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The Thing

Play trailer Poster for The Thing 1951 1h 27m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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87% Tomatometer 69 Reviews 73% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
When scientist Dr. Carrington (Robert Cornthwaite) reports a UFO near his North Pole research base, the Air Force sends in a team under Capt. Patrick Hendry (Kenneth Tobey) to investigate. What they find is a wrecked spaceship and a humanoid creature (James Arness) frozen in the ice. They bring their discovery back to the base, but Carrington and Hendry disagree over what to do with it. Meanwhile, the creature is accidentally thawed and begins wreaking havoc.
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The Thing

The Thing

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Critics Consensus

As flying saucer movies go, The Thing From Another World is better than most, thanks to well-drawn characters and concise, tense plotting.

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Critics Reviews

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Mildred Martin Philadelphia Inquirer 09/21/2021
Scenarist Charles Lederer has maintained an amazingly even keel, loading the dialogue with scientific jargon which sounded all right to these unscientific ears keeping it surprisingly natural under highly unnatural circumstances. Go to Full Review
Helen Bower Detroit Free Press 09/21/2021
On the whole the movie is far and away the most original and ingenious in this new category of pseudo-scientific entertainment. Go to Full Review
Mae Tinee Chicago Tribune 09/21/2021
Most of the principal roles are well handled, and the script is brightened by occasional bits of rather humorous banter. If you have a taste for this sort of pseudo-scientific stuff, this film is a fair sample. Go to Full Review
Alan Jones Radio Times 09/13/2024
4/5
A tense story of Arctic scientists trying to cope with the first of Hollywood's Cold War aliens. Go to Full Review
Kevin Carr Fat Guys at the Movies 09/08/2023
4/4
It’s not as true to the story as its brilliant remake, but this original film offers a energetic monster movie with a cast that makes you feel like you’re part of the team. Go to Full Review
Alan Ng Film Threat 11/30/2021
6/10
If anything, Nyby and Hawks' film will appeal to cinephiles or at least make for a few good mocking laughs. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch 4d The Thing from Another World is a fascinating look at early 1950s sci-fi horror, built around a shape-shifting creature that throws a remote outpost into panic. The black-and-white aesthetic and era-typical performances give the film a corny charm by today’s standards, yet its atmosphere and tension remain surprisingly effective. The screenplay is strong for its time, capturing fear, suspicion, and the frantic energy of scientists and soldiers trying to survive. Margaret Sheridan delivers an impressive performance, grounding the story with charisma and conviction, especially in the film’s famously shrill moments. While I’m not typically drawn to older black-and-white films unless they really stand out, this one held my attention with its craftsmanship and historical value. The practical effects, brisk pacing, and earnest delivery showcase what made 1950s genre filmmaking so influential. It’s absolutely worth watching for classic horror fans. See more Mike G Nov 18 I was a little disappointed in this movie having watched many other great sci-fi from the 50's era which are far better .. one example 'the day the earth stood still'. The idea of the story had so many possibilities for imaginative sets and suspense but they filmed most of it in two rooms and a hallway with basic imagination in the 'alien'. The potential of the story thankfully was realised in later years with to 'the thing' + sequel. See more Bill T. @btreakle Nov 1 The thing from another world was made in 1951 starring James arness. The the effects in this movie were typical of that year not too great but it was a black and white film and probably a very small budget. But if you like early 1950s movies in black and white sci-fi or thrillers then this is 1 you need to add to your watchlist. A little bit on the goofy side now that we’re in the year 2025 but I still recommend the watch to those who like older movies like this one happened to be on TCM. See more Rocky M Nov 1 Absolutely the single best sci fi movie ever. Its filming in black and white just adds to the tension which builds from first scene to last. You feel the isolation, tension and fear the characters experience not only physically but psychologically. Watch and enjoy....plus James Arness in one if his first roles is a bonus.....a must see See more Stephen C @bob25009 Oct 30 Success in 1 hour and 27 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In color or original black and white versions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more mean s Oct 8 This is a solid film. It has aged well and was one of the very first Horror/ Sci-Fi films to stand out as a masterpiece. Make it one of the movies you watch during Halloween film fest. See more Read all reviews
The Thing

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Movie Info

Synopsis When scientist Dr. Carrington (Robert Cornthwaite) reports a UFO near his North Pole research base, the Air Force sends in a team under Capt. Patrick Hendry (Kenneth Tobey) to investigate. What they find is a wrecked spaceship and a humanoid creature (James Arness) frozen in the ice. They bring their discovery back to the base, but Carrington and Hendry disagree over what to do with it. Meanwhile, the creature is accidentally thawed and begins wreaking havoc.
Director
Christian Nyby
Producer
Howard Hawks
Screenwriter
Charles Lederer
Production Co
RKO Pictures
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2012
Runtime
1h 27m
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