The Thing From Another World

release year: 1951
genre: sci-fi
viewing setting: home streaming 10/16/26

synopsis: A group of military guys and scientists at the North Pole must deal with a violent alien on the loose.

impressions: This was the first movie adaptation of the novella, and was a solid adventure from a bygone era. The characters talked and acted differently than such people would these days, but they had good teamwork and ideas. The military officer takes command of the situation while some of the scientists care more about studying the creature than surviving its attacks. The alien was a vegatable-based life form that grew and multiplied by consuming blood, and had no interest in communicating or being friendly. This movie was timely since it came only a few years after the Roswell incident.

acting: Kenneth Tobey is the main military guy, and a good leader. Margaret Sheridan is his love interest. Douglas Spencer is a sarcastic journalist along for the ride. Robert Cornthwaite is the head scientist who's a bit stupid at times. James Arness with makeup is the Thing.

final word: Good classic science fiction with a hostile alien.

back to the main review page