THEM! - A Film Noir Horror Movie

I know some people wouldn't see Them! as a Film Noir but it has so many elements of the genre that I have to describe it that way.

It's basically a crime drama, with a tough cop (James Whitmore) and a noble FBI agent (James Arness) searching for whoever killed a vacationing family in the desert.

They are joined in their investigation by a gorgeous scientist (Joan Weldon) and her eccentric father (Edmund Gwenn) who is also a scientist. Then the military gets involved, represented by Onslow Stevens and Sean McClory. There are also some fun bit parts played by future stars like Leonard Nimoy and Fess Parker.

The fact that the killers turn out to be giant atomic ants doesn't detract from the essence of the story, i.e. that the investigators must track down and stop the criminals before they kill again.

It is a B Monster movie, too, of course, though I personally would give it an A due to the production values, the great acting and the little vignettes that add humor and pathos to the mix.

The scenes set in iconic LA locations help elevate the film to a Noir status, for me, anyway.

Whatever genre you think it should be in, Them! is a cool, captivating movie!

(Okay, I know this poster DOES NOT represent any scene from the film. And just WHO is that girl supposed to be, anyway? Neat poster, though, huh?)