The Astral Factor (Crime/Sci-Fi/Thriller, 1978)

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A convicted strangler, Roger Sands (Frank Ashmore), obsessed with the paranormal, learns to make himself invisible while studying in his jail cell. Driven by a deep-seated hatred stemming from his troubled past as the illegitimate son of a famous actress who isolated him, he escapes prison to seek revenge. Sands targets five women who testified against him at his trial, stalking and strangling them while invisible. The plot follows Lt. Charles Barrett (Robert Foxworth), a police lieutenant tasked with protecting the women and capturing the elusive killer. The film blends elements of a psychological thriller with sci-fi, as Sands’ ability to vanish—possibly through astral projection or psychic powers—creates a cat-and-mouse game. Notable scenes include Sands donning a scuba suit to reach a victim on a boat, which curiously remains visible, and a strangulation in front of witnesses who fail to notice. The narrative explores themes of vengeance and maternal resentment, though it’s criticized for a lackluster script and unclear explanation of Sands’ powers. The movie, also known as Invisible Strangler, has a low-budget, 1970s TV-movie vibe, with a mix of campy effects and proto-slasher elements.

Cast:
Robert Foxworth as Lt. Charles Barrett, the determined police lieutenant.

Stefanie Powers as Candy Barrett, Barrett’s ditzy wife, whose role is largely superfluous but memorable for its quirky charm.

Sue Lyon as one of the targeted women.

Mark Slade as Holt, Barrett’s annoying sidekick, known for clicking his pen and chewing gum.

Frank Ashmore as Roger Sands, the invisible strangler.

Elke Sommer as a victim, featured in a bikini, adding to the film’s exploitation appeal.

Leslie Parrish, Marianna Hill, Percy Rodrigues (Capt. Wells), Alex Dreier (Dr. Ulmer), and Cesare Danova in supporting roles.

Additional Notes:
Directed by John Florea, Gene Fowler Jr., and Arthur C. Pierce, the film runs for 85 minutes and carries a PG rating. It was filmed in Los Angeles in 1976 and released in 1978, with a re-edited, shorter version titled Invisible Strangler released in 1984. The Astral Factor version includes additional scenes and dialogue, filling in plot gaps from the later cut. Reviews highlight its cheesy charm, poor special effects (like glowing laser eyes), and a cast of recognizable but underutilized actors. Some draw parallels to The Invisible Man and Psychic Killer (1975), noting its misogynistic undertones and erratic pacing.