Convincing but melodramatic “last man on earth” picture that strives to make profound statements about racism and humanity, but fails more often than it succeeds.

An absolutely amazing production that, through the use of low angle shots, early morning shoots, and matte paintings, really makes us believe that Harry Belafonte is the only man left living in New York City.

Kind of cops out at the end, but that's 1959 social mores for ya.

Revisited this P/A melodrama that would influence subsequent apocalyptic movies. A little overly dramatic, especially the music, but moves right along and cleverly finds ways for Belafonte to drop in songs.

Great setup - a miner (Belafonte) trapped underground for many days emerges to find the world empty (similar to 28 days later) . He roams around fantastically eerie 1950's NYC until he discovers that he is not alone - there's an enticing young white woman (Stevens) stalking his every move. An interesting dynamic between this new Adam and Eve is complicated by racial perceptions... then things really escalate when a white male rival appears in a boat.
Great ideas, awesome environment but tragically undeveloped thematic and dramatic potential.

This was certainly an interesting take on the "last man on earth" genre. Harry Belafonte is very convincing as a renaissance man who keeps New York City alive while unfortunately keeping the scars of racism alive in his heart.