MovieChat Forums > Them! (1954) Discussion > So much FUN! James Whitmore Rules in thi...

So much FUN! James Whitmore Rules in this

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

This classic always holds up well and I have loved it ever since I was a child. Now my children watch it and they're thrilled every time they watch it.

It's always a wonder how well made this film is. Everything is great! The production is top notch and the actors are excellent. James Whitmore literally has one oh his greatest performances as the doomed hero. His action sequences against the THEM are thrilling and his death on screen always affects the viewer.

p.s. Van Morrison's early group THEM, was named taken from this film.

"Would you tell uh, Brighteyes, to be quiet!" - James Whitmore POTA

[–] c-huddleston 18 years ago

James Whitmore always gives a great performance - remember his performance in Shawshank Redemption as Brooks? He was versatile, too - just take a look at Kiss Me Kate. Brilliant.

[–] Woodyanders 18 years ago

I agree. James Whitmore gives a very fine and credible performance as a stalwart police sergeant who dies heroically while saving two little boys from the giant ants.

"Warren Oates died for our sins"

[–] jeanbarb 18 years ago

I also agree. One of Whitmore's best roles was in the WW2 movie "Battleground" where he plays the old grunt. He has always been an underrated character actor.

[–] Jordan_Haelend 18 years ago

My favorite Whitmore performance was his "Captain William Benteen" in the TZ episode "On Thursday We Leave for Home." I still watch it on DVD and his turn as an iron-willed leader who won't relinquish power over "his" people —with personally disastrous results— is still haunting, especially the ending where he pleads.

"An Archer is known by his aim, not by his arrows."
-Li Chen-Sung (Richard Loo) The Outer Limits