The Thing from Another World (1951) – Review

With the arrival of the 1950s the horror genre was slowly moving out of Gothic castles and beaker-strewn laboratories into the wider world of the atomic age, and with that came irradiated monsters and visitors from outer space. Launching this cinematic change was the Howard Hawks film The Thing from Another World, an entry that warned Americans to “Keep watching the skies” and ushered in a whole new kind of terror.

Based on John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella “Who Goes There?” this science fiction horror tale is set in the remote Arctic at an outpost run by scientist Dr. Arthur Carrington (Robert Cornthwaite), who along with a group of scientists report finding a crashed ship north of their facility. A United States military team, led by Capt. Pat Hendry (Kenneth Tobey), is sent to investigate but instead of finding a crashed Russian spy plane or a meteor it turns out to be a large circular object that gives off a very strong “Fly Saucer” vibe, and when an attempt to de-ice the spaceship with thermite bombs results in them blowing the crap out of the craft, leaving the only remaining evidence the frozen remains of the alien pilot (James Arness), they quickly chop it out of the ice and bring it back to their base.

“Who asked for the large frozen dinner?”

Things quickly get out of hand when one of the men tasked with guarding their frozen guest is dumb enough to cover its gruesome visage with a heated blanket – to be fair it’d have creeped me out as well – but this allows the creature to thaw out and revive. But something is missing, an element that every 1950s science fiction movie requires, oh yeah, we need a pretty face to pour coffee and scream when required. In the case of this movie, that role falls to Captain Hendry’s past romantic Nikki Nicholson (Margaret Sheridan), who is now working as Dr. Carrington’s secretary. But unlike many women in this genre, Sheridan is given a little more to do with her character than found among the many stock girl scientists tropes out there. Her romantic bantering with Kenneth Tobey’s hard-nosed military man is quite charming, of course, we don’t have a lot of time for romance as this movie is just 89 minutes long and we’ve got an alien creature to flambe.

James Arness is definitely holding a torch for Kenneth Tobey.

Like the original story, this movie deals with a scientific research station but unlike the novella, the screenplay for this film adds an additional military element, called in when the spacecraft was discovered, and this allows for the film to delve into themes of scientific curiosity versus military pragmatism, offering food for thought amidst the heart-pounding action. When they discover that the Thing is a plant-based creature that could soon overrun the planet, sprouting out an army of evil little bastards that need our blood to grow, and this is where the film’s real conflict stems, that being the conflict between Captain Hendry’s desire to end the alien threat as quickly as possible and Doctor Carrington’s demands that they keep it alive, “We owe it to the brain of our species to stand here and die… without destroying a source of wisdom.” Needless to say, Hendry is not about to lie down and die simply for the sake of advancing science.

“I don’t have to take that kind of crap from eggheads like you.”

Stray Observations:

• This film beat the box office numbers of two other classic sci-fi films that came out in 1951; When Worlds Collide and The Day the Earth Stood Still.
• Both the novella and the John Carpenter remake have the spacecraft crashing to Earth millions of years ago, while in this movie it crashed just a day ago and it was the heat of the craft that melted it into the ice.
• Characters repeatedly mention the crazy Geiger counter readings given off by the crashed craft yet no one seems all that concerned about the fatal radiation poisoning they are being exposed to.
• The block of ice that contained the Thing would have weighed a ton and would have been near-impossible to lift out of the ice let alone transported back to the base.
• Our brave heroes barricade the mess room with wooden boards but as the door swings inwards, towards the creature, this makes their barricade rather useless. Way to go guys.

No one accused this group of being military geniuses.

The film’s strength lies in its masterful pacing and tension-building. Director Christian Nyby and producer Howard Hawks (rumoured to have had a heavier hand in directing than credited) expertly create an atmosphere of claustrophobia and paranoia, as the ensemble cast grapples with the existential threat. The palpable sense of dread is heightened by the tight quarters of the Arctic base, leaving no room for escape from the menacing presence. The isolated Arctic setting, with its desolation and endless night, adds an eerie backdrop to the unfolding events, and the use of stark black-and-white cinematography enhances the sense of claustrophobia and fear, creating a palpable atmosphere of dread that permeates the film.  At any moment the Thing could strike out of the darkness and turn you into mulch for its children.

More persistent than a Jehovah’s Witness.

The ensemble cast, led by Kenneth Tobey as Captain Patrick Hendry and Margaret Sheridan as Nikki Nicholson, delivers strong performances helped by the fact that their characters are well-developed and relatable, which makes their struggle against the alien invader all the more engaging. The film’s dialogue is sharp and witty, showcasing Howard Hawks’ trademark style, where the characters engage in fast-paced banter even in the face of danger. Of course, the true star of the film is the alien creature itself, and while modern audiences may be more familiar with John Carpenter’s 1982 adaptation, this 1951 version presented a unique and equally terrifying vision of the extraterrestrial, even if the monster make-up was less than imposing if looked at too closely.

Note: The filmmakers originally intended to style the creature as a shapeshifter, as in the novel, but the limited budget forced them to drop the idea and thus we get the standard man monster make-up.

While the creature is not fully revealed until the climax – a standard movie monster trope – the filmmakers employ clever techniques to create an aura of mystery and terror around it. The practical effects, though dated by today’s standards, were groundbreaking for their time and remain effective in conveying the creature’s formidable nature. The design of the creature is great, helped by an excellent performance by James Arness, is a remarkable achievement for its time and the practical effects hold up surprisingly well even today. It should be noted that Arness was not exactly happy with his role, claiming the costume made him look like a “giant carrot” but with excellent camerawork and lighting his creature is rightfully terrifying.

“Guess who’s coming to dinner?”

One of the standout aspects of The Thing from Another World is its taut and suspenseful storytelling as the film keeps us on the edge of our seats from start to finish, blending elements of science fiction, horror, and Cold War-era paranoia. The script, penned by Charles Lederer, provides sharp dialogue and engaging character dynamics that remain engaging even by today’s standards. This is not just a typical monster movie as it also explores deeper themes of human survival and cooperation in the face of the unknown. The film’s portrayal of the scientists and military personnel working together, despite their differences – excluding the one mad scientist who is a total dick – underscores the idea that humanity’s greatest strength lies in unity. And while this sci-fi entry may lack the sophisticated visual effects of modern sci-fi blockbusters, its enduring appeal lies in its intelligent storytelling and expertly crafted suspense. It stands as a testament to the power of atmosphere, character development, and genuine fear over flashy special effects.

We do get a nice shocking ending.

In conclusion, The Thing from Another World is a classic of the science fiction genre that has aged remarkably well. Its ability to create suspense, memorable characters, and a chilling atmosphere makes it a must-see for fans of both classic cinema and science fiction. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and imagination, and it continues to influence and inspire filmmakers to this day. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the genre, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression. And remember, “Everyone of you reading this review, tell the world, tell this to everybody wherever they are. Watch the skies. Everywhere. Keep looking. Keep watching the skies.”