National Sci-Fi Day

Since today is National Science Fiction Day, here is a look at some great, hidden gems of sci-fi films from the 1950s. Enjoy!

The 1950s saw radical changes in society. The atomic age had begun, leading to an ever-growing fear of technology. The Cold War was running amok, filling people with a dread of what was to come. Space flight was in its infancy, causing great concern over what we would find. These and many other societal reasons were tapped by the burgeoning Science Fiction world for some amazing movies. Here are 10 great ones that you may have missed!

The 27th Day (1957)

5 people from around the planet are chosen at random. They are from all over Earth. Communist, scientist, farmer, American, Brit. An alien race in search of a new home gives each of the 5 humans a box with three capsules. Each capsule will kill everyone within 3,000 miles. Should we kill our enemies? It is up to these 5 individuals if humanity is to survive. Since this is the height of the Cold War, what will each person do? What would you do?

The Fly (1958)

A scientist accidentally merges his body with that of a house fly. The ensuing chaos and torment cause him to search frantically for a cure. Failing that he then hopes for salvation. It is left to his wife to save him. This is one of 6 films on this list that has been remade as a big budget Hollywood production.

The War of the Worlds (1953)

Cinematic adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells novel. A surprise invasion by Martians causes world wide destruction. The Martians are 6 days away from conquering the Earth. Can science save humanity? Can religion? Can anything?

When Worlds Collide (1951)

A wise scientist discovers a rogue star approaching Earth. His warnings and rescue plan go unheeded until it is too late. A few industrialists begin building Humanity’s only hope. An ark that will carry 45 people to a new world to begin again. Great look at people under pressure and our, sometimes, unwillingness to face our fears.

Them! (1954)

First of the insects run amok movies and one of the first dangers of nuclear monsters films. Nuclear radiation has caused a mutated group of giant ants in the desert of New Mexico. First they are a plague on the nearby small-town populace, but the ants begin to spread. Soon they will overrun the planet. Only 2 scientists and 2 men in law enforcement stand in their way.

The Thing from Another World (1951)

Remade by John Carpenter as ‘The Thing’, this film features air force personnel stranded at a North Pole research center when a discovery of a space ship frozen in the ice excites the scientists. Soon the occupant of that alien spacecraft is awakened and it begins to terrorize everyone. Stranded due to an arctic storm it is up to our team to either save themselves or save ‘The Thing from Another World’.

Gojira/Godzilla (1954)

This is the original Japanese production directed by Ishiro Honda. The English version with Raymond Burr includes much of the original film.

So popular this “movie star” has spawned more than 30 sequels and hundreds of imitations. Created by nuclear testing, Godzilla is striking back against the humans who are destroying the Earth. Done with a perspective that only the Japanese could provide after the atomic bombings in World War II. This film is credited with originating “suitmation” where someone in a costume attacks a miniature set to appear giant.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Remade in 1978 and again in 2007. All 3 are good, but the original is the best. “Pod people” are taking over a small town in California. As someone sleeps their alien pod replaces them with a replica that is void of emotion. This destroys the original person. These replicas are slowly taking over. One town after another is being absorbed into this alien world. Our protagonists are attempting to stop this invasion, but nothing seems to work. How long can they stay awake before they are replaced? The ending is terrific!

Forbidden Planet (1956)

Classic modernization of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. I love this sci-fi masterpiece. You can read a detailed look at:

The Tempest in Space

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Please avoid the horrible Keanu Reeves remake from 2008. No one deserves that.

One of the great sci-fi films of all time. Fabulous cast, deep story, great robot, everything a viewer could want. As Klaatu says “Your choice is simple: join us and live in peace, or pursue your present course and face obliteration”. That choice faces us, in one form or another, every day.

“Klaatu barada nikto”

Enjoy these fantastic films. I know I do!