Amazon.com

Beware of global warming! After an arctic glacier undergoes a sudden mysterious thaw, the world faces the wrath of a not-so-jolly green giant in this moderately diverting big bug movie. Although the handsomely produced film follows the standard '50s monster movie playbook--plentiful stock footage, tired characterizations, a lengthy intro documenting the wonderfulness of a newfangled gizmo named radar, etc.--a little too closely to be truly memorable, it nonetheless remains a more than acceptable time-waster, with above-average special effects and a nicely atmospheric conclusion inside the Manhattan Tunnel. Writer-producer William Alland, in addition to being affiliated with some of the period's greatest achievements in the horror/sci fi genres (including the classic Creature from the Black Lagoon), is notable for his longtime association with another gigantic force--namely, Orson Welles. --Andrew Wright ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Dr. Ned, What We Really Need Is A Great Big Windshield!
THE DEADLY MANTIS certainly won't scare any one, but as sci-fi programmers go it is better than most. A volcanic erruption at the south pole thaws out a giant, prehistoric preying mantis at the north pole. Military men go missing. Dr. Ned (William Hopper--Hedda Hopper's son and best known as Paul Drake on television's PERRY MASON) is called in to i.d. the creature--but by this time the creature has eaten up several Eskimo and is en route to the Washington Monument.

About a third or more of the film consists of stock footage: old government educational films, military men in radar rooms, air planes--and would you believe Eskimos putting out to sea? Which explains, of course, why a tribe of Eskimo is attacked in the movie. ("Hey, Guys! Think we can work this in?") Mix in some negligable special effects, some clunky dialogue, and some sexist attitudes and you're good to go. Not as original as THE MONSTER THAT CHALLENGED THE WORLD, but fans of 1950s "big bug" schlock will enjoy it--and the kids will have a good time throwing popcorn at the screen.

Better pray, because a killer praying mantis is on the loose
During the first few minutes of "The Deadly Mantis," it appears like it's going to be an instructional video, or a history lesson. The story and the scenario soon changes when a huge insect called a praying mantis, thaws and is set on the loose to try and take over the world that is now inhabited by human beings.

"The Deadly Mantis" is one of the many "creature features" from the decade of the 50's. In this one, an overgrown praying mantis begins its journey in the cold arctic region of the North Pole. Unlike many insects, the praying mantis is a flesh eater, instead of a plant eater. This compelling fact will probably make most people shiver, especially after finding out where the monster is headed.

The praying mantis in the movie has spectacular special effects for the time (1957). You'll see the mantis tower above buildings, fly over vast oceans, and more. Even better than the special effects is the movie itself. "The Deadly Mantis" is suspenseful, it's well made, and it's all the more interesting with the idea of a common insect taking over the life of humans. There are also other redeeming qualities such as seeing pilots shoot at it with several missiles, the various other military maneuvers, and more.

If you like other classic horror movies that feature a creature that tries to take over, I recommend getting "The Deadly Mantis." It's one of the best films that features an insect, without a doubt.

Classic "Big Bug ", Feature From The Marvellous 1950's
Not as well known as the other classic sci fi titles from the 1950's like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "Them", or "Creature from the Black Lagoon", "The Deadly Mantis", has on display I feel one of the more original "creatures", that abounded during that decade terrorising countless cities, isolated farmhouses or ships out at sea. The Praying Mantis of the story, a huge prehistoric ancestor of the specimen we know today, is the intriguing creature of the title and it makes for a most enjoyable sci fi film that while always taking itself very seriously as a drama can also be appreciated for the superb special effects that give the impression of a huge bug causing untold destruction in cities and in the airways. I personally feel this "monster", is one of the better of these mutated or reawakened creatures that were common on theatre screens during the fifties. Nathan Juran, a director I admire greatly clocked up an impressive sci fi directing record in the late 50's with not only this effort but also the classics "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman", "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad", and especially "Twenty Million Miles to Earth". He seemed to have one of the best understandings of working in this genre and his efforts are always worth taking a look at.

"The Deadly Mantis", begins with a lengthy explanation of the "new" wonder of this period the radar, how it operates and what it is capable of picking up. The action then moves to a massive volcanic eruption that disturbs the natural order of things in the artic circle. The resulting global warning releases an enourmous prehistoric ancestor of the modern Praying Mantis from its millions of years deep freeze. Very soon strange and unsettling reports are coming from the artic region of remote observation bases and then survey planes being attacked and destroyed by some massive being that leaves huge track marks in the snow unlike any other creature known to man. Strangely no survivors of these attacks are ever found and at the observation station a puzzling spore is uncovered that comes from a creature of a fantastic size. An investigation is set up and Col. Joe Parkman (Craig Stevens), is put in charge of tracking down what is causing this trouble in the region. After the giant spore is brought back to Washington the military call in expert Paleontologist Dr. Ned Jackson (William Hopper), to try and identify what it actually is. With the assitance of assistant Marge Blaine (Alix Talton), Dr. Jackson isolates it as being a prehistoric ancestor of the modern Praying Mantis but from the size of the spore it is a creature so fantastic in size as to be hard to imagine. The incidents of this terrifying creature causing death and destruction continue with Eskimo colonies and ships at sea being destroyed by the creature that is rampant in its need for food and leaves no human being alive as it passes. Dr. Jackson and Marge travel to the artic base to investigate further and experience first hand the full terror of this prehistoric creature as it attacks the base and defies even the military's flame throwers. A pattern begins to emerge which indicates the Mantis is heading south to the Amazon region which was its original habitat in prehistoric times. On the way south the Mantis wreaks havoc in Washington where it attacks the Washington Monument before it is finally trapped in the Manhatten Tunnel in New York. With the creature seemingly impervious to bullets of any kind Col. Parkman seals off both ends of the tunnel and pumps poisonous gases into the tunnel hoping to kill the trapped creature. There are some tense moments when it looks like the creature will even withstand the gases and the men begin to retreat however eventually the gas does its work and the creature meets its end on top of a pile of smashed cars that were abandoned in the tunnel.

"The Deadly Mantis may contain the tried and true formula for these types of "creature features" from the 1950's, however the story is presented in a sensible and thought out way. The extensive use of airforce and radar footage despite it being of a poorer quality than the Universal Studios film, doesn't detract from the story moving on. Performances in "The Deadly Mantis", are of the earnest and sincere kind one expects from this period in Sci Fi film making. Craig Stevens plays your standard rugged male lead and he combines well with female lead Alix Talton who apart from having one of the best screams of any actress in Sci Fi Films around this time, also has some character to work with rather than only reacting to what the men are doing. Alix Talton was a most capable actress and here she creates a character that is no shrinking violet but a talented photographer who insists on getting involved where the main action is taking place. William Hopper playing her boss does a credible piece of acting like he did in "Twenty Million MIles to Earth", as the main expert on what the creature actually is. The Mantis in question is one of the more memorable creatures of the 1950's sci fi genre, right up there with the killer ants from "Them". Its construction and movements are first rate and the invented roar that it makes really creates a chilling effect while possibly not being anything like the sound a giant Mantis would make! But licence has to be allowed when looking at these types of films.

For an enjoyable ride back to Universal Studios "Golden Age of Science Fiction", you can't do much better that "The Deadly Mantis". Certainly not the best film in this genre ever made it still is presented on a level that indicates some thought has gone into the story and especially into the special effects. The sight of the ferocious Mantis overturning a large bus on a fog bound night or demolishing cars in the Manhatten Tunnel are still some of THE classic sci fi images from this decade.Enjoy!

Very well made motion picture sci fi.
The Deadly Mantis is a very entertaining and well made science fiction/horror old picture. Directed by the skilled Nathan Juran, this movie does not deserve to be laughed at. As stated, the film is overdue for the quality DVD presented on the VHS version. The picture quality is crisp and watchable in most scenes, only wavering in the action World War 2 stock footage.
Synopsis: When a long deceased prehistoric creature is awoken by global warming, it rises out of the Arctic freezer on a murderous spree. It destroys a fighter bomber and a weather shack, killing all involved. A radar positioning outpost attempts to reach the shack, but fails. When a scientist is sent over to two wrecks, both contain no bodies, but evidence of peculiar skid marks in the snow. When determined specialists discover that a mantis has been unleashed, all must attempt to terminate it before more casualties occur, or the world is put in jeopardy.
Very suspenseful picture, with an underrated history. This is, though, without doubt, the golden age of science fiction thrillers!

Way overdue for DVD
If you want to know about this movie just read the other reviews. I say isn't time we get this great old classic black & white monster movie out on DVD! They (studio's) are taking way too much time to do this. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Caribbean Classic
For those of you who are familiar with 'The Harder They Come' & 'Smile Orange' here is another caribbean classic to add to your list. Although the theme is an adult one. The handling is extremely humorous and in the end thought provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jean Renoir's love of the theatrical life was rarely more colorfully expressed than in this wry comedy, which is lit from within by the life force of Anna Magnani. The Golden Coach is set in a colonial town in South America, where a traveling troupe of actors arrives on the same boat that carried the local viceroy's overpriced gold-covered carriage. Magnani has a beau, and the viceroy and a celebrated bullfighter are quickly dazzled by her charms. Her presence soon becomes an affair of state, but Renoir leaves no doubt that he finds the affairs of the heart of primary importance. Most eloquent of all is the poignancy of Magnani's dilemma--that she is most alive when performing, that life can never equal the charge of applause and footlights. Within his proscenium frame, Renoir gears the movie to his leading lady, and hands her one of the great happy-sad final lines in cinema. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Golden Story
The Golden coach is a lovely movie about a Comedia del Arte troupe of actors who have travelled to South America. On the same ship with them was a golden coach, ordered by the governor of the town. Their Columbine adores the coach, as does everyone who sees it. All of the wealthiest people of the town try to insist that the governor should give them the coach. It becomes a huge status issue. At the same time, three different men court Columbine. One an idealistic young soldier, one a confident bull fighter, and one the aristocratic governor. At the climax of the story, Columbine has to make a choice and resolve the issue of the golden coach as well.

The imagery is stunning. Renoir plays beautifully with the conventions of Comedia del Arte while using the film medium to its fullest. The music is Vivaldi, and absolutely gorgeous. Magnani gives a warm and wonderful performance, as does the Governor. I especially recommend this film to anyone who loves theatre and has ever been forced to make a tough choice involving their art. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Dr. Ned, What We Really Need Is A Great Big Windshield!
THE DEADLY MANTIS certainly won't scare any one, but as sci-fi programmers go it is better than most. A volcanic erruption at the south pole thaws out a giant, prehistoric preying mantis at the north pole. Military men go missing. Dr. Ned (William Hopper--Hedda Hopper's son and best known as Paul Drake on television's PERRY MASON) is called in to i.d. the creature--but by this time the creature has eaten up several Eskimo and is en route to the Washington Monument.

About a third or more of the film consists of stock footage: old government educational films, military men in radar rooms, air planes--and would you believe Eskimos putting out to sea? Which explains, of course, why a tribe of Eskimo is attacked in the movie. ("Hey, Guys! Think we can work this in?") Mix in some negligable special effects, some clunky dialogue, and some sexist attitudes and you're good to go. Not as original as THE MONSTER THAT CHALLENGED THE WORLD, but fans of 1950s "big bug" schlock will enjoy it--and the kids will have a good time throwing popcorn at the screen.

Better pray, because a killer praying mantis is on the loose
During the first few minutes of "The Deadly Mantis," it appears like it's going to be an instructional video, or a history lesson. The story and the scenario soon changes when a huge insect called a praying mantis, thaws and is set on the loose to try and take over the world that is now inhabited by human beings.

"The Deadly Mantis" is one of the many "creature features" from the decade of the 50's. In this one, an overgrown praying mantis begins its journey in the cold arctic region of the North Pole. Unlike many insects, the praying mantis is a flesh eater, instead of a plant eater. This compelling fact will probably make most people shiver, especially after finding out where the monster is headed.

The praying mantis in the movie has spectacular special effects for the time (1957). You'll see the mantis tower above buildings, fly over vast oceans, and more. Even better than the special effects is the movie itself. "The Deadly Mantis" is suspenseful, it's well made, and it's all the more interesting with the idea of a common insect taking over the life of humans. There are also other redeeming qualities such as seeing pilots shoot at it with several missiles, the various other military maneuvers, and more.

If you like other classic horror movies that feature a creature that tries to take over, I recommend getting "The Deadly Mantis." It's one of the best films that features an insect, without a doubt.

Classic "Big Bug ", Feature From The Marvellous 1950's
Not as well known as the other classic sci fi titles from the 1950's like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "Them", or "Creature from the Black Lagoon", "The Deadly Mantis", has on display I feel one of the more original "creatures", that abounded during that decade terrorising countless cities, isolated farmhouses or ships out at sea. The Praying Mantis of the story, a huge prehistoric ancestor of the specimen we know today, is the intriguing creature of the title and it makes for a most enjoyable sci fi film that while always taking itself very seriously as a drama can also be appreciated for the superb special effects that give the impression of a huge bug causing untold destruction in cities and in the airways. I personally feel this "monster", is one of the better of these mutated or reawakened creatures that were common on theatre screens during the fifties. Nathan Juran, a director I admire greatly clocked up an impressive sci fi directing record in the late 50's with not only this effort but also the classics "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman", "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad", and especially "Twenty Million Miles to Earth". He seemed to have one of the best understandings of working in this genre and his efforts are always worth taking a look at.

"The Deadly Mantis", begins with a lengthy explanation of the "new" wonder of this period the radar, how it operates and what it is capable of picking up. The action then moves to a massive volcanic eruption that disturbs the natural order of things in the artic circle. The resulting global warning releases an enourmous prehistoric ancestor of the modern Praying Mantis from its millions of years deep freeze. Very soon strange and unsettling reports are coming from the artic region of remote observation bases and then survey planes being attacked and destroyed by some massive being that leaves huge track marks in the snow unlike any other creature known to man. Strangely no survivors of these attacks are ever found and at the observation station a puzzling spore is uncovered that comes from a creature of a fantastic size. An investigation is set up and Col. Joe Parkman (Craig Stevens), is put in charge of tracking down what is causing this trouble in the region. After the giant spore is brought back to Washington the military call in expert Paleontologist Dr. Ned Jackson (William Hopper), to try and identify what it actually is. With the assitance of assistant Marge Blaine (Alix Talton), Dr. Jackson isolates it as being a prehistoric ancestor of the modern Praying Mantis but from the size of the spore it is a creature so fantastic in size as to be hard to imagine. The incidents of this terrifying creature causing death and destruction continue with Eskimo colonies and ships at sea being destroyed by the creature that is rampant in its need for food and leaves no human being alive as it passes. Dr. Jackson and Marge travel to the artic base to investigate further and experience first hand the full terror of this prehistoric creature as it attacks the base and defies even the military's flame throwers. A pattern begins to emerge which indicates the Mantis is heading south to the Amazon region which was its original habitat in prehistoric times. On the way south the Mantis wreaks havoc in Washington where it attacks the Washington Monument before it is finally trapped in the Manhatten Tunnel in New York. With the creature seemingly impervious to bullets of any kind Col. Parkman seals off both ends of the tunnel and pumps poisonous gases into the tunnel hoping to kill the trapped creature. There are some tense moments when it looks like the creature will even withstand the gases and the men begin to retreat however eventually the gas does its work and the creature meets its end on top of a pile of smashed cars that were abandoned in the tunnel.

"The Deadly Mantis may contain the tried and true formula for these types of "creature features" from the 1950's, however the story is presented in a sensible and thought out way. The extensive use of airforce and radar footage despite it being of a poorer quality than the Universal Studios film, doesn't detract from the story moving on. Performances in "The Deadly Mantis", are of the earnest and sincere kind one expects from this period in Sci Fi film making. Craig Stevens plays your standard rugged male lead and he combines well with female lead Alix Talton who apart from having one of the best screams of any actress in Sci Fi Films around this time, also has some character to work with rather than only reacting to what the men are doing. Alix Talton was a most capable actress and here she creates a character that is no shrinking violet but a talented photographer who insists on getting involved where the main action is taking place. William Hopper playing her boss does a credible piece of acting like he did in "Twenty Million MIles to Earth", as the main expert on what the creature actually is. The Mantis in question is one of the more memorable creatures of the 1950's sci fi genre, right up there with the killer ants from "Them". Its construction and movements are first rate and the invented roar that it makes really creates a chilling effect while possibly not being anything like the sound a giant Mantis would make! But licence has to be allowed when looking at these types of films.

For an enjoyable ride back to Universal Studios "Golden Age of Science Fiction", you can't do much better that "The Deadly Mantis". Certainly not the best film in this genre ever made it still is presented on a level that indicates some thought has gone into the story and especially into the special effects. The sight of the ferocious Mantis overturning a large bus on a fog bound night or demolishing cars in the Manhatten Tunnel are still some of THE classic sci fi images from this decade.Enjoy!

Very well made motion picture sci fi.
The Deadly Mantis is a very entertaining and well made science fiction/horror old picture. Directed by the skilled Nathan Juran, this movie does not deserve to be laughed at. As stated, the film is overdue for the quality DVD presented on the VHS version. The picture quality is crisp and watchable in most scenes, only wavering in the action World War 2 stock footage.
Synopsis: When a long deceased prehistoric creature is awoken by global warming, it rises out of the Arctic freezer on a murderous spree. It destroys a fighter bomber and a weather shack, killing all involved. A radar positioning outpost attempts to reach the shack, but fails. When a scientist is sent over to two wrecks, both contain no bodies, but evidence of peculiar skid marks in the snow. When determined specialists discover that a mantis has been unleashed, all must attempt to terminate it before more casualties occur, or the world is put in jeopardy.
Very suspenseful picture, with an underrated history. This is, though, without doubt, the golden age of science fiction thrillers!

Way overdue for DVD
If you want to know about this movie just read the other reviews. I say isn't time we get this great old classic black & white monster movie out on DVD! They (studio's) are taking way too much time to do this. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Dr. Ned, What We Really Need Is A Great Big Windshield!
THE DEADLY MANTIS certainly won't scare any one, but as sci-fi programmers go it is better than most. A volcanic erruption at the south pole thaws out a giant, prehistoric preying mantis at the north pole. Military men go missing. Dr. Ned (William Hopper--Hedda Hopper's son and best known as Paul Drake on television's PERRY MASON) is called in to i.d. the creature--but by this time the creature has eaten up several Eskimo and is en route to the Washington Monument.

About a third or more of the film consists of stock footage: old government educational films, military men in radar rooms, air planes--and would you believe Eskimos putting out to sea? Which explains, of course, why a tribe of Eskimo is attacked in the movie. ("Hey, Guys! Think we can work this in?") Mix in some negligable special effects, some clunky dialogue, and some sexist attitudes and you're good to go. Not as original as THE MONSTER THAT CHALLENGED THE WORLD, but fans of 1950s "big bug" schlock will enjoy it--and the kids will have a good time throwing popcorn at the screen.

Better pray, because a killer praying mantis is on the loose
During the first few minutes of "The Deadly Mantis," it appears like it's going to be an instructional video, or a history lesson. The story and the scenario soon changes when a huge insect called a praying mantis, thaws and is set on the loose to try and take over the world that is now inhabited by human beings.

"The Deadly Mantis" is one of the many "creature features" from the decade of the 50's. In this one, an overgrown praying mantis begins its journey in the cold arctic region of the North Pole. Unlike many insects, the praying mantis is a flesh eater, instead of a plant eater. This compelling fact will probably make most people shiver, especially after finding out where the monster is headed.

The praying mantis in the movie has spectacular special effects for the time (1957). You'll see the mantis tower above buildings, fly over vast oceans, and more. Even better than the special effects is the movie itself. "The Deadly Mantis" is suspenseful, it's well made, and it's all the more interesting with the idea of a common insect taking over the life of humans. There are also other redeeming qualities such as seeing pilots shoot at it with several missiles, the various other military maneuvers, and more.

If you like other classic horror movies that feature a creature that tries to take over, I recommend getting "The Deadly Mantis." It's one of the best films that features an insect, without a doubt.

Classic "Big Bug ", Feature From The Marvellous 1950's
Not as well known as the other classic sci fi titles from the 1950's like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "Them", or "Creature from the Black Lagoon", "The Deadly Mantis", has on display I feel one of the more original "creatures", that abounded during that decade terrorising countless cities, isolated farmhouses or ships out at sea. The Praying Mantis of the story, a huge prehistoric ancestor of the specimen we know today, is the intriguing creature of the title and it makes for a most enjoyable sci fi film that while always taking itself very seriously as a drama can also be appreciated for the superb special effects that give the impression of a huge bug causing untold destruction in cities and in the airways. I personally feel this "monster", is one of the better of these mutated or reawakened creatures that were common on theatre screens during the fifties. Nathan Juran, a director I admire greatly clocked up an impressive sci fi directing record in the late 50's with not only this effort but also the classics "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman", "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad", and especially "Twenty Million Miles to Earth". He seemed to have one of the best understandings of working in this genre and his efforts are always worth taking a look at.

"The Deadly Mantis", begins with a lengthy explanation of the "new" wonder of this period the radar, how it operates and what it is capable of picking up. The action then moves to a massive volcanic eruption that disturbs the natural order of things in the artic circle. The resulting global warning releases an enourmous prehistoric ancestor of the modern Praying Mantis from its millions of years deep freeze. Very soon strange and unsettling reports are coming from the artic region of remote observation bases and then survey planes being attacked and destroyed by some massive being that leaves huge track marks in the snow unlike any other creature known to man. Strangely no survivors of these attacks are ever found and at the observation station a puzzling spore is uncovered that comes from a creature of a fantastic size. An investigation is set up and Col. Joe Parkman (Craig Stevens), is put in charge of tracking down what is causing this trouble in the region. After the giant spore is brought back to Washington the military call in expert Paleontologist Dr. Ned Jackson (William Hopper), to try and identify what it actually is. With the assitance of assistant Marge Blaine (Alix Talton), Dr. Jackson isolates it as being a prehistoric ancestor of the modern Praying Mantis but from the size of the spore it is a creature so fantastic in size as to be hard to imagine. The incidents of this terrifying creature causing death and destruction continue with Eskimo colonies and ships at sea being destroyed by the creature that is rampant in its need for food and leaves no human being alive as it passes. Dr. Jackson and Marge travel to the artic base to investigate further and experience first hand the full terror of this prehistoric creature as it attacks the base and defies even the military's flame throwers. A pattern begins to emerge which indicates the Mantis is heading south to the Amazon region which was its original habitat in prehistoric times. On the way south the Mantis wreaks havoc in Washington where it attacks the Washington Monument before it is finally trapped in the Manhatten Tunnel in New York. With the creature seemingly impervious to bullets of any kind Col. Parkman seals off both ends of the tunnel and pumps poisonous gases into the tunnel hoping to kill the trapped creature. There are some tense moments when it looks like the creature will even withstand the gases and the men begin to retreat however eventually the gas does its work and the creature meets its end on top of a pile of smashed cars that were abandoned in the tunnel.

"The Deadly Mantis may contain the tried and true formula for these types of "creature features" from the 1950's, however the story is presented in a sensible and thought out way. The extensive use of airforce and radar footage despite it being of a poorer quality than the Universal Studios film, doesn't detract from the story moving on. Performances in "The Deadly Mantis", are of the earnest and sincere kind one expects from this period in Sci Fi film making. Craig Stevens plays your standard rugged male lead and he combines well with female lead Alix Talton who apart from having one of the best screams of any actress in Sci Fi Films around this time, also has some character to work with rather than only reacting to what the men are doing. Alix Talton was a most capable actress and here she creates a character that is no shrinking violet but a talented photographer who insists on getting involved where the main action is taking place. William Hopper playing her boss does a credible piece of acting like he did in "Twenty Million MIles to Earth", as the main expert on what the creature actually is. The Mantis in question is one of the more memorable creatures of the 1950's sci fi genre, right up there with the killer ants from "Them". Its construction and movements are first rate and the invented roar that it makes really creates a chilling effect while possibly not being anything like the sound a giant Mantis would make! But licence has to be allowed when looking at these types of films.

For an enjoyable ride back to Universal Studios "Golden Age of Science Fiction", you can't do much better that "The Deadly Mantis". Certainly not the best film in this genre ever made it still is presented on a level that indicates some thought has gone into the story and especially into the special effects. The sight of the ferocious Mantis overturning a large bus on a fog bound night or demolishing cars in the Manhatten Tunnel are still some of THE classic sci fi images from this decade.Enjoy!

Very well made motion picture sci fi.
The Deadly Mantis is a very entertaining and well made science fiction/horror old picture. Directed by the skilled Nathan Juran, this movie does not deserve to be laughed at. As stated, the film is overdue for the quality DVD presented on the VHS version. The picture quality is crisp and watchable in most scenes, only wavering in the action World War 2 stock footage.
Synopsis: When a long deceased prehistoric creature is awoken by global warming, it rises out of the Arctic freezer on a murderous spree. It destroys a fighter bomber and a weather shack, killing all involved. A radar positioning outpost attempts to reach the shack, but fails. When a scientist is sent over to two wrecks, both contain no bodies, but evidence of peculiar skid marks in the snow. When determined specialists discover that a mantis has been unleashed, all must attempt to terminate it before more casualties occur, or the world is put in jeopardy.
Very suspenseful picture, with an underrated history. This is, though, without doubt, the golden age of science fiction thrillers!

Way overdue for DVD
If you want to know about this movie just read the other reviews. I say isn't time we get this great old classic black & white monster movie out on DVD! They (studio's) are taking way too much time to do this. ... Read more