The Cinema Museum, London

The Gothique Film Society presents The Thing from Another World (1951) and It Came from Outer Space (1953)

Fri 17 Feb 2023 @ 19:00 · Events

Founded in 1966, the Gothique Film Society specialises in double bills ‘for the connoisseur of the macabre’.

Adapted from the John W. Campbell’s novella Who Goes There?, The Thing from Another World is classic 1950s sci-fi. A group of scientists and military personnel in a remote Arctic station are confronted by the titular creature, which craves human blood. There has been much discussion about the extent to which the film was directed by producer Howard Hawks as opposed to credited director Christian Nyby. Certainly, Hawks’ trademark over-lapping dialogue features heavily, but the debate rumbles on – and no doubt will continue during the interval this evening!

Meantime, It Came from Outer Space is also classic 1950s sci-fi, this time from the mind of acclaimed author Ray Bradbury. Another debate: Just how much did credited scriptwriter Harry Essex contribute, or did he merely amend a few lines of dialogue in a Ray Bradbury script before claiming sole credit? Whatever the case, it’s a terrific film, with, unusually, the aliens presented as benign creatures stranded on earth, a deliberate Bradbury ploy.

Doors open at 18.00 for a 19.00 start.

Refreshments will be available in the licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Everyone welcome: Individual tickets at £8.00 can be purchased on the door (cash only, please) or via TicketLab.

Alternatively, Gothique Film Society membership subscriptions are available. Each season comprises six shows, from October to March. The subscription for all six shows is £30.00, but discounted membership is available for in-season joiners. For further enquiries about membership, contact Simon Davies j_s_davies@hotmail.com or come along and join up on the door. (Cash only, please!)