🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Edward L. Cahn
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
- Release year: 1958
- Runtime (length): 1h 9min
- IMDb rating: 6.0/10 (6.5K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Astronaut gets blamed for space murders but turns out a rubber-suited alien was the real culprit, leading to a high-stakes game of space hide-and-seek.
🍿 It! The Terror from Beyond Space: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Rescue Mission to Mars
In 1973, a rescue mission is sent to Mars to find the crew of a previous expedition, Challenge 141, that crashed. The rescue team, Challenge 142, discovers only one survivor: Colonel Edward Carruthers. He is suspected of murdering his crew to conserve resources.

The Stowaway
Carruthers claims that a Martian creature killed his crew during a dust storm. The skeptical rescue team doesn’t believe him and prepare to return to Earth. Unbeknownst to them, the creature has stowed away on their ship.

Terror Aboard the Spaceship
During the return voyage, crew members begin to disappear, and the remaining crew realize that Carruthers was telling the truth about the monster. The creature begins to pick off the crew one by one, using the ship’s ventilation system to its advantage. Panic and fear spread as the crew fights for survival against the relentless alien threat.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Col. Edward Carruthers (Marshall Thompson): The sole survivor of a Mars expedition, suspected of murdering his crew, who fights to prove his innocence against a deadly alien.
- Col. Van Heusen (Kim Spalding): The skeptical and increasingly desperate commander of the rescue mission who initially suspects Carruthers.
- Ann Anderson (Shirley Patterson): A compassionate doctor and crew member who trusts Carruthers’s story and provides medical assistance.
- It (Ray Corrigan): A blood-draining Martian creature that stows away on the rescue ship and terrorizes the crew.
- Lt. James Calder (Paul Langton): A sarcastic lieutenant who becomes trapped with the creature and aids in devising a plan to defeat it.
- Mary Royce (Ann Doran): A doctor and member of the crew trying to aid and keep the crew safe from both alien and radiation.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Lt. James Calder: “Mars is almost as big as Texas. Maybe it’s got monsters.” – Calder voices a flippant sentiment encapsulating the fear of the unknown that sets the stage for the film’s events.
- Col. Edward Carruthers: “We’ve got to kill it, or it’ll kill us.” – Carruthers states the dire stakes, highlighting the crew’s struggle for survival against the alien threat.
- Col. Van Heusen: “It has to kill us or starve and we’ve got to kill it or die.” – Colonel Van Heusen underscores the zero-sum game between the crew and the alien, emphasizing their desperate situation.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $120,000 (estimated)
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 It! The Terror from Beyond Space Reviews
Personal Review
I first saw ‘It!’ as a kid, and it scared me senseless! The thought of being trapped on a spaceship with a monster was terrifying. Watching it now, it’s still a fun ride. The scene where they find the body in the air duct is still creepy, and the ending is a classic. Even though the monster looks a bit silly now, it’s a great example of low-budget horror done right. A classic B-movie that I will always love.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic science fiction films”
- “Viewers interested in the origins of the “Alien” franchise”
- “Those who appreciate low-budget horror with a focus on suspense”
- “Fans of 1950s monster movies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild violence”
- “Creature horror”
- “Claustrophobic settings”
- “Outdated gender roles”
Professional Reviews
- Sci-Fi Gazette: “A classic B-movie that, despite its low budget, delivers suspense and atmosphere. The creature design is iconic, and the claustrophobic setting adds to the tension. While dated, its influence on later sci-fi horror films is undeniable. A must-see for fans of the genre.
- Retro Movie Reviews: “Though clearly a product of its time, ‘It! The Terror from Beyond Space’ provides a solid sci-fi horror experience. The pacing is brisk, and the story, while simple, is effective. The acting is standard for the era, but the overall execution makes it an enjoyable watch.
- Horror Haven: “A pioneering monster movie that showcases how to create tension with limited resources. The use of shadows and the unknown is brilliant, and the creature, despite its rubbery appearance, is genuinely menacing. A worthwhile watch for any horror aficionado.
Audience Reactions
The suspenseful atmosphere and claustrophobic setting kept me on the edge of my seat!: Viewers praise its suspenseful atmosphere and consider it a classic example of low-budget sci-fi horror.
The practical effects, while dated, add to the charm and originality of the monster.: Fans appreciate the creativity in monster design and the effective use of shadows.
Overall Consensus: A classic, influential B-movie known for its suspenseful atmosphere and creature design, despite its low budget and dated effects. A must-see for fans of sci-fi horror.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is widely considered a significant influence on Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ (1979), sharing similar plot elements and themes of a deadly creature stalking a spaceship crew.”
- “The original concept for the monster was conceived by Bob Blaisdell, known for his work in low-budget science fiction films, who was responsible for the design and construction of the creature suit.”
- “The movie’s claustrophobic setting and the crew’s desperate attempts to eliminate the creature create a suspenseful atmosphere, effectively using limited special effects to generate fear and tension.”
- “Director Edward L. Cahn, known for his efficient and economical filmmaking style, completed the film in a relatively short production time, typical of B-movies of the era.”
🖥️ How to Watch It! The Terror from Beyond Space?
As a classic science fiction film, “It! The Terror from Beyond Space” may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray might also be found through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed It! The Terror from Beyond Space, you might like these similar films:
- The Thing from Another World (1951): Shares the theme of a group of people trapped in a confined location battling a dangerous alien creature.
- Alien (1979): A direct inspiration, featuring a similar plot of a deadly alien stalking the crew of a spaceship.
- Event Horizon (1997): A modern horror film set in space with a malevolent presence haunting a spaceship, creating a similar atmosphere of dread and suspense.
- Voyage of the Space Beagle (1950): This book by A.E. van Vogt is considered one of the inspirations for this film, about a spaceship encountering various dangers in space.
🛒 It! The Terror from Beyond Space Related Products
- Alien (40th Anniversary Edition) [4K UHD]: Experience the movie that ‘It! The Terror from Beyond Space’ inspired, now in stunning 4K Ultra HD. With enhanced visuals and sound, this collector’s edition brings the sci-fi horror classic to life like never before.
- 1950s Sci-Fi Monster Movie Poster Set (8 Prints): A collection of vintage-style posters featuring iconic monster movies from the 1950s. Perfect for decorating a home theater or adding a retro touch to any room. Each print captures the unique aesthetic of the era.
- Creature from the Black Lagoon Mask: Deluxe overhead mask, perfect for display and cosplay. Expertly crafted mask embodies the iconic look of this classic film
- Space Exploration STEM Kit: Inspire future astronauts with this interactive STEM kit. Build your own model rocket and learn about space exploration and the challenges of interstellar travel. Perfect for kids and adults alike who dream of the stars.
🎧 Soundtrack
It! The Terror from Beyond Space features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Main Title” – performed by Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter
- “Exploring Mars” – performed by Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter
- “The Monster Attacks” – performed by Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, “It! The Terror from Beyond Space” is widely considered a major inspiration for Ridley Scott’s “Alien.” Both films share a similar plot of a deadly alien creature stalking a spaceship crew.
Despite its low budget and dated special effects, “It! The Terror from Beyond Space” has gained a cult following due to its suspenseful atmosphere, intriguing storyline, and historical significance as an early example of the “monster in space” trope.
Due to budget constraints, “It! The Terror from Beyond Space” was primarily filmed on limited sets, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. Specific studio locations are not widely documented, but it was a typical low-budget production of its era.
🔥 Bonus Content
Dark Corners – It! The Terror from Beyond Space: Review
Ever wondered if that old sci-fi flick ‘It! The Terror from Beyond Space’ is worth your time? This review breaks it down with a fun, critical eye. You might be surprised by what they uncover!
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