Understanding that it’s a 62 year old movie with a heavy science fiction element that requires the use of technology and effects to state its case (more so than a dialogue driven oldie like “Citizen Kane”), Academy Award winning director Jack Arnold mans the helm for one of cinemas earliest Science Fiction/Horror meshes with the 1953 title “It Came from Outer Space.”
Its not as corny as it could be, though the element of cheesiness and downright laughable head shaking scenes and lines are there. The plot is something that has been copied a million times since, and doubtless even before.
In the years prior to the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, science fiction fodder ran rampant with ideas, theories, and fears about life on other planets.
“It Came from Outer Space” takes place in a remote desert locale in Arizona described as “a nice town that knows its past and is sure of its future” (whatever that means).
I do like the dynamic of the primary characters – an engaged young couple that offer sincerity in their affection and believability in their relationship. John Putnam (Richard Carlson) is an amateur astronomer and Ellen Fields (Barbara Rush) is a firm believer in astronomy.
When we first meet the pair, John is gazing at the heavens with his telescope as Ellen offers questions on astrological signs and her beau’s belief in them. Its the type of banter one can appreciate between a man and a woman in a romantic relationship. The initial pitting of science versus superstition is displayed, and adds fuel to the depth of the characters and the story.
Through his telescope, John watches as the titular “It” crashes to the Earth. John and Ellen go to investigate, and discover an alien spacecraft, and its inhabitants.
Though the technology is challenged, the alien being is actually pretty creepy. Other elements are suspect. One scene shows John and Ellen riding in a makeshift helicopter that has no top, leaving their necks literally a handful of feet shy of the spinning copter blades. And the disbelief in their discovery from every other person in the town (including the sheriff) is a bit silly though not out of reach by horror movie standards.
One hysterical scene shows a tarantula in the desert – which is clearly a fake spider being pulled by a string.
As is always the case with old movies, the score is so bad there’s no way someone can watch and not roll their eyes. Every time one of the aliens is on screen a ridiculous astral sound gadget is deployed which instantly ruins any fright you may have from the creature itself.
Its only 81 minutes but the pacing is so slow and the story so dull you may find yourself asleep halfway through. As to be expected, there is no gore at all – no one dies or is harmed in any way. The concept of aliens taking over human form is explored with much more fright three years later with the classic “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”
Sometimes you need to watch foundation films to gain appreciation for the pioneers of Hollywood. You can overlook bad effects or performances in exchange for greater appreciation of the evolutionary process of movies. “It Came from Outer Space” isn’t really one of those options. Its a slow and boring movie that won’t scare you and wont impress you in any way.
by – Matt Christopher
