Even as a kid growing up in the 50's, i knew it was more than just an recycled sci-fi throwaway. We were so bombarded with space travel, alien invader and radioactive charged "big bug" movies back then, it was hard to separate them in my mind. But the 1950's of my childhood was a science fiction orgy and i loved it. If not on the theatre, i managed to catch every one of them as they were replayed on Saturday afternoon tv.

But this movie stood out then as it still does now. The acting, effects, cinematography, direction and especially the script are just top notch.

I have recommended it to my adult friends over the years and except for the occasional jab at it's obviously dated effects, every one of them reacted with the same admiration of the story and it's emotional impact.

We are jaded and spoiled by today's digital effects. But movies like this remind us of how well a great story, tastefully executed, can have a longer lasting effect on the moviegoer.