The seminal 1951 science-fiction horror film often hailed as a pioneering extraterrestrial invasion classic, notably “laid the groundwork for a decade of alien invasions.” This apt description encapsulates the significance of The Thing from Another World.
The Influence and Legacy of The Thing from Another World
Occasionally referenced simply as The Thing, this monochrome extraterrestrial encounter movie, guided by Christian Nyby, established a template for the horror-science fiction genre in Hollywood.
Origin and Cast
Drawing from the 1938 novelette Who Goes There?, penned by John W. Campbell under the pseudonym Don A. Stuart, The Thing from Another World features a cast including Margaret Sheridan, Robert Cornthwaite, Kenneth Tobey, and Douglas Spencer. James Arness portrays the titular creature. In 1950, producer Howard Hawks secured the rights to Who Goes There? for $1,250.
Plot Summary
Currently accessible on BBC iPlayer, the narrative revolves around a U.S. Air Force unit and researchers who stumble upon a downed flying saucer and an anthropoid form frozen in Arctic ice. They transport the entombed entity back to their secluded Arctic research station. Chaos ensues when the malevolent, plant-like extraterrestrial is inadvertently thawed and reanimated.
Notable Scenes and Impact
The film pioneers a spoiler alert sequence featuring full-body fire effects, showcasing an entity closer to flora than fauna engulfed in flames and repeatedly doused with kerosene. Debuting in April 1951, The Thing from Another World ranked as the 46th highest-grossing film that year, outperforming contemporaries such as When Worlds Collide and the celebrated The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Praises and Reviews
Receiving largely favorable reviews from critics and viewers alike, one critic declared: “In sum, the picture is easily the most innovative and ingenious in this latest category of quasi-scientific amusement.”
Another reviewer suggested, “Witness it promptly, before the ambience is spoiled by excessive talk from those who have already experienced it. And the thrills and chills.”
A positive critique further notes: “Taking a far-fetched idea (or perhaps not?), Mr. Hawks has crafted a film brimming with excitement and fright, seasoned with ample light-hearted dialogue to prevent the movie from taking itself too gravely.”
A viewer commented, “The film is impressively executed, with acting devoid of contrived glamour and featuring authentic dialogue, providing a genuine sense of watching people rather than performers.”
Audience feedback also highlights: “Superb effects and direction that maximize the limited setting, coupled with a robust script and engaging narrative, make even substantial changes, such as the main monster being a Frankenstein-like duplicate that is actually a living plant, deeply satisfying due to their creativity.”
Fan Testimonials
A detailed appraisal from an original viewer states: “I recall watching this film upon its 1951 release. As a preteen, it haunted my dreams for days. It was unique, pioneering the ‘jump scare’ in 1950s science-fiction horror films. Despite its pioneering status, it remained a serious science-fiction motion picture.”
The reviewer continues, “The film capitalized on the cultural ‘Red Scare’ of the early 1950s, amplifying its impact. If you’ve yet to see it, wait until nightfall, dim the lights, and ready yourself for a thrilling fright.”
A succinct testimonial states: “It stands as one of the finest classic monster movies of all time! Highly recommended.”
The Thing from Another World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.