Matt,

I agree that "Last Man on Earth" was a great movie and I have always been a big fan of Vincent Price but Romero was influenced heavily by Richard Matheson's original - and yes they are vampires which is the reason why this film was not mentioned in the Zombie Movie History.

I agree that a few of the zombie prerequisites are there, but not enough to be classified as a zombie movie (zombies attack both day and night which makes a supply run during the day just as dangerous).

Having read "I Am Legend" I am still hoping for a good movie version but I am afraid that the Will Smith version is the closest we will get for a while.

Good hunting and aim high,

The Zombie Master