The Monster That Challenged the World (1957)

Even if most fans won’t admit it, it’s getting harder and harder to defend some of the broadcast TV creature features many of us grew up with. Re-watching 1950s “monster on the loose” flicks with fresh eyes (and a discriminating child or two) one begins to notice the plodding pace, rampant sexism and (gasp!) half-baked special effects. We still collect them, treasure them, study them and display them. But do we really enjoy them? In the case of The Monster that Challenged the Word (1957): absolutely!

Closely mirroring the plot of Them! (the 1954 classic about atom-age ants that tunnel their way towards Los Angeles), this time around it’s radioactive snails that emerge beneath the Salton Sea and slither their way into the irrigation canal system. The usual military bigwigs and put-upon scientists must come up with a plan to eradicate the oversized threat before the sea slugs reach civilization and spread their eggs across the globe!

The Monster That Challenged the World doesn’t bring anything new to the table, but it’s exceedingly well executed with a cast that’s just quirky enough to be memorable and creatures that are brought to life in a most convincing fashion. With articulated mandibles, gelatinous eyes and a complicated animatronic body, the “Krakens” - as the movie calls them - are an amazing technical accomplishment, especially considering the film doesn’t keep them hidden for very long (although a great opening tease sets the tone). A few genuinely disturbing fake corpses - their bodies drained of all fluids like disgustingly fresh mummies - push the production code envelope.

No matter how good the creature is, most ‘50s monster flicks grind to a halt when called upon to deliver ridiculous scientific explanations, overly complicated military maneuvers and an obligatory romance. Monster does all three, but manages to work them into the narrative without losing momentum, mostly thanks to its oddball cast (leading man Tim Holt is unintentionally humorous in a pudgy sort of way while comedian Hans Conried – best known as the voice of Hook in Peter Pan – plays it straight) that command your attention even when their not fighting for their lives!

Checking every box in the creature feature handbook, Monster delivers what you expect…then gives a little bit more. With a quick start, fast pace and one surefire jump scare, even the kids might get a kick out of this one! Especially with Kino Lorber’s new Blu-ray presentation, which drags a whole lot of visual clarity out of a nearly 60-year-old B & W picture. Previously released on DVD as a MGM Double Feature, not only do you get a nice upgrade picture-wise, but make sure to listen to film historian Tom Weaver’s audio commentary. A nice mix of personal tidbits and hardcore research (backed up with a ton of interviews), Weaver might just have set the bar for ‘50s monster movie tracks.