The Movie The Thing from Another World (1951)
An Alien Invasion Film from the 1950s Golden Age of Science Fiction
Jul 28, 2009
Science fiction films, a mainstay of the 1930s, gained renewed popularity in the 1950s. It was during this decade that the genre was used to create Cold War parables; express concerns about the new Atomic Age and its effect upon civilization; and/or contemplate mankind’s place in the universe.
The Movie The Thing Was Based on a John W. Campbell Short Story Who Goes There
In 1938 John W. Campbell, Jr. wrote a novella called Who Goes There? Campbell’s story was about a shape-shifting extraterrestrial that terrorizes a scientific outpost in Antarctica. What made the creature impossible to capture or kill was its ability to imitate any nearby living being both physically and mentally.
In 1951 Hollywood loosely adapted Campbell’s tale for a movie that film historians believe was meant to be a political allegory about an evil force (Communism) attempting to take control of the world. Many viewers today see the movie as just a good science fiction/horror film.
Details and Synopsis of the Movie The Thing From Another World
- Cast: Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan, James Arness, Robert Cornthwaite
- Director: Christian Nyby (officially credited)
- Producer: Howard Hawks
- Length: 86 minutes
- Color: B&W
- Company: RKO
When scientists at an Arctic outpost discover a flying saucer, Air Force personnel led by Captain Patrick Hendry (Kenneth Tobey) are called in to investigate. Before the saucer is accidentally destroyed by the investigators, an alien body frozen in ice is recovered.
After the creature (James Arness) is unintentionally revived, it is soon discovered that it is a humanoid who has the cellular structure of a plant and a strong need for blood to both survive and procreate. A battle for survival begins -- one that is hampered by Dr. Carrington (Robert Cornthwaite) who believes that it is his scientific duty to make every effort to save the creature and its offspring.
Analysis of the Movie The Thing From Another World
The Thing….. set the standard for all alien invader movies that were to follow. It is a fine example of how fear and terror can be instilled without resorting to graphic violence and gore, but rather through its use of visual suggestions.
The movie develops a feeling of claustrophobia. The outpost’s buildings are small, cramped, have few windows, and are enveloped in a blanket of almost continuous snow. There is a sense of growing paranoia as the scientists and military men begin to fear what the next sound, opening of a door, or step outside will bring.
There is also the “thing” itself. Until the movie’s climax, viewers are not really sure what it looks like. Through most of the film it is only seen as a shadow encased in ice, as a snow wrapped specter, or as a backlit dark form. The only close-up of its face and thorny hands lasts just a brief second.
The movie is fast paced and has characters that have more depth than found in many sci-fi films. Dr. Carrington could have easily been portrayed as an evil villain, but is presented as a man torn between whether to support his companions or his scientific instincts.
Screenwriters Charles Lederer (credited), Ben Hecht and Howard Hawks (both unaccredited) created a script that features rapid-fire, often overlapping, dialogue. The cast’s conversations are natural and often salted with humorous and sardonic remarks. The plot is tight and subplots, such as the romance between Hendry and Carrington’s secretary, Nikki (Margaret Sheridan), never interfere with the main story.
The Mystery of Who Was the Director of The Thing From Another World
Although Christian Nyby is listed as director, the actual direction is now known to have been done by the movie’s producer and screenwriter, Howard Hawks. Critics and film historians note that the fast pacing, razor sharp dialogue, no-nonsense heroine, and natural performances are all Hawks trademarks, developed in movies such as His Girl Friday, The Big Sleep, and Red River.
Nyby was a film editor and close friend of Hawks who hoped to become a director. In order to help him, Hawks allowed him to be credited as director in the hope that it would be Nyby’s “big break.” Although he never reached Hawks’ level, Nyby did become a successful television director.
The Remake of The Thing From Another World
In 1982 horror movie director John Carpenter, a fan of the original, made a much bleaker, gory, and depressing remake simply titled The Thing. More faithful to Campbell’s original story, the movie had a more ambiguous and pessimistic ending than its predecessor. A third movie version is scheduled for 2010.
The Thing DVD
Both versions of The Thing are available on DVD through Amazon and other sources.
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