The Thing from Another World ****

[Scott]

THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD from the 50's is a good film. It reminded me of CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. I specially like the part when they find the crash site, when they investigate the alien's arm that was torn off by the dogs, the time they caught the creature on fire and it jumped out the window, and the little plants. This is a solid sci fi/horror film from the 50's as most of you probably know. It played on AMC a couple weeks ago. The 80's version seems like a different movie to me.

Shhhhh, I'm in the middle of my FROGS tape. Must go now.

[Gerry]

A very great movie, and very different from the Carpenter version.  It's a shame that it isn't available on DVD or VHS at least.  The only way to see it without buying a bootleg is by watching AMC.  God bless AMC!

[popman]

I saw this movie on VHS. I found it in my videoclub (I live in france).

A good old anti-communism B-movie....

Carpenter's view is more about body mutation and mind control.

[Flangepart]

Ya know, this fits Stupid Jacobs "Feel good " movies post for me. The Character interactions(THe real life aspect of people talking over each other realy strengthins the suspension of disbelief), the sheer creepyness of the environment, all add up to a great flick. Also, a perfect example of the need for character Likeability. And, an example of good leadership, from the hero. Hummmm...Hey Andrew, what would you say, As an experianced Leader of men, are your three favorite leading leaders you've seen in movies? The Duke, Lee Marvin, ...i mean,. Characters and actors.

[Andrew K]

The Thing is one of a handful of truly great horror/Sf films. What I find to be most interesting is that this is one of the few pre-Psycho horror films which COMPLETELY retains its ability to shock and scare people. Sure, those great Universal and Val Lewton films are still watched and admired for their style, their moodiness, and they still generater suspense, but they don't scare people like this one does. The John Carpenter film was very disapointing for me, considering it was supposed to be a "faithful" adaptation of the original story. Although the Thing and the characters in this movie are closer to those depicted in the novel, it lacks the logic and the pervasive feeling of dehumanization which pervades John Campbell's original novella.