Wolff rating: NIGHTMARE
Plot summary: Well, a big mantis attacks the United States.
Biased, pithy comments: The sheer number of dumb monster flicks that came out of the 50s were truly amazing. This is typical of the bunch---its only merit is the interesting description of the 50s radar defense lines against Soviet attacks, and even this is ponderous and preachy. The acting, naturally, is terrible, the writing random, and the cinematography either hokey (when the big bug is on screen) or murky (what's that we're supposed to see on the white-on-white snow?). Skip unless with the 'bots.
Other Notes: Eskimo sequence taken from a Leni Riefenstahl 1933 film(!); note strong social commentary on the role of women, and wonder why there isn't more blood around when the mantis eats people. Ahh, Cold War propaganda.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: Craig Stevens, William Hopper, Alix Talton, Donald Randolph.
Directed by: Nathan Juran