Hand of Death (1962)

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:  Hand of Death (also known as Five Fingers of Death) is a low-budget 1962 American horror film directed by Gene Nelson, and written and produced by Eugene Ling.^[1] The film stars John Agar, Paula Raymond, Stephen Dunne and Roy Gordon. The narrative follows a scientist who develops a military nerve gas. After accidentally exposing himself to it, he not only turns into a grotesque monster, but anyone who touches him dies. The scientist goes on the run but is killed by police before a curative serum can be tried on him.

Me now- The movie disappeared for decades after it was released. It is only 60 minutes long, and really not very good.  It is nice to see Joe Besser as Service Station Attendant in a non-comedy role, though.  The movie is just kind of sleazy, and the 50s setup doesn't work with the 60s gritty edge to it.  I wanted to like it when I first saw it, but just couldn't get into it.  The makeup looks good, though the source of is patently obvious (Ben Grimm, the ever lovin' Thing).