The controlled explosion of an atomic bomb in the Arctic Circle awakens a frozen dinosaur that will wreak havoc in New York City.
Eugene Lourie's 1953 release blends science fiction, horror, and disaster drama around a chilling premise: an atomic test in the Arctic thaws a long-frozen prehistoric creature that makes its way toward New York City. The film channels Cold War anxieties about nuclear power and the unintended consequences of human meddling with nature. Tense, monster-driven, and atmospheric, it's a foundational entry in the giant-creature genre. Holding a MagicMovieScore of 6.5, it appeals to vintage sci-fi enthusiasts, monster-movie devotees, and viewers drawn to mid-century stories where awe and dread share the screen.
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Paul Hubschmid
Prof. Nesbitt

Paula Raymond
Lee Hunter

Cecil Kellaway
Prof. Elson

Kenneth Tobey
Col. Evans

Donald Woods
Capt. Jackson

Lee Van Cleef
Corp. Stone

Steve Brodie
Sgt. Loomis

Ross Elliott
George Ritchie
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Release Date
June 13, 1953
Runtime
1h 20m
Rating
NR
Genres
Drama, Horror, Science Fiction
Director