Review of 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957) by Boyd C — 31 Aug 2006

Excellent example of 50s sci-fi.

Typical of the genre is the introduction of "the world's foremost anesthesiologist" whose job is to keep the voltage at exactly 1800 volts. Of course, Skinner could have trained a pigeon do this but these guys needed the best person in the world.

A very American touch is how the hero, whenever they spot the creature, takes away the biggest nearby gun, bazooka, etc. from the guy trained to use it. Then, all the Italians stand around while he takes the first shots.

You've got to love the elephant wrestling.

In the combat at the Coliseum, the background can be seen through several of the falling chunks of column. Oops!