A Romantic Night Interrupted
It was meant to be a romantic and peaceful evening for John Putnam (Richard Carlson) and his partner, Ellen Fields (Barbara Rush). As they engage in conversation, we learn that John is a writer who has recently experienced significant success, having sold his work for a considerable profit. He plans to celebrate this achievement with Ellen. Additionally, John is an amateur astronomer who is passionate about the sky and the stars. On this romantic night, Ellen, a schoolteacher, hopes that one day John will ask her to marry him. However, it becomes clear through their conversation that John is not yet ready to take the significant step.
Something Crashes from the Sky
While John and Ellen are enjoying their evening, they suddenly hear a loud crash outside of town. Concerned and curious, they decide to visit their neighbour, who owns a helicopter. He agrees to take them to the crash site. When they arrive, John discovers a large crater with an object buried beneath the surface. But what could it be? As it turns out, the massive meteorite is not a meteorite at all, but a giant spaceship from an alien planet.
Aliens, Disappearances, and Growing Tension
After making this shocking discovery, John promptly alerts Sheriff Matt Warren (Charles Drake). However, the sheriff is more inclined to act hastily rather than remain calm and act thoughtfully. To make matters worse, members of the town community start to either disappear or behave strangely. Can John uncover the truth behind the crash landing and find a peaceful resolution before the entire world is thrown into chaos?
Sci-Fi Mystery at Its Core
It Came from Outer Space is a science fiction film with a strong element of mystery, particularly regarding the alien threat. Questions such as why the aliens came to Earth and what they want are among the film’s most compelling elements. The movie was directed by Jack Arnold, a well-known figure in both the sci-fi and horror genres and was based on the story by science fiction king Ray Bradbury. Arnold also directed other notable films such as Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) and The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957), among others.
Visually Striking for Its Time
Considering the film was released in 1953, I’m amazed at how well it continues to hold up. Visually, the film features impressive tracking shots, and the primary location where the alien spaceship lands is adorned with Joshua Trees, which adds a nice touch of creepiness and suspense. The crash landing of the ship and the alien ship itself are visually appealing, and the use of filming from the alien’s point of view is a practical addition. The use of the theremin in the soundtrack is another significant element that reinforces the film’s eerie tone.
A Sluggish Middle Act
While I enjoyed the film’s first and third acts, I found the second act less engaging. The second act focuses more on John dealing with the community than on the aliens. There are many arguments and debates between the town sheriff and community members, which detract from the excitement. Additionally, the leading characters, Paul and Ellen, are not particularly likable; Paul comes across as arrogant and overconfident.
Unfulfilled Subplots and Character Arcs
The film introduces several subplots, but they are never fully explored. One missed opportunity is John’s lack of desire to get married, a topic that remains unresolved throughout the movie, and it is never revisited with Ellen. Overall, this lack of development in both character arcs and subplots is quite disappointing.
Final Verdict: Flawed but Fascinating Sci-Fi
It Came from Outer Space (1953) is Now Available on 4K UHD Imprint Films!
Published: 6th July 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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