Movie Review - The Deadly Mantis (1957)

The Deadly Mantis (1957) 

A film featuring a giant fictional prehistoric monster causing mayhem to the people of earth. Oh how I love these old school films where something is disturbed and then decides to attack the nearest populated area. So In this case we have a 200ft tall Praying Mantis.


What can I say? Mystery Science Theater 3000 did a nice episode with this but I'll be focusing on the film itself. The plot is simple. “Murray” the Deadly Mantis here is awoken/released, wants to eat (humans are edible) then decides to fly, scuttle, wander somewhere warmer than the snowy wilderness it was frozen in the first place. This doesn’t go down to well with the American army/government who decide they need to kill it, cue giant bug mayhem until they eventually bring it down.

Mmmm, tinned humans!

The acting is acceptable throughout although no real classic lines. Stock footage is used for some scenes notably the beginning of the film which drags a little. But the real reason to watch this is for the Giant Monster itself and considering the limitations they had back in 1957 for special effects it really is quite good and certainly an entertaining bug of doom.

Deadly Mantis is one of those films which is fun to watch if your in the right mood for this kind of B-Movie Monster, it is no classic of its genre but it is certainly not the worst and the effects don’t let you down.

2.5 out of 5 Pumpkins