Them in the Thing 1956
Explore the eerie charm of *Them in the Thing (1956)*, a concise slice of 1950s sci-fi ingenuity from director Desmond Leslie.
Director: Desmond Leslie
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Them in the Thing (1956) about?
This 1956 sci-fi short follows a father whose children return from play claiming they've encountered a flying saucer. Their story unfolds in mundane settings, turning an otherworldly encounter into a quietly suspenseful family drama.
Who directed Them in the Thing?
The film was helmed by Desmond Leslie, who also co-stars. His directorial approach lends the production an experimental, homegrown feel reflective of the era's DIY sci-fi spirit.
Who stars in Them in the Thing?
The cast includes Desmond Leslie, his son Shaun Leslie, and another family member, Christopher Leslie, creating a unique on-screen dynamic.
Is Them in the Thing (1956) worth watching?
While unrated and ultra-short, this film offers a fascinating glimpse into mid-century sci-fi storytelling. Its atmospheric tension and familial angle make it a quirky watch for vintage UFO enthusiasts, even if it's more of a curiosity than a classic.
How long is Them in the Thing?
The film runs for 19 minutes, making it a brief but memorable entry in 1950s sci-fi cinema.
About Them in the Thing (1956) — 1950s UFO Short Film That Blends Family Drama with Cosmic Mystery
Explore the eerie charm of *Them in the Thing (1956)*, a concise slice of 1950s sci-fi ingenuity from director Desmond Leslie. This short film weaves a quietly unsettling tale as an English father is startled by his children's chilling announcement—they've made contact with an otherworldly entity via a flying saucer. Shot in stark black-and-white, *Them in the Thing* captures the era's blend of Cold War paranoia and childlike wonder, grounding its UFO encounter in domestic realism. The story's brevity belies its atmospheric tension, leaving audiences to ponder the unknown lingering just beyond the doorstep.
Directed by Leslie himself, the film stars him alongside his own family—Shaun and Christopher Leslie—creating an intimate, almost experimental vibe. As a microcosm of 1950s sci-fi's fascination with the cosmos, it offers a snapshot of how the genre explored both the thrill and dread of first contact. Though brief, its legacy lies in its ability to evoke big questions in just 19 minutes: What if the most extraordinary event begins in the most ordinary of places? A cult curiosity for UFO enthusiasts and vintage cinema lovers alike.