5 Facts About Jack Arnold's 1953 Science Fiction Classic film It Came From Outer Space
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IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (1953)
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5. This is the first 3-D film to be released by Universal. It is also regarded as one of the best 3-D movies from the era. Much of the film is less effective in 2-D, such as the alien creature’s hand grabbing for people. Ironically, with only one eye, the alien would not be able to see in 3-D, although his POV was seen as such at the cinema.
4. The entire film was produced without an alien creature being seen on screen. It was decided after principal photography had wrapped that shots of a creature should be inserted.
3. Unusual for a science fiction film of its era, the aliens are benevolent and not trying to invade. Instead, the film focuses on the paranoia and distrust of the humans, taking more of an anti-McCarthy stance.
2. One of the first sci-fi films to employ the Theremin for its music. Traditionally the instrument had been used in films to suggest insanity rather than UFOs. It is used in this film because the lead character is being accused of seeing things, but it would then become adopted by other films of the genre and closely associated with aliens and flying saucers instead of madness.
1. Kathleen Hughes plays a rather sexually confident character in the film, appearing in only one scene. Despite this, her image is used in much of the film’s publicity, sometimes even dominating over the movie’s lead characters. Although she is seen screaming in promotional stills, her character never encounters any aliens or danger in the film.
5. This is the first 3-D film to be released by Universal. It is also regarded as one of the best 3-D movies from the era. Much of the film is less effective in 2-D, such as the alien creature’s hand grabbing for people. Ironically, with only one eye, the alien would not be able to see in 3-D, although his POV was seen as such at the cinema.
4. The entire film was produced without an alien creature being seen on screen. It was decided after principal photography had wrapped that shots of a creature should be inserted.
3. Unusual for a science fiction film of its era, the aliens are benevolent and not trying to invade. Instead, the film focuses on the paranoia and distrust of the humans, taking more of an anti-McCarthy stance.
2. One of the first sci-fi films to employ the Theremin for its music. Traditionally the instrument had been used in films to suggest insanity rather than UFOs. It is used in this film because the lead character is being accused of seeing things, but it would then become adopted by other films of the genre and closely associated with aliens and flying saucers instead of madness.
1. Kathleen Hughes plays a rather sexually confident character in the film, appearing in only one scene. Despite this, her image is used in much of the film’s publicity, sometimes even dominating over the movie’s lead characters. Although she is seen screaming in promotional stills, her character never encounters any aliens or danger in the film.
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Before You Go...
After some more 1950s cold war paranoia science fiction? Our next article covers an entire series of films beginning with:
Classic Sci-Fi: The Thing From Another World
Also Worth Checking Out
After some more 1950s cold war paranoia science fiction? Our next article covers an entire series of films beginning with:
Classic Sci-Fi: The Thing From Another World
Also Worth Checking Out
- Wanting to explore more older movies? Then check out our Guide To 40s And 50s Italian Neorealism Cinema
- Enjoy classic 60s and 70s sci-fi? Read our Deep Dive Into All 9 Planet Of The Apes Movies
- If 80s and 90s science fiction is of interest then we highly recommend our Extensive Examination On All 13 Star Trek Movies
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