Watch 20 Million Miles To Earth

In the 1957 movie 20 Million Miles To Earth, a United States spaceship crashes into the sea off the coast of Sicily. Despite the attempts of the Italian Coast Guard to rescue the crew, only two survive – Colonel Robert Calder (William Hopper) and Dr. Sharman (Frank Puglia). Upon investigation, they discover a strange capsule that had been aboard the spaceship, which carries the remains of a Venusian creature. They bring the capsule back to their base, where they hope to learn more about the species.

However, things take a turn when the capsule begins to thaw, and the creature inside – which they later learn is called the Ymir – begins to grow rapidly. It quickly becomes clear that the Ymir is not of this world, and as it gets bigger and stronger, it becomes increasingly difficult to contain. The Italian authorities soon become involved, as do scientists Dr. Uhl (Thomas Browne Henry) and Marisa Leonardo (Joan Taylor), who are brought in to study the creature and find a way to stop it.

As the Ymir continues to wreak havoc, attacking people and causing destruction, Uhl and Marisa begin to realize that it is not simply a mindless monster, but a sentient being with emotions and intelligence. They form a bond with the creature, and begin to see it not as a threat, but as a potential tool for scientific advancement. However, their efforts to communicate with the Ymir and bring it under control are threatened by the military's determination to destroy it, leading to a dramatic showdown between the two sides.

One of the standout features of 20 Million Miles To Earth is its use of special effects, particularly for the time period. The Ymir is brought to life through the use of stop-motion animation, which was performed by legendary animator Ray Harryhausen. Harryhausen's work was groundbreaking at the time, and remains impressive to this day. The Ymir's movements are fluid and naturalistic, and it truly feels like a living, breathing creature.

In addition to the special effects, the film is notable for its strong performances. William Hopper is particularly good as the stoic Colonel Calder, bringing a sense of gravitas to the role. Joan Taylor is also excellent as Marisa, the scientist who forms a connection with the Ymir. Her character is smart and capable, and Taylor plays her with a mix of scientific curiosity and genuine affection for the creature.

One of the more interesting elements of the movie is the way it handles the question of whether to approach the Ymir as a threat or an opportunity. The military sees it as a dangerous alien invader, while the scientists view it as a potentially valuable research subject. This conflict reflects the anxieties of the Cold War period in which the movie was made, with the military's willingness to use force reflecting American fears of communism and other perceived threats. However, the film ultimately sides with the scientists, portraying their attempts to understand and communicate with the Ymir as the correct approach.

Overall, 20 Million Miles To Earth is an entertaining and engaging sci-fi movie that still holds up today. Its use of special effects is impressive, and its strong performances and thoughtful approach to its story elevate it above many other films of its era. Whether you're a fan of classic science fiction or just looking for a fun monster movie, this one is definitely worth checking out.

20 Million Miles To Earth is a 1957 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.