''The Thing'' (1951)

By Crusader1307

 The more iconic of films made (originally in 1951), that cashed in on the growing UFO sighting craze that was beginning to sweep America at the time, The Thing (originally called The Thing From Another World), - was a successful Book (''Who Goes There?''), then film that led to an even more successful (later) remake in 1982 (and 2011). The movie deals with an Antarctic Research Team who discovered a centuries old buried Alien Spacecraft in the ice. Trying to free the Craft, the Scientists accidentally destroy it (with explosives). However, they discover the still frozen Occupant! Taking it back to the Lab, they also accidentally free the Being (which we find out has a penchant for blood!). Slowly killing almost everyone at the remote Station, the survivors are able to finally kill the Being by frying him with electricity. The 1982 remake was more closer to real life , with the Alien a parasitic being capable of assimilating ANY organism it comes into contact with (and assuming it's identity!). Having a much more darker ending , The Thing is a classic example of the blending of the Horror/Sci-Fi genres. Of great humerous note, the original 1951 ''Thing'' was played by an ''unknown'' Actor and part-time Stunt Man named James Arness. He would later be known to millions around the World as Marshal Mat Dillion of ''Gunsmoke'' (the long running Television Western).