The 1954 sci-fi horror classic “Them!” ends with the successful eradication of the giant ant colony in the Los Angeles sewer system, effectively averting a catastrophic spread of the mutated insects across the United States. This hard-won victory comes at a considerable cost, highlighting the dangers of unchecked scientific advancement and the potential consequences of tampering with nature’s delicate balance.
The Final Assault: A Race Against Time
The climax of “Them!” is a masterclass in suspense and practical effects. After discovering the presence of a large ant colony residing within the extensive Los Angeles sewer system, law enforcement and the military, led by FBI agent Robert Graham (James Whitmore) and entomologist Dr. Harold Medford (Edmund Gwenn), launch a desperate operation to destroy the threat before it’s too late. The presence of two young children, who were kidnapped by the ants, intensifies the urgency.
The Sewers as a Battlefield
The sewer system becomes a claustrophobic and terrifying battleground. Equipped with flamethrowers and gas masks, the teams navigate the labyrinthine tunnels, facing constant attacks from the monstrous ants. The practical effects, while dated by today’s standards, are remarkably effective in conveying the sheer size and power of the creatures. The dim lighting and echoing sounds of the sewers amplify the sense of dread, creating a genuinely unnerving atmosphere.
The Children’s Rescue and the Colony’s Destruction
Amidst the chaos and destruction, the primary goal remains the rescue of the kidnapped children. One of the children is found in shock, muttering the word “Them!” repeatedly, a chilling testament to the psychological trauma inflicted by the encounter. The other child is rescued after a harrowing confrontation with several of the giant ants. Ultimately, the teams are successful in eliminating all the giant ants within the sewer system using flamethrowers and poison gas. The colony is destroyed, and the immediate threat to Los Angeles is neutralized.
The Aftermath: A Lingering Threat
While the main colony is destroyed, the ending of “Them!” carries a cautionary message. Dr. Medford delivers a somber monologue about the dangers of nuclear experimentation and the unpredictable consequences of messing with the natural order. He warns that the giant ants are just one example of the potential horrors that could be unleashed by atomic radiation. The final scene shows an ant queen flying into the sky, suggesting that the threat may not be entirely extinguished.
The Unseen Dangers of the Atomic Age
“Them!” was released at the height of the Cold War, a period marked by widespread fear of nuclear annihilation. The film taps into this anxiety, portraying the giant ants as a manifestation of the potential dangers of the atomic age. The film serves as a chilling reminder of the need for caution and responsibility in the face of powerful new technologies.
A Call for Vigilance
Although the immediate threat is neutralized, the film’s ending serves as a call for vigilance. The possibility of other mutated creatures emerging remains, highlighting the ongoing need for scientific research and preparedness. The ending reinforces the idea that humanity must learn to coexist with nature, rather than attempting to dominate it.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into “Them!”
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the themes, context, and impact of “Them!”:
FAQ 1: What specific type of radiation caused the ants to mutate?
The film doesn’t explicitly specify the type of radiation, but it’s heavily implied that it’s related to the nuclear tests conducted in the New Mexico desert. Dr. Medford alludes to the ants being affected by “atomic fallout,” suggesting the radiation was a byproduct of the bomb testing.
FAQ 2: How large were the giant ants in “Them!”?
The ants varied in size, but the largest were estimated to be around 8 to 10 feet long. The film utilized a combination of mechanical ants, puppetry, and forced perspective to create the illusion of their immense size.
FAQ 3: What was the significance of the children’s trauma in the film?
The children’s trauma served to humanize the threat posed by the giant ants. Their psychological damage underscores the lasting impact of the creatures’ terror and reinforces the idea that the threat extends beyond physical destruction. It also emphasizes the innocence lost due to the atomic age.
FAQ 4: Was “Them!” the first giant insect movie of its kind?
While not the absolute first, “Them!” is widely credited with popularizing the giant insect subgenre of science fiction horror. Its success spawned numerous imitators and helped establish the conventions of the genre.
FAQ 5: What was the critical reception of “Them!” upon its release?
“Them!” was generally well-received by critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its effective suspense, realistic special effects (for the time), and thought-provoking themes. It’s considered a classic of the sci-fi horror genre.
FAQ 6: What are some of the major themes explored in “Them!”?
The major themes include the dangers of unchecked scientific progress, the consequences of nuclear experimentation, and the importance of respecting nature. It also touches on themes of fear, paranoia, and the collective responsibility to protect humanity.
FAQ 7: Did “Them!” have any real-world impact on pest control or scientific research?
While the film didn’t directly revolutionize pest control, it raised public awareness of the potential dangers of invasive species and the importance of scientific research. It also inspired some scientists to study ant behavior in more detail.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the film’s title, “Them!”?
The title is deliberately vague and ominous. It represents the unknown and the fearsome. The exclamation point adds to the sense of urgency and panic, reflecting the characters’ reaction to the giant ants. The word “Them!” spoken by the traumatized child is a particularly chilling moment.
FAQ 9: Are there any sequels or remakes of “Them!”?
There are no direct sequels or remakes of “Them!”. However, the film’s influence can be seen in numerous other giant insect movies and science fiction films that explore similar themes.
FAQ 10: How does “Them!” reflect the anxieties of the 1950s?
“Them!” perfectly encapsulates the anxieties of the 1950s, including the fear of communism, the threat of nuclear war, and the anxieties surrounding rapid technological advancements. The film’s depiction of a hidden threat lurking beneath the surface of American society resonated with the Cold War paranoia of the era.
FAQ 11: What makes the special effects in “Them!” still effective today?
Despite their age, the special effects in “Them!” remain effective because they were primarily practical and relied on clever camera angles and lighting. The use of full-scale mechanical ants, rather than relying solely on visual effects, gives the creatures a tangible presence that CGI often lacks.
FAQ 12: What is “Them!”‘s legacy in the science fiction genre?
“Them!” is considered a landmark film in the science fiction genre, paving the way for countless other giant monster movies and cautionary tales about the dangers of scientific hubris. Its themes of environmental destruction, nuclear fear, and the potential consequences of tampering with nature continue to resonate with audiences today. It solidified the trope of mutated creatures caused by atomic radiation, a concept that has been endlessly replicated in subsequent films.