Sci-Fi Recommendation - Them!

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Released in 1954, this was perhaps the first mutated giant bug film, and still holds up after almost 60 years. That it can do so in the face of the special effects revolution is saying alot.
The film is bolstered by a strong ensemble cast and good movie making techniques.

The still eerie first scene.


If you think annoying texters are new, think again. Never text your girl friend with a telegraph while under attack by giant ants. One of the best crafted chilling scenes btw.



I like nearly any film where the army gets to fight the monsters. One positive aspect of the special effects such as they were was they went with animatrons (full scale mechanized models) rather then superimposing blown up film of real ants, something which rarely worked well/realistically.



The film begins with a stereotypical twist her ankle female character, but she breaks the mold later by insisting to do the dirty work for her too elderly scientist father, and climbs down in one hopefully neutralized nest with the two duo-hero guys.


Thats her in the middle in a film promo. The movie is black and white however, which is ok cause the 1950s actually were in black and white. I don't know why but I always had a thing for ladies in gas masks.



The army brings flamethrowers. Can't be all bad.

IMDb and Rotten Tomatos both have 70% or better ratings overall or with the audience. Rotten tomatos also has a perfect 100% critic approval rating.

if only the studio would have sprung for wide screen, stereo sound and color. there were other movies released that year with that treatment that were less deserving.

They finally slaughter the things in the LA viaduct system- which has been the setting for many, and varied movie scenes since-including the hot rod race in "Grease".

Man oh man, that brings back memories! I grew up with monster movies like this!

-Bill, otherwise known as Kraichgauer

Could it be that that little girl in the opening scene is a very young Natalie Wood?

Here's a more recent pic:



It's actress Sandy Descher. She was mainly active in film & TV up thru her teens.

There's also a small cameo in the film by Leonard Nimoy.

I remember watching Them! as a child and thought it was scary. Yes it deserves to be considered a classic and I would love to see it again.

I grew up watching these sort of movies on a Wednesday night back in the 70s, this is the only one I truly remember.... I loved it.
A proper movie with great suspense and a believable enemy !

Stu