Films like this are why actors often have difficulty trusting directors. Actors rely upon the directors for framing and feedback. Some actors also NEED the direction to help maintain a consistent performance. If a director has a poor understanding of character, motivation, blocking, and technique it's very easy for the actor to look foolish onscreen. It's not as simple as yelling "action!" and "cut!"

The director of the film, Corey Allen, was largely known for directing TV shows. Although it was a Roger Corman production, apparently it was one of the most expensive films they'd made at the time. I also want to add that Rock Hudson was a good MOVIE STAR, but I'd hardly call him a great actor. He didn't have a wide range of emotions, but pretty much played the dependable, stoic, rugged hero-type with a twinkle in his eye in movie after movie. I have a feeling that he couldn't find the character, the director couldn't help him, and Avalanche was the result.

Thanks for that Alien It really explains a lot....

This is the first movie I've watched him in after his early days from the Hollywood Golden era. I read his filmography and he did quite a bit more after this movie. I might just check some out to see if he redeemed himself.

Maybe he just turned up for the pay cheque.