'50s-style film
at its pinnacle
with big bugs,
performances
During the 1950s, there was a rash of films dealing
with the possibilities of atomic mutation, specifically its
effects on insects. Most of these "big bug' movies end
ed up as fare for Mystery Science Theater 3000, assum
ing they were remembered at all. But a few of them were
good enough to have staying power. *Them!' is one of
the best of that latter category.
from the first atomic bomb test that eventually make their
way to Los Angeles. This is of course laughably absurd, but
the film avoids campiness by being funny in its own right.
The supporting cast is full of memorable scene-stealing
performances, and the script is smart enough to avoid
many of the pitfalls for this subject matter.
The film is full of memorable shots that look too
good to be in a B-movie. One of the opening shots, a
bird's-eye view of a catatonic little girl wandering
through the desert, has the kind of gorgeous expansive
ness evocative of a John Ford western or an Ansel
Adams photograph.
The police pick up the little girl, which leads to the in
vestigation of a number of mysterious incidents, including
an attack on a roadside market. The scene in an aban
By Ryan Nyburg
Freelance Reporter
FORGOTTEN
fra ■ n/ic
HI ill MImw Iff Hr HI
Released in 1954, it was one
of the first big bug movies, and
it set a standard for all the rest —
a standard which, sadly, was
rarely ever met. It deals with the
emergence of giant ants in the
New Mexico desert, formed
Eric Layton Illustrator
“Them!," released in 1954, was one of the first bug movies.
doned market which is partially demolished and clouded
in a sandstorm, is another of the film's highlights. The
lighting is dark and eerie in a way that.approaches high
horror-film art. By this point the film has created a lonely,
bizarrely foreboding sense of atmosphere. All this without
revealing any giant insects.
When the ants do arrive, they're somewhat anti-dimac
tic. To an audience tempered in a decade's worth of near
seamless computer effects, a few giant puppets might seem
almost funny. The effects weren't even all that great for the
times, or even for big bug movies. "Tarantula," which came
out a year later, did a better job by using real spider footage
interposed over desert scenery.
But the effects hardly matter, as there are so damn few
of them. The giant puppets are used mostly to show you
the ants are actually there. The film takes this perceived
deficiency and turns it into an advantage, evoking the
ants more often than showing them, much in the way
"Jaws" did with its shark. Everything is done in such a
way that it is conceivable the film could have never
shown a single ant, while still remaining just as effective.
And while the ants might look a little silly, they sure
Turn to THEM, page 8
Get the
word out!
Advertise in the Emerald classifieds
SELL
• cars
• furniture
• sports equipment
• computers
FIND
• employees
• lost items
• jobs
• roommates
8 Best Rates I n Town
Call 346-4343 NOW!
Oregon Daily Emerald/Advertising
What Does It Mean If The Police
Tell You To Leave An Area?
When a police officer issues a "Notice to Disperse” or asks people to clear an area,
it is important that everyone realizes that this is a directive issued by law
enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties in an emergency
situation, This supercedes rights individuals usually have to peacefully assemble or
So, if a police officer asks you to leave an area,
remember the following:
1. You must leave right away. Failure to leave could result in your being cited or
arrested for interfering with a police officer. This is a Class A misdemeanor
punishable by jail time and up to a five thousand dollar fine.
2. Once the police have given an order to leave, you must leave.
3. While you may consider yourself an innocent bystander, your presence alone
contributes to the crowd that police are ordering to disperse.
4. It is never a good idea to join a large crowd (even as an observer) that is
gathering in the streets. While you may be curious to see what is going on, you
are contributing to the problem if you remain in the area.
5. In large public disturbances, you should leave so that you aren’t interfering with
a police officer, and you should leave for your own safety. Bricks and bottles that
are thrown in these types of situations have seriously injured people.
6. If the police ask you to step back into your residence or off a porch or balcony
you should do so. Remember, dispersal orders given during an emergency
situation supercede rights individuals usually have to peacefully assemble or
observe a situation.
Brought to you by: Office of Student Life, ASUO, and Eugene Police Department