Tarantula
Dir: Jack Arnold
1955
****
Of all the classic 50's monster B-movies, Jack Arnold's Tarantula remains one of the simplest and realistic. Radioactive isotopes were quite the hazard in the 1950's and caused all manner of peril, giant spider being one of the worst. What I really like about this particular adventure though is that the accidental growth of the spider comes from an over-adventurous biologist, rather than from nuclear war or the intentions of a mad scientist. Steven Spielberg's Jaws is often credited with being the first horror blockbuster that best used the 'less is more' approach but I would argue that it was Jack Arnold's Tarantula. The build up is intense and the climax does not disappoint, so much so that I'm surprised they never made a sequel. I also to wonder why they didn't make the Guinea-Pig larger to defeat the Spider, surely Tarantula vs. Guinea-Pig would have broken box office records? Maybe it is best that Arnold had more integrity than I do, as although his 1957 film The Incredible Shrinking Man used the same idea, it turns it on it's head somewhat and explores a far more serious theme. Jack Arnold's films get better with each viewing, a Golden age of film making.
The Incredible Shrinking Man
Dir: Jack Arnold
1957
*****
Jack Arnold's The Incredible Shrinking Man is an astonishing film. Overlooked by many as just another 50's B-movie, The Incredible Shrinking Man has been hugely influential but not just in the sci-fi genre. The idea of someone shrinking is far more than just that, this film explores what it is to basically disappear, to be misunderstood, to become forgotten or overlooked, almost a fate worse than death. You could attach any number of social, political or religious context to the story but that is exactly what good sci-fi achieves. It asks many questions most aren't used to asking, the interpretation is wonderfully subjective and the film is entertaining throughout. The science is obviously fictitious but its is also quite convincing and the turn of events aren't half as fantastical as you'd expect from the title. It's a far out concept but is almost believable at the same time.This is Jack Arnold at his best and that is saying something. It is a truly wonderful work of sci-fi and is an absolute classic. The last scene is so haunting and totally unexpected it left me stunned. Give me these old-school special effects over CGI any day of the week.
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Dir: Jack Arnold
1954
*****
The Creature from the Black Lagoon is a Jack Arnold B-movie classic and also the birth of the monster movie. I don't mean monster as in King Kong or Godzilla, this is a different kettle of fish (excuse pun). Without Creature from the Black Lagoon you wouldn't have Alien, Predator or many of the serial killer type scary movies we know and love today. They all owe a great deal of gratitude to this film, another one of Jack Arnold's timeless classics. It's also worth mentioning some of the wonderful camera techniques used that are often woefully overlooked. Jack Arnold invented so much of what we see in modern cinema today but is given very little credit. Jaws is actually a complete rip off of The Creature from the Black Lagoon, almost frame for frame.
It Came from Outer Space
Dir: Jack Arnold
1953
***
It Came from Outer Space is a classic and perhaps Jack Arnold's most famous 50's sci-fi B-movie, although it isn't his best in my opinion. I love it, although I've never understood why Kathleen Hughes was on the posters, she's in it for 30 seconds and her character never encounters an Alien. The poster and name should act as a bit of a warning, sensationalism started here although the few alien scenes are very much worth the wait. The brilliant Jack Arnold is still king of the 50's B-movie in my opinion.
The Mouse That Roared
Dir: Jack Arnold
1959
****
A fantastic bit of classic Peter Sellers. You can always tell a good one by the fact that he plays more than one character. It's a very clever idea but it's always far to concerned with its own silliness to ever boast as much. It's that type of British nonsense that is universally appreciated that makes me proud, there just isn't enough of it around anymore and it's long overdue.
General Snippet: I warn you, madam - I know the entire Geneva Convention by heart!Grand Duchess Gloriana: Oh, how nice! You must recite it for me some evening; I play the harpsichord.
