Mona McKinnon
Actor
About Mona McKinnon
Mona McKinnon was an American actress who had a brief but memorable career in Hollywood during the late 1950s. She is best known for her role as Paula Trent in Ed Wood's notoriously infamous 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' (1957), a film that would later be celebrated as one of the worst movies ever made. McKinnon played the wife of Jeff Trent, a pilot who witnesses alien activity, delivering her lines with the earnest sincerity that characterized many performances in Wood's productions. Her career appears to have been extremely brief, with 'Plan 9' being her only credited film role. Despite the film's critical failure, McKinnon's performance has become part of cult cinema history, with the movie gaining a massive following in later decades. After her brief foray into acting, she seemingly disappeared from the entertainment industry, leaving behind only this single cinematic contribution that would ironically ensure her place in film history.
The Craft
On Screen
McKinnon's acting style in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' was typical of the low-budget B-movie era, characterized by earnest but somewhat stilted delivery. She portrayed her character with genuine sincerity, which has contributed to the film's unintentional humor and enduring appeal among cult film enthusiasts.
Milestones
- Starred in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' (1957)
- Became part of cult cinema history through Ed Wood's infamous production
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mona McKinnon's cultural impact is primarily tied to her involvement in what would become one of the most famous 'bad movies' in cinema history. 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' has transcended its initial failure to become a beloved cult classic, with McKinnon's performance as Paula Trent being an integral part of the film's enduring appeal. The movie's status as a midnight movie favorite and its inclusion in numerous 'worst films ever made' lists have ensured that McKinnon's work continues to be discovered by new generations of film enthusiasts.
Lasting Legacy
Mona McKinnon's legacy is that of a cult cinema figure who, despite having only one credited role, achieved a form of immortality through her participation in Ed Wood's infamous production. Her performance exemplifies the earnest but amateurish quality that has made 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' a beloved example of so-bad-it's-good cinema. While she may not have had the extensive career of other Golden Age actors, her contribution to one of cinema's most notorious films has secured her place in film history.
Who They Inspired
As a minor actor in a cult classic, McKinnon's direct influence on other performers is difficult to trace. However, her performance has become part of the study of camp cinema and B-movie aesthetics, influencing how audiences and critics understand and appreciate 'bad' movies as legitimate forms of entertainment and art.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Mona McKinnon's personal life outside of her brief film career. Like many bit players and minor actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood, she maintained a private life away from the spotlight, and biographical information about her remains scarce.
Did You Know?
- Her only credited film role was in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' (1957)
- Played Paula Trent, the wife of pilot Jeff Trent
- Her character witnesses a flying saucer in the film
- The film was directed by the infamous Ed Wood
- The movie was originally titled 'Grave Robbers from Outer Space'
- Her co-star Gregory Walcott reportedly called the film 'the worst film ever made'
- The film features Bela Lugosi in his final role (using footage shot before his death)
- McKinnon's performance has been analyzed in numerous books about cult cinema
- The film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2022
- Her character provides crucial exposition about the alien invasion
In Their Own Words
Jeff, we saw it! That flying saucer you were chased by! After you left, it came back and landed behind the hill!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mona McKinnon?
Mona McKinnon was an American actress best known for her role as Paula Trent in Ed Wood's infamous 1957 film 'Plan 9 from Outer Space.' She had an extremely brief career, with this being her only credited film role, but has achieved cult status through her participation in what many consider one of the worst movies ever made.
What films is Mona McKinnon best known for?
Mona McKinnon is exclusively known for her role in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' (1957), where she played Paula Trent. This appears to be her only credited film performance, making her a one-film actress who nonetheless achieved lasting recognition through cult cinema appreciation.
When was Mona McKinnon born and when did she die?
Unfortunately, detailed biographical information about Mona McKinnon, including her birth and death dates, is not readily available. Like many minor actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood who had brief careers, comprehensive personal records about her life are scarce.
What awards did Mona McKinnon win?
Mona McKinnon did not receive any formal awards or nominations during her brief acting career. However, her film 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2022, recognizing its cultural significance despite (or because of) its notorious reputation.
What was Mona McKinnon's acting style?
McKinnon's acting style in 'Plan 9 from Outer Space' was characteristic of low-budget 1950s B-movies, featuring earnest but somewhat stiff line delivery. Her sincere portrayal of Paula Trent, despite the film's amateurish production values, has contributed to the movie's enduring appeal as a cult classic.
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Films
1 film
