Movie Review: It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958)
Synopsis
“It!” The Terror from Beyond Space, a 1958 science fiction horror film directed by Edward L. Cahn, unfolds aboard a spacecraft named the Mars Probe 1, embarking on a mission to the red planet. The premise begins ominously as the audience learns of a disastrous previous expedition to Mars, which resulted in the loss of all crew members except for one – Captain Edward Carruthers, portrayed by the stalwart Marshall Thompson. On board the ship, Carruthers faces immediate suspicion and hostility from the remaining crew, as they believe he might be responsible for the deaths of his companions.
Aboard the vessel, tensions run high as the crew, which includes scientists and a strong-willed female member, grapples with distrust and fear. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the real terror lies not within the human crew but is a malevolent, extraterrestrial entity, which has stowed away on the ship. The crew soon finds themselves under siege, as this monstrous creature begins to stalk them one by one, turning their desperate attempts for survival into a fight against a menace from beyond the stars.
Utilising low-budget effects characteristic of the era, the film crafts an atmosphere of claustrophobia and paranoia alien to the typical science fiction narrative of the time. It delves into themes of fear—both of the unknown and of each other, as the threat posed by the creature forces the crew to rethink their loyalties and fears in a bid for survival.
Cast of Characters
- Marshall Thompson as Captain Edward Carruthers
- Shirley Patterson as Ann Anderson
- Richard Denning as Dr. Arthur Carrington
- Jeff Morrow as Lt. John R. “Duke” Dunsmore
- Raymond Bailey as Dr. James S. R. Van Heusen
- Robert H. Harris as the creature (voice)
Review
“It! The Terror from Beyond Space” may not have the grandiose visual effects or appetite for science that later decades would bring to the sci-fi genre, but this is not a film without its own merits. The movie thrives on the psychological tension it creates within the confined quarters of the spaceship, much like James Cameron’s later masterpiece “Alien”, albeit with a much lower budget and a more simplistic execution.
From the outset, the film establishes a claustrophobic atmosphere, with much of the action taking place in the cramped corridors and small rooms of the Mars Probe 1. This design choice not only enhances the tension but also resonates with audience fears—who could ever truly feel safe in confined spaces, especially when surrounded by individuals whose motives are unclear? The sense of confinement is palpable and serves as an excellent backdrop for the unfolding horror.
At the heart of the narrative is Captain Carruthers, a character who must not only contend with the alien threat but also his own crew, who are less than eager to trust him. Marshall Thompson portrays Carruthers with a gritty determination that resonates, making him a strong central character amidst his chaos. It is his struggle for both redemption and survival that drives much of the film’s emotional core.
Shirley Patterson’s Ann Anderson is another noteworthy performance that brings a strong, resourceful female character into the mix – a refreshing portrayal for the time. While she certainly embodies the typical “damsel in distress” trope at times, her character also actively contributes to the solution of their predicament. The dynamics within the cast reflect a microcosm of society under great stress, as alliances are tested and suspicions grow.
The film’s creature – a hulking, lumbering alien that, while not wearing the most convincing design (which can essentially be summed up as a man in a suit), serves its function as the embodiment of fear and the unknown. The creature is effectively menacing, enhanced by unsettling sound effects that echo throughout the ship, providing an auditory cue to its looming presence.
One of the stronger choices in its storytelling is the way it interweaves the paranoia of Carruthers’ potential guilt in the first expedition’s failure with the real, tangible danger of the alien creature. The audience is kept guessing as to whether Carruthers is indeed guilty of wrongdoing or merely a victim of circumstance. Upon reflection, the script manages to sustain a level of intrigue surrounding trust, fear, and the human condition, themes that remain relevant even today.
While the pacing of the film occasionally stutters – particularly with moments that tend toward exposition-heavy dialogue – it is punctuated by engaging scenes of suspense, where characters attempt to outwit the creature. The effects may not deliver the awe of modern films; however, during its time, it undoubtedly provided a thrill to audiences unaccustomed to such concepts.
Ultimately, “It! The Terror from Beyond Space” succeeds in presenting itself as a precursor to many horror and sci-fi staples that would emerge in subsequent decades. Of course, viewed through the lens of contemporary cinema, its narrative tropes and practical effects appear quite archaic. Yet these very qualities cultivate a nostalgic charm, akin to enjoying an old vinyl record—it may not have the clarity and precision of modern sound, but it resonates with its unique character and charm.
In conclusion, “It! The Terror from Beyond Space” may not be a classic of the sci-fi genre, nor does it claim to be, but it remains an entertaining piece of cinema that showcases an era of film where creativity was built in the absence of sophisticated technology. It serves as a fascinating exploration of fear on multiple levels, with solid performances, particularly from its leading man. Its examination of trust in the face of external menace is surprisingly contemporary, blending psychological horror with science fiction in intriguing ways despite its low-budget trappings. For all its flaws, it entertains and intrigues, marking it as a noteworthy entry in the pantheon of mid-century science fiction films.
Score: 6.5/10
