The Thing from Another World (1951) 

When The Thing from Another World arrived in 1951, the film set the pattern for alien invasion and science fiction horror films. Though sparse on the visual effects in comparison with later science fiction films, its atmosphere teems with suspense and paranoia. Even with the incredible 1982 re-adaptation of the source novella Who Goes There? available, what makes this a film to return to decades after the initial release?

Let’s get this out of the way first: the continuing conversation about who brought this production together. Ostensibly, it was directed by Christian Nyby, a man who’s not a household name. The listed producer is the influential director Howard Hawks. A number of film enthusiasts believe that Hawks handled most of the direction. Others claim that Hawks was on the set just as an assistant, leaving the major decisions with Nyby. There’s no disputing that there’s a heavy Hawks influence throughout the film. Hawks himself said that Nyby directed the picture; however, he took the majority of the director’s fee. What basically can be said is that this was a Hawks-Nyby collaboration that can still be claimed to be part of the Hawks filmography, showing that he could handle nearly any genre.

 The plot begins with a journalist Ned Scott (Douglas Spencer) arriving at the Air Force base in Anchorage looking for a new story. Entering the Air Force officer’s club, he meets Cpt. Pat Hendry (Kenneth Tobey) and his fellow airmen. The base’s general informs them that the lead scientist Arthur Carrington (Cornthwaite) at the North Pole has come across a UFO. The military wants an investigation, and Ned can possibly get his story. Enter later a smoldering romance between Hendry and Carrington’s secretary, Nikki (Margaret Sheridan), and the sudden action of a hostile alien, and you get a template for science fiction horror cinema.

 In today’s world, some may joke about the creature as “that vegetable or carrot monster.” There’s some truth to this. Yes, the makeup/suit dressing of The Thing (James Arness) is simple compared to the heights of later practical effects. One however has to put the mind back into 1951. The last great alien terror phenomenon was the 1938 radio production of War of the Worlds. Since that radio play, World War II had wrought worldwide destruction, nuclear energy had been harnessed, and the Cold War was in its early years. That background, in combination with the dark wintry setting and the sudden action of the creature, would have put moviegoers on edge. Moreover, this film has what most believe is the first full body burn on camera. Praise goes to the stuntman who performed in this terrifying scene.

 In reality, the focus is on the drama between the characters. Although known as an action director, Hawks’s principal strength is how he represents conflict and camaraderie between his characters. The film sets up this struggle between three factions: The press, represented by Ned, the military, led by Hendry, and scientists, led by Carrington. These three characters are also the most developed of the large ensemble; one drawback is that maybe the cast is too large and some get lost in the shuffle. One should take note especially of the humor of Ned and the single-minded “noble” selfishness of Carrington. These characters however don’t take away from the solid presence of Hendry, who shines as a leader of his men, and in a sub-plot, is being romantically dominated by Nikki.

 A brief nod to the score as a contribution to the suspenseful atmosphere. Dimiti Tiomkin was primarily known as a scorer of westerns; he never returned to the science fiction genre after this film. Still, he should be given credit for popularizing a number of cues for later 1950’s and 1960’s science fiction films. To suit the aggressiveness of the creature, the music is brash and discordant at points. However, the most notable aspect is his use of the theremin. If someone wants to refer back to 1950’s science fiction today, all that person needs to do is to include that eerie electronic sound. This film did it early, without humor or irony.

 A number of science fiction films from this period don’t hold up. It’s not because the effects are lame or because cultural sensibility is different, but it’s because it seems like the filmmakers didn’t take the material seriously. The Thing from Another World is serious; however, like other Hawks films, it’s not afraid to drop bits of humor to relieve the tension. This film tells us that there are dangers out there, but that we can’t lose our humanity, and the emotions that humanity entails, in fighting them. If you want to know the origins of modern science fiction cinema, this would be a place to start.