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1950s Sci-Fi: A Fresh Look at 12 Science Fiction Hollywood Classics
Were 1950s sci-fi films nothing more than B-movies schlock? Was 1950s America, and the science fiction movies made during the decade, largely about hysterical paranoia as modern observers suggest? Is there more at work in these iconic motion pictures than social distrust, cheap thrills, and bad special effects?
After publishing his first science fiction novel, An Agent Dean Cold Novel, and in addition to spending decades of his career as a weekly newspaper columnist writing on the past, present and future, Keating takes a fresh look at 12 classic science fiction films from the 1950s. Keating disputes some of the assumptions about these movies and the overall time period. He reflects on both the strengths and weaknesses of 1950s sci-fi; and highlights the continuing value, impact and influences of these fascinating films.
Whether you love, hate or simply have no opinion on sci-fi movie magic, this book is an exciting tour of the highlights of an entire decade in filmmaking!
In 1950s Sci-Fi, Keating writes about Destination Moon (1950), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), When Worlds Collide (1951), The War of the Worlds (1953), Invaders from Mars (1953), It Came from Outer Space (1953), Them! (1954), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Forbidden Planet (1956), The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957), and Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959).
After publishing his first science fiction novel, An Agent Dean Cold Novel, and in addition to spending decades of his career as a weekly newspaper columnist writing on the past, present and future, Keating takes a fresh look at 12 classic science fiction films from the 1950s. Keating disputes some of the assumptions about these movies and the overall time period. He reflects on both the strengths and weaknesses of 1950s sci-fi; and highlights the continuing value, impact and influences of these fascinating films.
Whether you love, hate or simply have no opinion on sci-fi movie magic, this book is an exciting tour of the highlights of an entire decade in filmmaking!
In 1950s Sci-Fi, Keating writes about Destination Moon (1950), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), When Worlds Collide (1951), The War of the Worlds (1953), Invaders from Mars (1953), It Came from Outer Space (1953), Them! (1954), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Forbidden Planet (1956), The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957), and Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959).
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
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November 23, 2025
Another short but great read by Ray Keating. Interesting look at 12 Sci-Fi movies from the 1950's. Well researched and packed with commentary of characters, plot development, writers and fascinating tidbits about the movies. Most engaging was Keating's comments about the influence these movies had on future block-buster movies. Always been a fan of Jules Verne, but the movie that I most remember as a child was the "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", which for me fits in the Horror-Sci Fi realm. Always had trouble "sleeping" after that one! After this read, I need to go back and watch these films with a new understanding.
Displaying 1 of 1 review