47 Facts About The Movie Them!

Them! is a 1954 American black-and-white science fiction film.

Released by Warner Bros. Pictures, it was directed by Gordon Douglas and starred James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon, and James Arness.

The movie revolves around giant ants that have been mutated as a result of nuclear radiation.

These giant ants wreak havoc in the New Mexico desert and eventually make their way to the city of Los Angeles.

Them! was one of the first science fiction films to feature giant monsters created by atomic radiation.

This theme became popular in the 1950s during the height of atomic bomb testing and fears of nuclear warfare.

The film was inspired by real-life incidents of fire ants in the southwestern United States.

The filmmakers took this idea and exaggerated it to create the concept of giant ants.

Them! was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $2 million at the box office.

It received positive reviews for its special effects and suspenseful storyline.

The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Special Effects.

The visual effects team did a remarkable job bringing the giant ants to life on the screen.

Them! has since become a cult classic and is often cited as one of the best monster movies of the 1950s.

It has influenced many subsequent films in the science fiction and creature feature genres.

The iconic sound of the ants’ chirping was created using a combination of electric guitar and a modified bass violin.

This unique sound design added to the overall creepiness and tension of the film.

The movie features a memorable opening sequence set in the New Mexico desert.

The desolate landscape and eerie silence set the stage for the impending terror.

Them! marks the first time giant ants were depicted on-screen as the main antagonists.

This set a precedent for future monster movies involving oversized insects.

The film’s tagline was “The Amazing New Warner Bros. Sensation!”.

This tagline helped generate excitement and intrigue for the movie.

Them! was originally intended to be shot in color, but budget constraints led the filmmakers to opt for black and white.

This decision actually added to the film’s eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

The movie’s title, “Them!”, refers to the giant ants, as the characters often refer to the creatures as “them” instead of “it”.

This adds a sense of collective fear and uncertainty about their existence.

The film’s screenplay was written by Ted Sherdeman and Russell Hughes.

They developed a compelling story that combines elements of science fiction, horror, and suspense.

Them! features impressive practical effects for its time, including giant ant puppets and miniatures.

The filmmakers used a combination of stop-motion animation and large-scale set pieces to create realistic scenes of ant attacks.

The movie’s cinematography by Sidney Hickox adds to its atmospheric and moody visuals.

The use of dark shadows and high contrast lighting heightens the sense of danger and claustrophobia.

Them! was one of the first films to depict the consequences of nuclear radiation on the environment and wildlife.

This reflected the growing awareness of the potential dangers of atomic energy during the 1950s.

The performances by the cast, especially James Whitmore and Joan Weldon, are widely praised.

They bring depth and humanity to their characters, adding emotional weight to the film.

The iconic scene of the ants emerging from the storm drain became one of the most memorable moments in the movie.

This scene perfectly captures the sense of terror and the impending threat the ants pose.

The success of Them! led to a wave of giant monster movies in the 1950s, including Tarantula and The Blob.

These films capitalized on the public’s fascination with atomic radiation and its potential side effects.

The movie’s director, Gordon Douglas, went on to direct other notable films such as In Like Flint and Tony Rome.

His experience in both crime dramas and science fiction contributed to the suspenseful and thrilling nature of Them!.

Them! features a memorable score by composer Bronislau Kaper.

The music adds to the tension and suspense, heightening the impact of key scenes.

The film’s screenplay underwent several revisions to ensure a balance between scientific accuracy and entertainment value.

The writers consulted with experts to incorporate plausible explanations for the ants’ behavior and motivations.

Them! serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation.

It highlights the importance of responsible use of nuclear energy and the potential consequences of its misuse.

The success of Them! helped establish Warner Bros. as a major player in the science fiction genre.

The studio went on to produce other successful creature features in the following years.

The movie’s production design and set pieces were meticulously crafted to create a realistic and immersive world.

The attention to detail adds to the believability of the giant ant threat.

Them! was released during the height of the Cold War, when fears of nuclear annihilation were prevalent.

The film tapped into these fears and provided audiences with a thrilling and escapist experience.

The ants in the movie were portrayed as highly intelligent and coordinated, making them even more formidable adversaries.

This added a layer of complexity and made them more than just mindless monsters.

The movie explores themes of teamwork and cooperation, as the characters must work together to combat the ant threat.

This underscores the importance of unity in the face of a common enemy.

Them! was praised for its realistic portrayal of the military’s involvement in combating the giant ant menace.

The film showed the strategic planning and coordination required to address such a large-scale threat.

The movie’s pacing keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, with a perfect balance of suspense, action, and character development.

This contributes to its enduring popularity and reputation as a classic film.

Them! remains one of the most iconic examples of 1950s monster movies.

Its influence can be seen in subsequent films, television shows, and even video games.

The film’s success prompted a sequel titled “Giant Ants Attack!” which was released in 1955.

However, the sequel failed to capture the same level of critical acclaim and box office success as its predecessor.

The iconic poster for the movie features a close-up of an ant’s head, with the words “It can happen to your city!”.

This imagery effectively conveys the sense of impending danger and city-wide destruction.

Them! tackles environmental themes through its portrayal of the destructive impact of nuclear radiation.

It serves as a metaphor for the potential consequences of human actions on the natural world.

The movie’s success helped establish the careers of several of its cast members, including James Whitmore and Joan Weldon.

They went on to have successful careers in film and television.

Them! features realistic and gruesome ant attack scenes that shocked and thrilled audiences in the 1950s.

These scenes demonstrated the potential horror of being overwhelmed by giant insects.

The movie’s special effects team used a combination of practical effects and innovative camera techniques to bring the ants to life.

This included superimposing footage of real ants onto the film and using models to create the illusion of large-scale destruction.

Them! explores the psychological impact of the ant threat on the characters, showcasing their fear and desperation.

This adds depth to the film and makes it more than just a simple monster movie.

The film’s success led to a surge in popularity for creature features in the 1950s, with other films featuring oversized insects and animals.

This era is often referred to as the “golden age” of creature features.

Them! was influenced by earlier monster movies such as King Kong and The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms.

It built upon the foundations laid by these films and took the genre in a new and thrilling direction.

The movie’s storyline incorporates elements of mystery, as the characters try to unravel the secrets of the giant ants.

This adds an additional layer of intrigue and suspense to the film.

Them! features impressive set design, with detailed ant tunnels and nests created for the film.

These sets add to the authenticity and realism of the ant-infested environments.

The movie’s success can be attributed to its ability to tap into societal fears and anxieties of the time.

It resonated with audiences who were grappling with the uncertainties of the atomic age.

Them! received praise for its strong character development, with each character having their own unique arc and motivations.

This added depth to the film and made the audience emotionally invested in their survival.

The film’s memorable final confrontation between the humans and the giant ants is a thrilling and satisfying climax.

It showcases the resourcefulness and determination of the characters in overcoming the seemingly unbeatable creatures.

Them! continues to be celebrated as a classic example of 1950s science fiction and monster cinema.

Its enduring popularity and influence on the genre are a testament to its quality and staying power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Them!” is a captivating and influential film that has left a lasting impact on the science fiction and horror genres. With its thrilling storyline, impressive special effects, and memorable performances, it remains a classic piece of cinema that continues to entertain and intrigue audiences to this day. Whether you’re a fan of monster movies or simply appreciate well-crafted films, “Them!” is a must-watch that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.With its unique blend of suspense, horror, and science fiction, “Them!” deserves its place in the pantheon of memorable movies. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this thrilling tale of giant ants and the heroes who must stop them. So grab your popcorn and enjoy a cinematic experience like no other with “Them!”.

FAQs

Q: When was “Them!” released?

A: “Them!” was released on June 16, 1954.

Q: Who directed “Them!”?

A: “Them!” was directed by Gordon Douglas.

Q: What is the genre of “Them!”?

A: “Them!” is a science fiction/horror film.

Q: Who are the main actors in “Them!”?

A: The main actors in “Them!” include James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon, and James Arness.

Q: What is the plot of “Them!”?

A: “Them!” follows the story of a group of scientists and the police as they investigate a series of mysterious and deadly ant attacks in the New Mexico desert.

Q: Is “Them!” considered a classic film?

A: Yes, “Them!” is considered a classic in the science fiction and horror genres.

Q: How were the special effects in “Them!” created?

A: The special effects in “Them!” were created using a combination of miniatures, puppetry, and animatronics.

Q: Did “Them!” receive any awards?

A: “Them!” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Special Effects in 1955.