The Deadly Mantis - Nathan Juran - (1957) DVD

A sudden geologic shift in the Arctic frees a 200-foot-long prehistoric praying mantis from a glacier in which it had become frozen alive. A United States military outpost on the DEW Line, commanded by Col. Parkman (Stevens), becomes the center for investigation after the creature destroys a transport plane. The only clue to the culprit (which has not yet been seen by anyone who's lived) is a fragment of the mantis' claw, which is sent to Washington D.C. where a young paleontologist, Dr. Ned Jackson (Hopper) identifies its origin and sets off, with his photographer-aide Marge Blaine (Talton), to assist the investigation.

This is an above-par gigantic monster thriller from the golden age, well-presented. A thawed, flesh-eating prehistoric preying mantis from the Arctic circle makes way for New York. Director Nathan Juran handles scenes well, including nostalgic map graphics detailing radar sites in the introduction, and using eerie nighttime photography covered in fog-shrouded atmosphere. The musical score is forceful and suspenseful. Clifford Stine's special effects are fine for its era. Stock footage abounds but is used exceptionally well. Leads Craig Stevens and William Hopper seem stalwart and wooden, but Alix Talton', a husky voiced former Miss Georgia who resembles Jane Wyman, is both fun and natural. The last sequence still thrills when we start to feel a little sympathy for this wounded animal.

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