
A great double-bill of great B-movie monsters
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Recently released on DVD as a double-feature, "Them" and "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" are both a bit better than the usual 1950s monster flick. Each explores the common theme of atomic testing causing unexpected consequences.
In "Them", ants in the desert southwest are mutated into eight-foot giants after exposure to radiation. A better-than-usual cast, including James Whitmore, a pre-Gunsmoke James Arness, and Edmund Gwenn as the prototype sci-fi scientist (assisted by his lovely daughter, played by Joan Weldon) is called in to investigate a series of strange murders. Strong supporting portrayals help the atmosphere: the little girl found wandering in the desert is positively chilling, and Fess Parker is enjoyable in a bit part as a pilot locked up for observation after reporting UFOs shaped like flying ants (reportedly, Walt Disney screened this movie to decide if he should cast Arness as Davy Crockett, but selected Parker instead after seeing his humorous performance.) There are a lot of themes in this film that became somewhat cliched afterwards, but it all holds together here (in spite of the rather cheesy-looking ants) to make this the best of the '50s giant-insect movies. Note to trivia buffs: watch for a very early appearance by Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy as an Air Force sergeant, and listen for a full FOUR uses of Sheb Wooley's "Wilhelm scream" (non-buffs, Google it.)
"The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" is a bit the weaker of these two films, but is definitely worth seeing, if only for the terrific stop-motion work by Ray Harryhausen. Adapting Ray Bradbury's "Saturday Evening Post" serial (note to Ray: the ocean is at its deepest only about 5,000 fathoms) an arctic nuclear test releases a carnivorous dinosaur from his icy tomb. As the beast makes his way down the east coast, the hero (and first witness) played by Paul Christian, investigates unexplained sightings and strange incidents to try to convince a skeptical government that something must be done. He's helped by Cecil Kellaway (giving Edmund Gwenn a run for the title of "Perfect Tweed-Wearing Little Old Sci-Fi Scientist") and the requisite beautiful assistant (Paula Raymond.) This leads, of course, to an inevitable rampage through the streets of New York. It's amazing that in 1953, this could all be pulled together for a measly $200,000 budget; in 1998, they recycled the plot of "Beast" and spent $125 million to make "Godzilla", a much weaker movie, and probably blew more than $200,000 for the catering budget!
If you enjoy B-movie monsters, these two are definitely worth a look. Kudos to whoever thought of combining them on a single disc.
Review ID: 10000000003372170

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