''The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms'' (1953)

By Crusader1307

 A classic Black & White Sci-Fi/Horror film from 1953 it is known as being the first American film to create the Creature Feature theory. In the 1950s, Atomic Bomb testing helped spawn the Giant Monster born of radiation theme. Many film Studios (America, Germany and England) began to make these oft called B - Movies in rapid succession. Creature Features were designed for the Drive-In Movie Audience in America. There were normally 2 films shown (Atomic Monster themed, of course). The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms was the huge success that would motivate a huge inventory of Classic 1950s Sci-Fi/ Monster Movie Classics from 1953 until 1960. As far as our Grandfather of All Atomic Monsters - The Beast was a preserved unknown prehistoric creature (by ice in the deep Ocean depths). Excessive A-Bomb testing awakens out 30 foot tall, 100 foot long beast (who decides that New York City is the place to be). The Beast destroys buildings, crushes people and cars (eating a few for good measure) and seems totally bored by a 1950s US Army. Finally, a well placed rocket shot blows a hole in our Beastie's throat sending it back to the Ocean. Unfortunately the creatures blood (now sprayed everywhere), contains an alien prehistoric virus we as humans were not prepared for. People start dropping like flies. It is determined that the beast must be killed and burned (to remove the source of the contagion). The Beast comes back on shore (to Coney Island Amusement Park), and the final showdown begins. The hero of our story (wait for it), climbs aboard a Roller Coaster (so he can get a good shot) and fires a radioactive isotope bullet into The Beast (burning him from the inside out). Although an Oldie , The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms is worth the time (and a few laughs).