D: Jack Arnold. Richard Carlson, Julia (Julie) Adams, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno, Whit Bissell, Nestor Paiva, Ricou Browning, Ben Chapman. Archetypal '50s monster movie has been copied so often that some of the edge is gone, but story of Amazon expedition encountering deadly Gill Man is still entertaining, with juicy atmosphere, luminous underwater photography sequences directed by James C. Havens and Scotty Welbourne. Originally in 3-D, but just as good without it. Two sequels: REVENGE OF THE CREATURE and THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US.

D: Jack Arnold. John Agar, Mara Corday, Leo G. Carroll, Nestor Paiva, Ross Elliott, Eddie Parker. Scientist Carroll's new growth formula works a little too well, and pretty soon there's a humongous spider chewing up the countryside. One of the best giant-insect films, with fast pacing, convincing special effects, and interesting subplot detailing formula's effect on humans. That's Clint Eastwood as the jet squadron leader in final sequence.

D: Jack Arnold. Grant Williams, Randy Stuart, April Kent, Paul Langton, William Schallert, Billy Curtis. Outstanding special effects highlight intelligent story. Williams' mysterious shrinkage forces him to view the world--and himself--in a different light than ever before. Existential script by Richard Matheson, from his novel.

D: Jack Arnold. Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake, Russell Johnson, Joe Sawyer, Kathleen Hughes. Intriguing science-fiction based on a Ray Bradbury story. An alien ship crashes in the Arizona desert; its passengers assume the identities of nearby townspeople so they can effect repairs unnoticed--they think. Remarkably sober for its era, with crisp performances and real restraint, even in its use of 3-D. The 1996 TV movie IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE II is a much inferior remake, rather than the sequel the title suggests.