THEM!

Testing munitions is always a good idea, right? It ensures that all things will go according to plan when the time comes. But the inhabitants of a small Southwestern town feel the real "fallout" when radiation from bomb tests creates giant, mutant ants that descend on their community. Filled with creepy creatures large and small, this 1954 sci-fi spectacular falls squarely in the realm of B-movies.

One of the first of the "nuclear monster" movies, Them! was the biggest moneymaker for Warner Bros. Pictures in the year of its release. It starred James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon and James Arness. When Them began production in early 1954, it was originally conceived to be in 3-D and WarnerColor. During pre-production, tests were to be shot in color and 3-D. A color tests were shot, but when it was time to shoot the other test, WB's "All Media" 3-D camera rig malfunctioned and no tests were shot. The next day, a memo was sent out that the color and 3-D aspects of the film were to be scrapped, and that black and white and widescreen would be the preferred format. Because of the preparation of certain shots, however, many of the camera set-ups for 3-D still remain, such as the opening titles and flame-throwers that are shot at the camera. Although WB was dissatisfied with the color results, the opening titles, however, were printed in color against a black and white background to give the opening of the film a "punch." This effect was achieved by an Eastman Color section spliced into each print. The film still featured higher production values than most of the genre-mates which followed it.

I used to watch this one as a kid in the early 1960s and, for the times, it was scary. Made walking down long, dark hallways by myself almost impossible due to wondering if a giant ant would get me!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• mutant
• giant
• ants
• nuclear
• bomb
• radiation
• end
• of
• the
• world

[cosmos3311]

Thanks for posting this. Although I've never seen the original, your commentary was insightful and I very much enjoyed reading it!

[zuebee]

Thanks for the comment! I sometimes think nobody bothers to read the commentary "About This Video" that is posted along with the YouTube uploaded vid. I try to include facts and trivia about the films I post to help give a feel for my editorial view.

[gekkjevel]

These old horror movies are so much more creative and made with more heart than all the new movies...

[majormannfred]

Happened to visit White Sands, NM a few years back while on vacation and began to imagine seeing atomic mutant ants crawling over the dunes with their creepy sound..my Top 10 list for 50's sci-fi classics.

[Micelli1947]

Brings back fond memories of the Saturday movies we used to see as children.

[risasb]

Disney was watching this, interested in the mechanicals, and spotted an actor playing a Texas small-plane pilot being held in a nuthouse because he had seen giant flying ants. A bit part feelingly played. "Get me that guy!" So Fess Parker became Davy Crockett.

[hensonrb]

I love these old classic 'scary' movies. They were so much fun and so well done. Thanks for posting. Brings back GREAT memories!

[CommanderRZ]

Great 50' Sci Fi....brilliant

[pheet]

the only part that stood out the most for me is when james whitmore died at the end.im54yrs old.i felt sorry for him when i was a kid.andi started watching all his movies ever since

[XXplaythegamesXX]

i know this AWESOME movie.i see it over and over again.the story is outstanding,the actors are best,and NO NEED,FOR COLOUR...........

[onewomanandsomesongs]

I watched this many times as a kid. It scared the hell out of me. Thanks for posting it! :)

[BlueCougar]

There is also an old 1950s B-movie-style computer game called "IT CAME FROM THE DESERT!" clearly based on this movie.

[ToonOMate]

HOLY FUCK THIS WAS MADE BY THE WARNERS!?!?!?

[stormdumb]

"Made walking down long, dark hallways by myself almost impossible due to wondering if a giant ant would get me!"

Dont worry, pal, if giant ants were invading ur city, everyone would know.