When I think of the slew of 1950’s Sci-Fi movies that were released on shoe-string budgets, a few things come to mind. Terrible acting, ridiculous special effects, and the most basic plots known to man. It Came from Outer Space is no exception to these things, but with one interesting twist. What if the aliens aren’t here to destroy or enslave us?

John Putman and his fiancee, Ellen Fields are out stargazing one night when John notices something shooting across the skyline from his telescope, watching it crash off in the distance. The two go investigate and, just before it sinks beneath the dirt of a landfill, John sees a spaceship. John tries to convince the town of what he saw, but no one believes him until the sheriff starts to notice some people going missing and returning with a strange air about them. The sheriff decides they have to kill the aliens before they themselves are killed, but John believes a peaceful solution can be reached. He discovers that the aliens aren’t killing anyone, they’re merely shapeshifting into humans they see in order to get ahold of supplies they need to repair their busted ship. Once they have all the parts they need, they will get out of Earth’s hair. It’s up to John to keep the sheriff and his posse from getting to the aliens before they can leave.

Most of the time, these Sci-Fi movies from the 50s are reactions to the Red Scare. The aliens are malicious and vindictive and out to conquer our planet, just like the Soviets. However, this movie, based on a treatment from one of the greatest Sci-Fi authors, Ray Bradbury, depicts the aliens as sympathetic. Not necessarily human, but deserving of a chance for peace. Just that tiny change elevates the movie above many of its peers. It still has the cheesy special effects, but they’re more subdued and used sparingly. It’s not like there’s a giant lobster off in the distance, ready to attack.

Credit can be given to the film’s director, Jack Arnold, for the intelligence behind the camera. Arnold’s other credits include Tarantula, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Mouse That Roared, and a personal favorite, The Incredible Shrinking Man – all much smarter than their contemporaries. It will still make you laugh when you aren’t supposed to, but It Came from Outer Space is an enjoyable Sci-Fi romp, worth a look during the month of Halloween.