Universal Studios could always be counted upon to devise some interesting stories in the sci- fi genre at a time when the genre simply exploded. Also among their undeniable classics during this period are gems like Creature from the Black Lagoon, Tarantula, and The Incredible Shrinking Man. This particular tale (although the final screenplay is credited to Harry Essex, the original treatment by Ray Bradbury was left largely intact) explores that theme of mankind seemingly always fearing and distrusting anything it doesn't understand, and reacting to it with aggression.

Likable, earnest Richard Carlson stars as John Putnam, an amateur astronomer in the small town of Sand Rock, Arizona. One night he (and others) witness a "meteor" violently crashing to Earth (in one of the most startling introductions to a film of this kind). The aliens on board stealthily go about abducting local citizens and altering their appearance to look like these people. All they really want is to be able to work on their ship in peace, and leave before too long, but naturally there are humans who don't want to get with the program, like hot tempered sheriff Matt Warren (Charles Drake).

Lovely Barbara Rush is Carlsons' appealing leading lady in this extremely well directed, succinct film with as much moody black & white atmosphere as one could ask from this kind of entertainment. One will notice that all we get at the beginning is the title; the cast and crew credits are all saved for the final few minutes - an interesting (but not THAT uncommon) innovation for an older film. There's fine use of stock music from such composers as Henry Mancini, and the cinematography by Clifford Stine is excellent. The aliens are effectively hideous looking in their natural guise, but they begin to be revealed perhaps a bit too soon into the story. The alien P.o.V. shots are pretty cool.

As was said, Rush is very appealing, but it's unfortunate that her role keeps requiring her to scream at things: a Joshua tree, a kid in a costume, an undisguised alien (well, at least that one is understandable). The supporting cast is impressive, right down the line: Drake, Russell Johnson, Joe Sawyer, George Eldredge, Bradford Jackson, Dave Willock.

Although originally filmed in 3-D, "It Came from Outer Space" works just as fine without it.

Seven out of 10.

In the Arizona desert, the writer and amateur stargazer John Putnam (Richard Carlson) and his girlfriend, the schoolteacher Ellen Fields (Barbara Rush),are in his house planning to get married. Out of the blue, they witness a meteor crash in the desert. They fly to the location with their friend Pete in his helicopter and John decides to go to the bottom of the crater to investigate. John sees a spacecraft but there is a landslide and the ship is covered by earth. John discloses his discovery to Sheriff Matt Warren (Charles Drake),who is his rival and is also into Ellen, and to the inhabitants and they believe he is a daydreamer. John wants to prove his finding and meets his acquaintances Frank Daylon (Joe Sawyer) and George (Russell Johnson) repairing telephone cables on the desert and they find disturbance in the cable. The workers follow the cable and meet an alien that takes the form of George. Soon John and Ellen note that a group of dwellers are acting strange and they believe they have been possessed by the aliens. When Ellen is also abducted by the aliens, John contacts them and discovers their intention. Are they friend or hostile invaders?

"It Came from Outer Space" is another delightful sci-fi from the 50's with a story of Ray Bradbury. Years before Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", the writer John Putnam has an encounter with aliens that explains that we are not ready to contact them. The low budget of "It Came from Outer Space" is not a problem since the story is very well constructed. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Ameaça Que Veio do Espaço" ("The Treaten That Came from Space")

Note: On 23 August 2015, I saw this film again.

When the story begins, John and Ellen (Richard Carlson and Barbara Rush) are startled when what seems like a huge meteorite hits near them. However, it's not a meteorite....and when John climbs into the huge impact crater it created, he sees a space ship. But before he can show anyone, the aliens cause an earthquake to cover the ship. Is this the end of the aliens? Of course not...and no one seems to believe John. Even Ellen isn't sure if he's right.

I loved that the aliens in this film are NOT typical 1950s sci-fi creatures. Instead of coming to Earth to impregnate women or take over or eat folks, these aliens are quite different....and that makes this a better film than you might be expecting. Well written and intelligently made, this Ray Bradbury story is one well worth your time.