User reviews

A volcanic explosion on the island of Dot upends an iceberg on the other side of the world. Embedded within the ice is The Deadly Mantis, a gigantic flesh eating insect which has been in a cryogenic sleep since the Jurassic period or so. The ice melts, the Mantis awakens and embarks on a deadly reign of terror around the North Pole. It munches on some Air Force personnel who have set up radar stations in the remote wasteland, and then eats a couple of Inuits before anyone catches on. Dr. Ned Jackson, a renowned expert in the field of entomology, arrives on the scene with his friend and photographer Marge to confirm what Ned has already guessed: that a giant Praying Mantis is on the loose. Marge and Col. Joe Parkman fall instantly in love and the Mantis decides to head for a warmer climate, namely Washington DC!!!

This really isn't as bad as it sounds. True, "Tarantula" and "Them!" were much better, but at least this isn't as excruciating as "The Beginning of the End." As far as films about giant insects go, this one is pretty good, and it's interesting to note that the mantis did not become a huge monster due to radioactive mutation: it's just a dinosaur! And Ned is right there with an ant trapped in a globe of amber to explain it all, some 40+ years before Richard Attenborough spared no expense on Jurassic Park.

Decent fun.

When a military outpost and an airplane in Artic are destroyed, the investigation finds a mysterious object near the crashed airplane. The scientists advise that the famous paleontologist Dr. Nedrick Jackson (William Hopper) should give his opinion and he identifies as part of a spur of the leg of a giant insect. Soon Dr. Jackson and the military discover that a mantis is the responsible for the attacks and is heading to Washington.

"The Deadly Mantis" is an entertaining and funny movie released by Universal with a giant praying mantis that awakes with hunger and frightens the population. The special effects may be lame in 2018, but they were top-notch in 1957. The good guys are military, still a reflex of the WWII and the romantic conclusion was sort of standard in those years. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Fúria de uma Região Perdida" ("Rage of a Lost Region")

From that great series of classic prehistoric beasts of the Fifties, The Deadly Mantis is a prehistoric insect the size of about three tractor trailers who gets thawed out of the Arctic ice and begins moving south for warmer climate and food. The Air Force spends a lot of time trying to kill this tough old bug, throwing everything they can at it, save atomic weapons. Given the speeds that this mantis is going which rival and in some cases excel what our latest jet fighters are doing, that would have been impractical.

The film focuses on the efforts of three people to bring the mantis down, fighter pilot Craig Stevens, paleontologist William Hopper, and photojournalist Alix Talton. Of course a little romance gets going between Stevens and Talton while Hopper is strictly business.

You have to wonder though what ancient prehistoric earth might have been life if indeed insects got that big and were flying around at supersonic speeds. Maybe they're what killed the dinosaur.

Other than the special effects to create The Deadly Mantis that were done at a major studio being Universal, the film itself is a no frills affair even with a small romantic interlude. The Deadly Mantis is in keeping with a great tradition of Universal horror classics.

The Deadly Mantis was made towards the end of Universal's 1950's cycle of monster/sci-fi movies. This one is one of the best.

A giant prehistoric mantis is awoken from a long sleep by atomic bomb testing in the North Pole. After going on the rampage in the frozen wastes and killing several people in the process, it heads first for Washington and then New York, where it is eventually gassed in Manhattan Tunnel.

The giant mantis in this movie looks quite impressive despite the low budget. The movie's cast is led by William Hopper (20 Million Miles to Earth). He and the others play good parts.

I found this movie quite enjoyable and is worth watching if you get the chance.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

A giant praying mantis is awakened from its sleep in the artic region and heads south causing havoc. Boats, planes and trains meet their match with the flying creature. Before unleashing its full wrath on NYC, the mantis meets its doom at the hands of the armed forces in a New York tunnel. The special effects are of course crude by todays standards, but for a ten year old boy in 1957 this was very memorable.

Starring are William Hopper, Craig Stevens, Alix Talton and Pat Conway.

I saw this on MST3K, and it's one of my great favourites. The endless map sequence at the beginning is quite hilarious, but my weakness for this movie stems from the fact that almost the first third of it takes place in Canada's arctic, and my dad actually worked on the DEW Line while I was a kid. The stock footage of the building of the radar lines up in the Arctic was fun (stirring music and all), but I think that someone connected with making the movie must have either been on the DEW Line, or knew someone who had. There were so many odd little details I've never seen in another movie, even though 'The Deadly Mantis' is not original in its use of the military to fight off a giant invader. The giant "Check Your Antifreeze" sign prominently displayed at headquarters was one - who would think of a detail like that, unless they'd actually seen it somewhere? And the most bizarre thing was the guys dancing together at the little party on the base; when you think about it, it makes sense - no women up there, so if you want to dance, you'd have to have men dancing together, but it's just not something a writer would just dream up while writing a movie. Alas, my dad died before I saw this movie, so I couldn't ask him how authentic it was in its portrayal of life on the DEW Line, but I think of him every time I watch it, and I'm sure he would have laughed uproariously.

"The Giant Mantis" is the title and plot. There isn't much more to say. Acting is better than some of the other "giant something or other" films of the 1950s. The mantis is pretty movable-not some model that does nothing. The sequence at the very beginning is kinda cheesy but the footage and info about the DEW line and the whole radar net is pretty interesting. The character of Dr. Ned Jackson is fairly dull but Col. Parkman is OK. I get a kick out of the archive footage of the Eskimos in their kayaks. The effects are ordinary and the sets are the same as other sci-fi movies of the same period. This is a good flick to catch if you're in the mood for a giant bug movie.

This film is a guilty pleasure. After all, "smart people" don't watch movies about giant bugs that terrorize the Earth! But, despite the high cheese factor of this movie, you can't help but enjoy it on a camp level. Frankly, where there are many shortcomings to this film, it is solidly entertaining and fun.

The film's plot isn't all that important. It's a giant bug versus the Earth sorta thing. However, the giant bug looks awfully good for 1957 and aside from an over-extensive use of stock footage (something most people can easily spot and is easy to hate), the film is technically well made. It has most of the usual clichés of this sort of movie--such as the sexy lady and the obligatory triumph at the end. But, because Universal Studios played it so straight, it works.

My advice is NOT to watch this in front of people you want to impress--they will no doubt think you are an idiot for watching such a film. But, by all means watch it--you'll have a good time.

One of the better giant monster on the loose films from Hollywood. This one has a giant praying mantis thaw out of a block of ice in Canada before heading south and warmer climes. To be certain the idea of a praying mantis hopping around in the snow is silly, but if you accept that-hell you're already accepting a giant insect- you'll have a pretty good time. Really watching it again for the first time years I was shocked at just how good the film is. To be certain its not really scary, but it does have a certain amount of tension, even when you know how and where its all going to end.

Definitely worth a look.

The movie does keep your attention. Plus some general history about the radar systems in use during the fifties. Fact is mixed well with fiction. Just one of the many movies during the fifties that help "make" the sci-fi world what it is today.

Other movies like: "Earth VS the Flying Saucers", "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "Them", plus a few others, all helped the sci-fi movies to build into today's special effect wonders.

A must see movie for the true sci-fi fan. Also, notice the acting by future Drake from the Perry Mason shows, and also, Peter Gun is in this movie. (William Hopper and Craig Stevens.)

The Deadly Mantis is a fine example of the best of the 1950's vintage science fiction movies. A good story line with enjoyable character interaction. The movies use of documentary footage to introduce scientific or geographic fact into the setting of the fiction was classic 50's. I actual learned something about the multi-million dollar "DEW" Line. Today's modern viewer may complain about the special effects, but remember that the movie was made in 1957 not 1997. With that in mind, rent the movie, pretend you're at the drive-in, and have an enjoyable evening.

Curious breed, these old school monster films. Lapped up by the kids of their time, yet I can't imagine today's CGI glutted youth grooving to them, talkative, even educational, weaving together dry facts, ripe drama and a splash of romance and chuckles into their giant beast template. The Deadly Mantis is pretty much a textbook example of the genre, and as such I can say right here that if you enjoy the creature features of the 1950's you could do well in looking up this one. The plot deals with an enormous preying mantis revived in the Arctic by human activity. The film diverges from the standard nuclear portents in its explanation, in fact its explanation is a little fuzzy but it does tie into Cold War fears, the human activity in question being the development of Arctic early warning radar. There are tussles, tracks and development of mystery, then just under half way through the mantis rears its ugly head and the film locks down to classic shenanigans, delivering some nifty action, a few nice chuckles and a satisfying tense finale. Director Nathan Juran keeps a steady hand on events, fairly mastering the build up and release structure that sometimes undoes these films by opting less for destruction and more for journeying and pursuit. There is a little in the way of things being crushed or broken but the film never sets itself potential in those areas that it can't fulfil. The pacing is a little patchy though, with the film suffering from a dusting of dry spells in the first two thirds that keep it from being really great. A bit of off humour as well, but I didn't mind it so much as it comes with the territory. Acting is fair throughout, everybody plays pretty standard roles but they fill them out nicely, I never groaned at anyone though no one exactly sparkles. William Hopper makes for a good determined scientist and has a compelling intonation for proclaiming theories, Craig Stevens, Donald Randolph and others make for solid military men and Alix Taylor is an pleasing romantic interest. The cast work well together and have plenty of opportunity to do so, one nice thing about this film (typical of its type) is that the characters work together, they get along and once they realise what the enemy is, they embark on taking it out no matter what. Not much more to say, but it would be remiss of me to not mention the mantis itself. Its a terrific beast, bug eyed winged, fierce clawed and multi legged, a fine, looming antagonist. It doesn't look so hot in flying sequences, but when on the ground its pretty darned ace. Definitely worth a look for 50's monster buffs, as far as giant insects go its one of the best, even if it wasn't put together with Harryhausen expertise. All in all its a film worth a shot then, I certainly liked it and if you like this sort of thing you might well do too.

An over-sized prehistoric preying mantis—trapped for millions of years in ice at the North pole—is released by seismic activity and proceeds to make its way south (to New York, of course), attacking US defence stations and military aircraft along the way. It's up to Col. Joe Parkman (Craig Stevens) to save the day, with a little help from paleontologist Ned Jackson (William Hopper) and his plucky assistant Marge Blaine (Alix Talton).

I had the 70s Aurora model kit based on this monster movie when I was a kid; it featured a cityscape diorama in which the mantis stood proudly over several crushed cars; now, 35 years later, I've finally caught up with the movie, and am pleased to say that the model they used for filming was far better than the one I built (try as I might, I would always get in a mess with the cement). But even though the big bug is well realised—a nicely detailed marionette with glowing eyes—the film itself leaves much to be desired: it takes an absolute age to get going, there's an over-reliance on stock footage to pad out the action, and the script is extremely talky.

Worse still, despite its terrifying appearance, the mantis proves to be a huge embarrassment to the atomic-era big bug fellowship, a lightweight in the chomping department, failing to chalk up the requisite number of human victims during its long journey south, and equally crap in the stomping department: having flown all the way to New York (suspended on clearly visible wires), the big bug neglects to go on a rampage in the streets like any self-respecting B-movie monster, instead opting to hide in the Manhattan Tunnel where a few well-aimed cans of pesticide soon put paid to his antics. Rather pathetic, eh?

I'd gladly watch this one without the benefit of MST3K, as it wasn't half bad, considering the genre and era in which it was made. But then I'm a sucker for movies which open with giant maps, and story lines that offer military responses to life's problems.

To those of you who think this movie sucked, I suggest you view "Beginning of the End," another '50s era bug spectacular, this one featuring Peter Graves vs. a giant mutant grasshopper. I think after that you'd agree that the Mantis wasn't so bad.

There is no doubt that there are some bad 50's sci-fi creature features, but "The Deadly Mantis" is definitely not one of them.

You know the plot - strange disappearances and damage are happening, big bug shows up to cause havoc, then finally perishes in the big city (New York). It does have a lot of the clichés you'd expect in a flick like this; military guys and scientists having meetings on what is going on, screaming girl, military guys whose jaws drop at the sight of a woman (along with the 'wolf whistle') and more. But really, in this case, it's all actually pretty interesting, even scenes where there's a good deal of chatting.

The girl is pretty, and she ends up with this lame military guy seemingly out of nowhere, whereas beforehand she seemed pretty interested in her partner, the guy who figured out it was a giant mantis doing all the mysterious damage. They had some good flirting scenes early on so her changing interests so easily seemed a bit odd.

And the Mantis itself - despite the cheesy video cover, the Mantis is actually *very* cool looking and just kinda pops up at one point out of some ice, then it's action all the way. The FX are pretty darn good for the time, especially when the Mantis flies and attacks various vehicles. And the roar is killer - this is one of the best monster roars in any movie. And the music is pretty spectacular, always laying strong emphasis on the happenings on screen.

After various attacks, the Mantis makes its way to New York City, and is smart enough not to go in the subway so he takes a car tunnel instead. One reviewer asked about a possible missing scene as we never actually see the Mantis enter the tunnel - it's the same on the DVD release. My guess is that they never filmed it. Truthfully, the Mantis never really does much in NYC, if anything at all - but my guess is probably that's because of budget restraints, because really, every scene with the Mantis is darn good, why else would they seem to skimp.

If you are fan of this stuff and have never watched The Deadly Mantis yet, you won't regret it. BUT - if you get the DVD (part of a great set of old sci-fi movies), don't watch the trailer first! It shows way too much!

Giant prehistoric praying mantis thaws out from a glacier and heads south for a tour of destruction!

Memorable giant-monster film from the golden era of monster flicks. The Deadly Mantis starts off slowly with a kind of documentary about the nations defense system, but picks up with the introduction of its title character! The films plot escalates steadily to an atmospheric show-down in the Lincoln Tunnel. The monster FX aren't half bad, especially considering the time of the film. The cast is also fairly decent.

So all around, The Deadly Mantis is an enjoyable watch for those who like the monster movies of the '50's.

** 1/2 out of ****

Anyone who likes 1950s flicks about giant insects is sure to love "The Deadly Mantis", about a member of the order Mantodea who gets released from his arctic dwelling and proceeds to wreak havoc on Canada and the United States. Although it's interesting to hear the humans have scientific discussions about what kind of an animal this might be, the big guy remains the star. As is typical in these movies, the obvious phoniness of the insect -- along with the campy soundtrack -- is what makes the movie really enjoyable. A very hokey movie, but one that you definitely gotta admire. This overgrown bug is truly a mant'* of war! (pardon the pun)

PS: William Hopper was Dennis Hopper's cousin, and played Natalie Wood's father in "Rebel without a Cause". Also, director Nathan Juran is best known for "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman".

*"Mant" was actually the title of the movie-within-a-movie in Joe Dante's "Matinee", in which a producer (John Goodman) brings a movie about a man turning into an ant to Key West, Florida, during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

As far as Universal-Internationals' genre output of the 1950s goes, "The Deadly Mantis" is engaging escapism if not on the level of the classics of the period like "It Came from Outer Space", "The Creature from the Black Lagoon", and "This Island Earth". It's based on a story by producer William Alland, who'd probably been brainstorming on species of insects & arachnids that had yet to be enlarged and unleashed on various unlucky humans.

The praying mantis makes for an effective antagonist in this formulaic but still likable and enjoyable movie. It's unleashed from a frozen tomb in the Arctic and goes on the expected rampage, steadily making its way South towards a more tropical climate. Identifying the beast is eminent paleontologist Nedrick Jackson (William Hopper), and hoping to destroy it are Colonel Joe Parkman (Craig Stevens) and General Mark Ford (Donald Randolph).

There is an obligatory dose of romantic material here, as Joe strikes up some chemistry with Neds' associate Marge Blaine (Alix Talton), a magazine editor looking for a big story, but it doesn't really ever intrude on the action too much. Just like many other genre films of the period, "The Deadly Mantis" goes for a semi-documentary style, educating the audience on the radar fences spread throughout Canada, and the short lived Ground Observer Corps, a real life group of citizens that had been instructed on how to spot and identify various forms of aircraft.

The result is quite a bit of talk, although there is still enough good praying mantis action to make the movie diverting. The special effects are mostly pretty decent, with the rampaging insect coming off as formidable enough, and definitely not easy to take down. The story is also not without a sense of humour, as we see Joes' fellow servicemen going gaga over the attractive Marge seeing as how they encounter members of the opposite sex so infrequently.

The efficient direction is by Nathan Juran, a busy filmmaker of the period whose other credits include "20 Million Miles to Earth", "The Brain from Planet Arous", "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman", and "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad".

All things considered, "The Deadly Mantis" offers up a fair amount of fun, for fans of this kind of thing.

Seven out of 10.

So many fun stereotypes. Men drooling over the only woman they have seen. Hero lifting up girl in his arms to save her from the Mantis. Women screaming. Its not trying for an oscar.