THEM! (1954)

The earliest atomic tests in New Mexico cause common ants to mutate into giant man-eating monsters that threaten civilization.

Directed by Gordon Douglas, and starring James Whitmore as police Sgt. Ben Peterson, and Edmund Gwenn as Dr Harold Medford the cutest entomologist in the world. Joan Weldon as Pat Medford, the doctor’s capable daughter, James Arness as Robert Graham, and Onslow Stevens as Brig. Gen. Robert O’Brien.

One of the all-time great contributions to 1950s sci-fi that blends giant mutant bugs, with cold war anxiety about communist invasion and fear of the bomb. This cautionary tale ushers in the atomic age in film with a sobering, yet sensational flair!

One of my all-time favorites of that era!

A Special Note: I am dedicating this trailer to my beloved cat Oliver, who passed away yesterday from bone cancer. He was a very gentle soul and a great friend. He spent the last 15 years keeping me company while watching all these fabulous films…I miss you, my special boy…

There is a scene in Them when they discover one of the first victims of the giant ant invasion, Gramps Johnson, found dead in his decimated general store. ” Oh no!, they’ve killed Gramps Johnson.”

Since then, for years now,Â I had nicknamed Oliver Gramps Johnson, because I found it a wonderfully fitting name for him, not of course celebrating the idea of Gramps Johnson’s death, but how lyrically the name falls off the tongue.

Ollie had that kind of lyrical lovable appeal. So here’s to you my wonderful friend…Oliver “Gramps” Johnson!