A True Sci-Fi Classic

Special effects by the legendary Ray Harryhausen and a story by popular science fiction author Ray Bradburry... this was destined to become a sci-fi classic. This was the first, and probably best, in the long line of prehistoric monster movies that followed and became part of sci-fi film history in the process.

The plot begins as a nuclear scientist sees his partner killed by a giant, prehistoric creature while monitoring an atomic blast near the north pole. Naturally, nobody believes him until a paleontologist, played by Paula Raymond, helps him link several sea and beach disasters (I particularly enjoyed the attack made by the creature on a lighthouse) to the beast and prove there is a real monster on the loose. Finally, the animal surfaces at the NYC docks near Wall Street, destroying buildings, cars and people in his wake. After more mayhem and the discovery of a mysterious disease the animal carries which won't permit it to be destroyed by conventional weapons, the creature meets it's fate when it's cornered within the old Coney Island rollercoaster.

This film is exceptional primarily due to the genius of Ray Harryhausen. His special effects in this film are outstanding, especially when you consider this film was made in 1953 on a budget that wouldn't pay the cost of one days electric bill on most movie shoots these days. The scenes where the creature has been awakened by the arctic atomic test and his (or is it a her?) journey back to it's prehistoric breeding grounds off the mouth of the Hudson River are superb. The intensity of the action never stops and has seldom been equalled. It begins with the opening scenes in the snowy arctic, continues with attacks on several fishing boats, the lighthouse and reaches a highlight when the creature comes ashore in New York City. We're even treated to a live action fight between a shark and an octopus, at least until the beast appears looking for lunch! Also, the acting by the stories human characters is excellent as well. Most of the actors (like Kenneth Tobey) will be recoginzed from other classic horror/sci-fi films of the period.

If you're looking for a real blast from the past and a movie considered by many (myself included) to be the best "prehistoric monster on the loose" flick ever made, you can't go wrong with The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms.

It Came from the Frozen North

Quintessential '50s "monster on the loose" film. An early Ray Harryhausen effort that allows our favorite stop-motion animation genius to show his stuff. The script is an expanded version of a short story by sci-fi author Ray Bradbury. Much of the plot seems to be just the standard cliches until one realizes this was the first of a long line of pre-historic monster from the deep movies that followed and became part of classic sci-fi film lore. "Gorgo," "The Giant Behemoth," and, of course, the original "Godzilla" were influenced by this film.

The excitement really takes off during the creature's spectacular attack on New York City. The Beast rampaging through the big-city canyons is one of monster filmdom's classic moments. Cars are stomped, building walls are demolished, and people are either eaten or trampled. Harryhausen achieves a marvel of special effects wizardry through smooth animation that seamlessly blends with live actors and real-life backgrounds. Superb lighting is also featured. The shadows created by the craggy New York skyline fall eerily on the Beast as it proceeds through the streets. We know we are back in the '50s because the Beast is a carrier of a vaguely defined contagion that has a suspicious radioactive type effect.

As with other early Ray Harryhausen efforts, the special effects transcend the restraints of the B&W photography and the modest budget. This film is a perennial classic in the sci-fi "monster" movie category that collectors everywhere can appreciate. Recommended for both aficionados and beginners from the younger generation.

Godzilla's Anceaster

This movie is not a very famous movie. The thing is it should be. The story's about a group of scientists that head to the artic to explore the poler icecaps. Suddenly there was an explosian. Two scientists were around the area. Out rose a monster larger than Taro, the sinbad dragon. A moster stong enough to be a powerful Godzilla foe. The beast caused an avelanch, killing one of the sientists and injuring the other. After that he new what he just saw was too terrifying to be real. But there was a humongus problem in his mind, it was. This movie should have been given more credit than it was for without this movie and without Rhedosaurus, we would have no Godzilla.