The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953)

 Regardless whether you have a penchant for giant monster films, this one is hugely important for several reasons. For one, this is the first adaptation of a work by Ray Bradbury, one of the more prolific science fiction authors ever. Secondly, this is the first film where Ray Harryhausen was solely responsible for the special effects and started a glorious career. But perhaps most importantly of all: this is legitimately the first film where "nuclear power" and "giant creature wreaks havoc" are intertwined. This set off the entire 50s genre.

Heck, chances are this also influenced the original 'Gojira' from Japan. And that is quite some pedigree right there. 

Scientists are testing a nuclear bomb and its fallout high in the Arctic, but they awaken an enormous Rhedosaurus (not an existing dinosaur species, as far as we know), who then goes on a rampage down the Atlantic coast, until the beast comes up in New York. It is here that it does most damage, and while the army tries to kill it, they wound it. Its blood is a festering pool of germs, so next to a rampaging force of nature, it is now also a spreader of virulent diseases. Things seem bleak, but a plan is hatched to destroy the monster by shooting a radioactive isotope into its wound, effectively cauterizing the entire animal and stopping the disease from spreading. 

There is so much to love here. Yes, you could say the characters are fairly stock, but that would be doing our leads misservice. Paul Hubschmid as professor Nesbitt is a very nice man and he is not a clichéd hero. He is a curious scientist who wants to find a solution. The love interest (Paula Raymond) is not a damsel in distress, but a feisty paleontologist and their dialogue feels genuine, especially for the timeframe. 

Sure, you have more stock characters, like Cecil Kellaway as the slightly eccentric professor who is enthused as a kid in the candy store and Kenneth Tobey as the more ruff 'n' gruff Colonel Evans, but even they are a lot of fun to watch. 

What this film also has going for it, is its pacing. They don't lose any time getting straight into the action and it doesn't really let up. Sure, the main portion of the fun starts when the Rhedosaurus hits New York, but in the 50s, even short films could occasionally drag. That is most definitely not the case here, as it is a fun ride from start to finish.

And what to say about our main attraction, thé star: the Rhedosaurus? Well, besides its iconic design, it is so great to see many of the Harryhausen traits already present. Maybe the stop motion isn't as fluid as it would become, but Harryhausen imbued the creature with a personality. A great reminder of this is when the Rhedosaurus stomps a car flat and then - just for a moment - toys with it before walking on. It's those little things that make it all come alive. There are so many classic shots: the animal coming out of the water at the pier; eating the police officer; its finalstand amidst the ruins of a rollercoaster... It's great stuff. The only thing that sticks out like a sore thumb is the few uses of a handpuppet where you only see the head. They really do look horrendous. But fortunately, you mostly get the creature in all its stop-motion glory. 

What can I say? If you like creature features, this is hard to miss. Same for the 50s sci-fi and giant monster flicks. Heck, if that is your thing, this is practically compulsory to watch. But it also is just a whopping good time for any film fan, despite its specific niche of a tale. This is, in every sense of the word, a classic.