Sci-Fi Movies From the Later 1950s

Some science fiction movies of the late 1950s continued to center around the decade’s earlier ideas and themes. These included the dangers of atomic testing; the fear of Communism or totalitarianism; and, alien invasions.

At the same time, new themes were introduced or old ones revived. Among these were the dehumanization of society (Body Snatchers), the consequences of playing God (Forbidden Planet), and mankind‘s role in the universe (Shrinking Man).

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

• Director: Don Siegel
• Cast: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter
• Source Material: Adapted from Jack Finney’s novel, The Body Snatchers
• Synopsis: A doctor (McCarthy) returning from vacation senses that some of his town‘s residents seem different. Gradually, he and his fiancée (Wynter) discover that all the citizens are being replaced by duplicates that have been grown in mysterious pods. The replicas look the same as the people that they replace, but have the emotionless personalities of a collective hive. Soon the doctor finds himself alone.

Despite a tacked-on optimistic ending that destroys some of the movie’s impact, this all-around solid film still resonates today. It basically has no special effects and none are needed. Watching Wynter, through brilliant acting alone, transform from a caring, loving woman into one of the no-longer-human pod people is proof that computer graphics are not always essential to good filmmaking.

This film has been seen as an attack on the extreme right (McCarthyism/fascism), the extreme left (collectivism/communism), or as a symbol of society‘s dehumanization. Jack Finney, who wrote the original novel, had a different take. According to his obit in the NY Times (November 17, 1995), Mr. Finney claimed that he wrote the book solely for entertainment.

Forbidden Planet (1956)

• Director: Fred Wilcox
• Cast: Walter Pidgeon, Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis, Warren Stevens
• Source Material: Original story idea by Irving Block and Allen Adler, based on Shakespeare‘s The Tempest
• Synopsis: An expedition led by Captain Adams (Nielsen) arrives on Altair IV to learn the fate of a colony not heard from for years. After landing, they find that the only ones still alive are Dr. Morbius (Pidgeon) and his daughter (Francis). The rest were killed twenty years before by a malevolent, invisible force. It is also discovered that the planet was once the home of the Krell, a race of super intellects who died instantaneously when that same terror was unleashed by their collective brains. Later, it becomes apparent that Morbius, who has enhanced his mental prowess through his study of the Krells, has now become the source of that evil.

The acting in this movie, led by the veteran Pidgeon, is above average and the dialogue is sharp and often witty. The special effects are weak early on, but improve immensely as the movie progresses. However, the most important reason for watching Forbidden Planet is because of its intelligent story. It’s multi-layered themes would not be matched again until 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)

• Director: Jack Arnold
• Cast: Grant Williams, Randy Stuart, Paul Langton, April Kent
• Source Material: Based on Richard Matheson’s novel, The Shrinking Man. Matheson also wrote the screenplay
• Synopsis: While boating, Scott Carey passes through a strange, apparently radioactive, cloud. A few months afterwards, he notices that he is becoming smaller. When his condition first becomes publicly known, Carey revels in his fame, but, as it becomes more apparent that medical science cannot reverse his shrinking, he becomes angry and isolated. Finally, atom sized and no longer part of his old world, he accepts his fate.

The science in the film is suspect, but the major theme of the role of mankind in the universe makes the viewer forget that. The special effects, which mainly consisted of using oversized sets and trick photography is excellent, especially in the closing half hour when Carey battles both a gigantic cat and then an elephantine spider.

This movie is strong evidence that a B picture can still become a classic. Williams as Carey, Stuart as his wife, and Langton as his brother all give excellent performances, as does Kent in a small role as a circus midget who tries to help Carey.

Related articles: Sci-Fic Movies from the Early 1950s, More Sci-Fi Movies From the1950s.

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