Review of The Thing from Another World (1951) by Kenny S — 04 May 2010
Far better than most 1950s monster/alien movies, but still hampered by the style of the day to be truly chilling. In an era when men had to look like MEN, the heroes are never fazed by anything, whether it's the deaths of three colleagues or the regeneration of the alien's limbs.
Lead man Kenneth Tobey even has time to pursue a romance with the Arctic outpost secretary in-between alien encounters. Compare that to the paranoia and panic shown by everyone in John Carpenter's remake and tell me which is more effective (and realistic under the circumstances.
) Still, it is well-written with copious amounts of rapid-fire dialogue and generates some sustained tension. Interesting how attitudes have changed as the military is portrayed as the incontrovertible problem-solving force, whereas the men of science are ridiculed for their ideas of wanting to attempt communication with the creature.
In one unintentionally hilarious sequence, the team under military guidance discovers the very first alien spacecraft, and then manages to accidentally blow it up within 5 minutes! I'd like to see an oversight committee's reaction to THAT one.
This review of The Thing from Another World (1951) was written by Kenny S on 04 May 2010.
The Thing from Another World has generally received positive reviews.
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