The Monolith Monsters

Jack Arnold directed several of the greatest science fiction films of the fifties including “It Came From Outer Space,” (1953), “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” (1954), and “The Incredible Shrinking Man,” (1957). One of his screenwriters for “Tarantula,” (1955), was Robert M. Fresco. Arnold and Fresco came up with an interesting story together about living rocks from outer space. Fresco developed the story into a screenplay with Norman Jolley. Producer Howard Christie took on the project for Universal International. John Sherwood was selected to direct. He had worked mainly as an assistant director or as a second unit director, but he had directed two features by this time including “The Creature Walks Among Us,” (1956). Special effects wizard Clifford Stine took on the assignment of creating this film’s spectacular visuals.

This week’s movie was “The Monolith Monsters” from Universal in 1957. The story takes place in fictitious “San Angelo,” an isolated small town on the edge of the desert, (a setting common in the films of Jack Arnold). A large meteorite crashes to the Earth, exploding into a cascade of unusual black rocks. Geologist “Ben Gilbert,” (Phil Harvey), picks up some samples and takes them to the local Federal geology office. When the head geologist “Dave Miller,” (Grant Williams), returns from a trip he finds the laboratory filled with the rocks. He also finds Ben dead, his body turned to stone! He begins an investigation along with his friend “Martin Cochrane,” (Les Tremayne), the editor of the town newspaper. Dave’s girlfriend is local teacher “Cathy Barrett,” (Lola Albright). She takes some of her students for a nature field trip. One little girl named “Ginny Simpson,” (Linda Scheley), picks up some of the rocks. She begins the process of turning to stone as well! The stones absorb silicon from human flesh. Dave discovers that if the rocks are exposed to water they begin to grow and to reproduce. When a nighttime thunderstorm strikes the community Dave and Martin drive out to the meteorite crater. To their horror they discover enormous growing towers of stone the size of skyscrapers! When these fall over they break into a multitude of rocks that begin the growing process all over again. The monoliths are following the downhill terrain towards the town. If they aren’t stopped they will continue on until they spread across the globe! Dave discovers that the rocks stop growing when they encounter salt water. He decides to dynamite the local dam and flood the salt flats in the path of the monoliths. Can he carry out this desperate plan in time to save the planet?

This is a wonderful little film built around a clever and original premise. John Sherwood handles the material skillfully. Clifford Stine’s visuals are strikingly effective and hold up well. The cast is fine, with familiar faces like Les Tremayne and William Schallert turning in charming supporting performances. This is a great b-picture that is well worth seeing, and I am pleased to recommend it.

The San Angelo scenes were filmed in “Courthouse Square” on the Universal back lot. This was used in countless movies and television shows including “Back to the Future,” (1985).

In Romania there actually are rocks that grow and reproduce when exposed to water. They are called “trovants.” Fortunately they do not turn into towering monoliths!