The Thing from Another World

For years, there has been speculation that Christian Nyby's The Thing from Another World wasn't directed by Nyby but rather by producer Howard Hawks. Yes, Hawks' fingerprints are all over the dialogue (he was an uncredited writer) but bear in mind that Nyby had edited several of Hawks' movies; it's more than likely it merely rubbed off on Nyby.

Obviously, The Thing from Another World is starkly different from John Carpenter's remake thirty-one years later. Whereas the latter sees trust (and the cast) getting torn to shreds, the earlier film is your standard '50s monster picture. That said, it's a good watch all the same.

In comparison to other sci-fi titles of the era, The Thing from Another World doesn't serve as a Cold War/Red Scare allegory. Again, it's a straightforward monster movie, simple as that. It may be a B picture but even those have their merits.

Speaking of which, the practical effects of The Thing from Another World are, well, out of this world. From the titular thing (played by a pre-Gunsmoke James Arness) to the various pyrotechnics, it's a display that B movies don't skimp on where it matters.

The Thing from Another World shows that a simple premise can go a long way. And while it doesn't measure up to Carpenter's take, it still showcases a daringness regularly seen at that time. (And yes, Nyby directed this, not Hawks.)

My Rating: ****