From Them! to Earth vs. the Spider: A Look Back at the B-Movie Giants of the 1950s
In the 1950s, moviegoers were treated to a wave of horror and sci-fi films that featured giant creatures terrorizing humanity. These films were often inspired by the fear of nuclear radiation and the unknown consequences of scientific experimentation. Among the most famous of these films were Them!, The Deadly Mantis, Tarantula, The Black Scorpion, Beginning of the End, and Earth vs. the Spider.
In 1954, a horror and science fiction movie was released that would become a classic of the genre, and is still enjoyed by fans to this day. That movie was Them!, directed by Gordon Douglas. It tells the story of a group of scientists and military personnel as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths in the New Mexico desert.
The film begins with police officers investigating a seemingly abandoned car in the desert. They soon discover that the car’s occupants have been brutally murdered. The investigation leads to the discovery of a young girl, traumatized and alone in the desert. The girl is taken to a hospital, where the police and the military begin to piece together the puzzle of what happened to her and her family.
Meanwhile, a group of scientists are investigating strange seismic activity in the desert. They discover a nest of giant ants, which have been mutated by radiation from atomic bomb testing. The ants are soon on the loose and threatening nearby towns and cities. The scientists team up with the military to try and stop the ants before they can spread and cause more damage.
One of the strengths of Them! is its realistic depiction of the ants. The filmmakers used both real ants and large-scale models to create the illusion of giant insects. The models were intricately detailed and featured moving legs and antennae, and were controlled by a team of puppeteers. The special effects were impressive for their time, and the ants remain convincing and frightening to this day.
Another strength of the movie is its strong performances by the cast. James Whitmore stars as Sergeant Ben Peterson, a police officer who takes the young girl under his wing and becomes instrumental in the effort to stop the ants. Edmund Gwenn plays Dr. Harold Medford, a scientist who provides much of the exposition and explanation of the ants’ behavior. Joan Weldon plays his daughter, who is also a scientist and who becomes romantically involved with Peterson.
In addition to the special effects and performances, Them! also stands out for its social commentary. The movie was made at a time when the fear of nuclear radiation and its unknown consequences were prevalent. The film can be seen as a warning against the dangers of atomic testing and the consequences of scientific experimentation gone wrong.
Them! remains a classic of the horror and science fiction genre. Its impressive special effects, strong performances, and social commentary have ensured its enduring popularity among fans of classic cinema.
The Deadly Mantis is a 1957 science fiction film that tells the story of a giant prehistoric praying mantis that is unleashed from the Arctic ice and begins to wreak havoc on North America. Directed by Nathan Juran and produced by William Alland, the movie was made at a time when giant monster movies were popular, and it is now considered a classic of the genre.
The plot of the movie centers around a military mission to the Arctic to investigate strange seismic activity. While there, they discover a frozen prehistoric praying mantis, which is then transported back to the United States for study. However, during the transportation, the ice thaws and the mantis is revived, escaping and heading south towards populated areas.
The military, along with a group of scientists, team up to try and stop the mantis before it can cause widespread destruction. The mantis is eventually located in New York City, where it attacks famous landmarks such as the United Nations building and the Brooklyn Bridge. The climax of the film takes place at the Manhattan Tunnel, where the military is able to trap and destroy the mantis.
One of the most memorable aspects of The Deadly Mantis is the special effects used to create the giant mantis. The filmmakers used a combination of a full-scale model and stop-motion animation to create the illusion of the giant insect. The model was created by sculptor Wah Chang, who had previously worked on such films as The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine. The stop-motion animation was done by animator Pete Peterson, who was able to bring the mantis to life with fluid movements and realistic behavior.
Another notable aspect of The Deadly Mantis is its use of location filming. The film features scenes shot in New York City, Washington D.C., and the Grand Canyon, which adds to the realism of the movie and helps to create a sense of scope and scale.
The performances in the movie are solid, if somewhat unremarkable. Craig Stevens plays Colonel Joe Parkman, the military officer in charge of the mission to the Arctic. William Hopper plays Dr. Ned Jackson, the scientist who provides much of the exposition about the mantis. Alix Talton plays Marge Blaine, a journalist who becomes romantically involved with Colonel Parkman.
The Deadly Mantis is a fun and entertaining entry in the giant monster movie genre. While it may not be as well-known as some of its contemporaries, such as Them! or Tarantula, it remains a classic of its kind and is sure to please fans of classic science fiction cinema.
Tarantula is a 1955 science fiction film that tells the story of a giant tarantula that grows to enormous size due to experiments conducted by a scientist. Directed by Jack Arnold and produced by William Alland, the movie is now considered a classic of the giant monster movie genre.
The plot of the movie centers around Dr. Matt Hastings, a scientist who is conducting experiments on animals in order to develop a new type of nutrient. One of his experiments involves a tarantula, which grows to enormous size and escapes from the lab. The tarantula then goes on a rampage, destroying everything in its path and causing chaos in a small town in Arizona.
In the movie Tarantula, the titular creature is eventually killed by Dr. Matt Hastings, played by John Agar, and his team of scientists. After discovering that the tarantula has been growing at an alarming rate due to experimental growth hormones, the team devises a plan to stop it from causing further destruction.
In the climactic scene, Dr. Hastings and his team lure the tarantula out of its lair and onto a nearby mesa. They then use a combination of explosives and napalm to create a massive fire that engulfs the entire mesa. The tarantula, unable to escape the flames, is burned alive in a spectacular explosion.
One of the most impressive aspects of Tarantula is the special effects used to create the giant spider. The filmmakers used a combination of a full-scale model and matte paintings to create the illusion of the tarantula’s enormous size. The model was created by sculptor Marcel Delgado, who had previously worked on such films as King Kong and The Lost World. The matte paintings were done by Albert Whitlock, who was able to seamlessly integrate the spider into the live-action footage. Another notable aspect of Tarantula is the use of location filming. The film features scenes shot in the Arizona desert, which adds to the realism of the movie and helps to create a sense of place and atmosphere.
The performances in the movie are solid, if somewhat formulaic. John Agar plays Dr. Matt Hastings, the scientist responsible for creating the tarantula. Mara Corday plays Dr. Diane Ashley, the local doctor who helps Hastings develop the serum. Leo G. Carroll plays Prof. Gerald Deemer, the scientist who inadvertently creates the giant spider.
Tarantula is a fun and entertaining entry in the giant monster movie genre. While it may not be as well-known as some of its contemporaries, such as Them! or The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, it remains a classic of its kind and is sure to please fans of classic science fiction cinema.
The Black Scorpion is a 1957 science fiction film that tells the story of a group of scientists and military personnel who must deal with a series of deadly attacks by giant scorpions in Mexico. Directed by Edward Ludwig and produced by Frank Melford, the movie is a classic of the giant monster movie genre.
The plot of The Black Scorpion centers around the discovery of a volcanic eruption in Mexico that unleashes a horde of giant scorpions. The creatures begin to attack and kill people, prompting the authorities to send in a team of scientists and military personnel to deal with the situation.
The team is led by geologist Hank Scott, played by Richard Denning, and includes a Mexican scientist, Dr. Velasco, played by Carlos Rivas, and a rancher, Teresa Alvarez, played by Mara Corday. Together, they must find a way to stop the scorpions before they destroy everything in their path.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Black Scorpion is the special effects used to create the giant scorpions. The creatures were created using a combination of stop-motion animation and live-action footage, and the results are impressive even by modern standards. The stop-motion animation was done by Willis O’Brien, who was also responsible for the effects in King Kong and The Lost World.
Another notable aspect of The Black Scorpion is the use of location filming. The movie was shot on location in Mexico, which adds to the realism of the film and helps to create a sense of place and atmosphere.
The performances in the movie are solid, if somewhat formulaic. Richard Denning does a good job as the heroic geologist, while Carlos Rivas and Mara Corday provide strong supporting roles. The film also features a memorable cameo by Hollywood legend Edward G. Robinson, who appears as a reclusive scientist living in a remote desert outpost.
The Black Scorpion is a fun and entertaining entry in the giant monster movie genre. While it may not be as well-known as some of its contemporaries, such as Them! or Tarantula, it remains a classic of its kind and is sure to please fans of classic science fiction cinema.
Beginning of the End is a 1957 science fiction film that tells the story of a swarm of giant locusts that terrorize the American Midwest. Directed by Bert I. Gordon and produced by Samuel Z. Arkoff, the movie is a classic of the giant insect movie genre.
The plot of Beginning of the End centers around Dr. Ed Wainwright, played by Peter Graves, a scientist who is conducting experiments to create a new type of food that can help to alleviate world hunger. However, his experiments have unintended consequences when they accidentally create a strain of giant, mutant locusts that begin to attack and destroy everything in their path.
With the help of his assistant, Audrey Aimes, played by Peggie Castle, and the military, Wainwright must find a way to stop the locusts before they cause widespread destruction and death. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including skeptical government officials, logistical problems, and personal conflicts.
One of the most impressive aspects of Beginning of the End is the special effects used to create the giant locusts. The creatures were created using a combination of live-action footage and rear projection, and the results are effective and chilling. The use of miniature sets and models also adds to the realism of the film and helps to create a sense of scale and scope.
The performances in the movie are solid, with Peter Graves providing a strong central performance as the heroic scientist, and Peggie Castle providing a capable supporting role. The film also features a memorable cameo by Morris Ankrum, who plays a military general tasked with stopping the locusts.
Beginning of the End is a fun and entertaining entry in the giant insect movie genre. While it may not be as well-known as some of its contemporaries, such as Them! or Tarantula, it remains a classic of its kind and is sure to please fans of classic science fiction cinema. With its effective special effects, solid performances, and gripping story, Beginning of the End is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of science fiction cinema.
Earth vs. the Spider (aka The Spider) is a 1958 science fiction horror film that tells the story of a group of teenagers who must fight off a giant spider that has been terrorizing their town. Directed by Bert I. Gordon and produced by Carmel Productions, the movie is a classic of the giant monster movie genre.
The plot of Earth vs. the Spider centers around teenager Carol Flynn, played by June Kenney, and her boyfriend Mike, played by Eugene Persson, who discover that a giant spider has been terrorizing their town. Along with their friends, they must find a way to stop the spider before it destroys everything in its path.
One of the most impressive aspects of Earth vs. the Spider is the special effects used to create the giant spider. The creature was created using a combination of live-action footage and a giant spider model, and the results are impressive even by modern standards. The use of miniature sets and models also adds to the realism of the film and helps to create a sense of scale and scope.
The performances in the movie are solid, with June Kenney providing a strong central performance as the resourceful and determined Carol. Eugene Persson also delivers a solid performance as Mike, Carol’s boyfriend, who helps to lead the fight against the spider. The film also features a memorable cameo by Ed Kemmer, who plays a police detective investigating the spider attacks.
Earth vs. the Spider is a fun and entertaining entry in the giant monster movie genre. While it may not be as well-known as some of its contemporaries, such as Them! or Tarantula, it remains a classic of its kind and is sure to please fans of classic science fiction cinema. With its impressive special effects, solid performances, and memorable soundtrack, Earth vs. the Spider is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of science fiction cinema.
Taken together, the movies Them!, The Deadly Mantis, Tarantula, The Black Scorpion, Beginning of the End, and Earth vs. the Spider represent a significant period in the history of science fiction cinema. These classic films from the 1950s have helped to define the giant monster movie genre, and have left a lasting impact on popular culture. From the impressive special effects to the memorable soundtracks and solid performances, these movies have stood the test of time and continue to entertain audiences to this day. Whether you are a die-hard fan of science fiction cinema or just looking for some good old-fashioned monster mayhem, these classic films are not to be missed.
Don’t forget to check out the other entries in my BASEMENT RETROSPECTIVE series! If you would like to add any of these classic films to your personal libraries, just click on the movie titles in the last paragraph.
~David Albaugh
