MovieChat Forums > Them! (1954) Discussion > Color in the Opening Credits!

Color in the Opening Credits!

posted 18 years ago by twarren2626
4 replies | jump to latest

Just got my DVD copy of "Them" and it finally showed me that I haven't been crazy for the last 40+ years! I remember as a 10 year old in '54 seeing those bright red letters in the beginning of the film, but no one else ever agreed with me and all the TV versions were totally B&W. Now I feel vindicated! I understand that the film was originally scheduled to be filmed in color but was changed to B&W at the last moment due to budget considerations. Anybody have any comment or info on that?

[–] schizo_43302 18 years ago

According to Joan Weldon in an interview done by Her Years ago.
The film was to be shot in Color.
But the giant ants which were built before the movie was shot.
Were just "Too Beautiful" to be filmed in color.
So the studio excecutives were concerned they would not be
Frightning enough. So the movie was filmed in Black and White.

[–] youroldpaljim 18 years ago

Its just as well they did not use color. Warners own color process at the time tended to make thinks look garish, ok for a musical but not a thriller. The "flat gray" style black and white made things seem more real.

[–] MystMoonstruck 10 years ago

TCM's copy has the red letters. In fact the title "page" looks as if it's in color with the 3D look the film was supposed to have.

I'm watching it for the "nth" time~certainly well past 100 viewings now.

(W)hat are we without our dreams?
Making sure our fantasies
Do not overpower our realities. ~ RC

[–] vbel 9 years ago

I always used to watch the beginning whenever it was on TV to see THEM! in red letters and the girl walking through the desert - such a classic!