“Who Goes There?” is a science fiction novella written by John W. Campbell Jr. and first published in 1938. This thrilling story follows a group of scientific researchers in the Antarctic who discover an extraterrestrial life form frozen in the ice. As they thaw the creature, they soon realize the danger it poses to humanity. The novella has since become a cult classic and has been adapted into various media, most notably the 1951 film “The Thing from Another World” and its 1982 remake, “The Thing.”
Book Summary
In “Who Goes There?”, a team of scientists stationed at an isolated Antarctic research station stumble upon an alien spacecraft buried deep in the ice. They excavate the craft and find a frozen extraterrestrial being, perfectly preserved. As they bring it back to their base, they begin to thaw the creature, unaware of the havoc it will unleash.
The alien, capable of shape-shifting and imitating any living organism, infiltrates the station and begins to eliminate the researchers one by one. Paranoia and distrust spread among the survivors, as they struggle to identify who is still human and who has been assimilated by the alien. The story builds tension and suspense as the group battles to survive and prevent the creature from escaping to the outside world.
Movie Summary
“The Thing from Another World” is a 1951 film directed by Christian Nyby and produced by Howard Hawks. Although based on the same source material as the novella, the film takes some creative liberties with the story. Set in the Arctic instead of the Antarctic, the film follows a team of scientists and military personnel who discover a crashed alien spacecraft and its pilot. As they try to recover the ship, they unintentionally destroy it and the frozen alien, which is later resurrected and terrorizes the research station.
The film focuses more on the action and suspense elements, with the creature portrayed as a humanoid monster rather than a shape-shifting entity. It explores themes of fear, paranoia, and the struggle to save humanity from an unknown threat. Despite deviating from the original novella, “The Thing from Another World” remains a classic in its own right.
Setting: When and Film Locations
The events in both the novella and the film take place in the frigid and desolate polar regions. While the novella is set in Antarctica, the film “The Thing from Another World” is set in the Arctic. Both settings provide a sense of isolation and vulnerability for the characters, enhancing the atmosphere of suspense and danger.
The film was primarily shot at California’s RKO-Pathé Studios, with the Antarctic research station and surrounding landscapes convincingly created on soundstages. The use of matte paintings and miniatures further enhanced the illusion of an icy and treacherous environment. The film’s production design successfully captures the chilling atmosphere of the story, despite the limitations of the time.
Characters: Who’s Who in the Story
In “Who Goes There?”, the characters play a crucial role in driving the narrative forward and creating tension. The novella introduces us to characters such as Dr. Robert McReady, the resourceful and level-headed physicist; Nikki Nicholson, the capable and intelligent secretary; and Captain Patrick Hendry, the military officer in charge of the research station. Each character brings their unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, making for a dynamic and engaging ensemble.
In “The Thing from Another World,” the characters undergo some changes. Dr. Carrington becomes the leading scientist, while Nikki Nicholson’s character is replaced by a new character named Nikki. Captain Patrick Hendry retains his position as the military leader. These alterations were made to suit the film’s narrative and provide a more streamlined story. However, the core dynamics and conflicts among the characters remain intact.
Memorable Quotes from “Who Goes There?”
- “The thing couldn’t be killed, and evidently was able to absorb metal as well as vegetable matter.”
- “The thing couldn’t be killed, but it could be burned.”
- “It’s like a plant. They don’t think. They just grow.”
- “The thing is intelligent. We must destroy it while we have the chance.”
These quotes highlight the fear and desperation felt by the characters as they face the relentless and virtually indestructible alien threat. The sense of urgency and the realization that the creature is unlike anything they have encountered before is palpable in these lines.
The Soundtrack by Dimitri Tiomkin
The film “The Thing from Another World” features a haunting and atmospheric score composed by Dimitri Tiomkin. The music enhances the tension and suspense throughout the film, perfectly capturing the eerie atmosphere of the story. The soundtrack combines orchestral arrangements with dissonant and otherworldly sounds, creating an unsettling auditory experience for the viewers.
Tiomkin’s score adds depth and emotion to key scenes, heightening the impact of the alien’s presence and the characters’ struggles. The music serves as a crucial component in immersing the audience into the world of “The Thing from Another World” and remains a memorable aspect of the film.
Curiosities and Fun Facts about the Book and Movie
- The novella “Who Goes There?” was originally published under the pen name Don A. Stuart, which Campbell used for his more fantastical works.
- The film “The Thing from Another World” was produced by Howard Hawks, but it is widely believed that Christian Nyby, the film’s credited director, was merely a front for Hawks, who had a significant influence on the film’s production.
- “The Thing from Another World” was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2001, recognizing its cultural significance.
These curiosities and fun facts add an extra layer of intrigue to both the novella and the film, making them even more fascinating for fans and newcomers alike.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing like Nikki Nicholson and Capt. Patrick Hendry
For fans interested in cosplaying as the characters from “Who Goes There?” or “The Thing from Another World,” here are some tips to help you recreate the look of Nikki Nicholson and Captain Patrick Hendry:
- Nikki Nicholson: Dress in 1950s-inspired attire, such as a blouse with a pencil skirt or a tailored dress. Accessorize with a vintage-style hat and gloves. Emphasize the intelligent and capable nature of the character through confident body language and a determined expression.
- Captain Patrick Hendry: Wear a military-style jacket or uniform, complete with appropriate insignia. Combine it with trousers and boots to create an authentic military look. Carry yourself with authority and confidence, embodying the leadership qualities that Captain Hendry possesses.
By paying attention to the details and capturing the essence of these characters, your cosplay will bring “Who Goes There?” and “The Thing from Another World” to life.
John W. Campbell Jr.: A Brief Biography and Top 5 Works
John W. Campbell Jr., born on June 8, 1910, in Newark, New Jersey, was an influential American science fiction writer and editor. As the editor of Astounding Science Fiction magazine, he played a pivotal role in shaping the genre during the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Campbell’s works often explored the boundaries of human potential and introduced groundbreaking ideas to the field.
Here are five notable works by John W. Campbell Jr.:
- “Twilight” (1934): This short story tells the tale of a man who is transported thousands of years into the future and discovers an evolved human civilization.
- “The Last Evolution” (1932): In this thought-provoking story, a supercomputer contemplates the nature of humanity and its own role in the universe.
- “Who Goes There?” (1938): Campbell’s most famous work, this novella delves into the horrors of an alien creature capable of assimilating any living organism.
- “The Machine” (1935): This story explores the ethical implications of an artificially intelligent machine that develops self-awareness.
- “The Mightiest Machine” (1934): Campbell examines the concept of superhuman intelligence and its impact on society in this novella.
Campbell’s contributions to science fiction continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
Christian Nyby and Howard Hawks: Directors of “The Thing from Another World”
Christian Nyby, the credited director of “The Thing from Another World,” had primarily worked as an editor before taking on this project. However, many believe that Howard Hawks, the film’s producer, had a significant influence on its direction. Hawks was known for his skill in crafting suspenseful and character-driven narratives, which are evident in “The Thing from Another World.”
Hawks’ influence can be seen in the film’s strong ensemble cast, sharp dialogue, and the emphasis on building tension and suspense. Although Nyby is credited as the director, it is widely believed that Hawks played a substantial role in shaping the film’s overall vision.
5 Other Media Adaptations of John W. Campbell Jr.’s Works
- “The Astounding She-Monster” (1957): This B-movie features an alien villainess who wreaks havoc on unsuspecting humans.
- “The Thing” (1982): Directed by John Carpenter, this adaptation of “Who Goes There?” is considered a modern classic. It remains one of the most faithful and chilling interpretations of Campbell’s novella.
- “The Thing” (2011): This prequel to Carpenter’s film explores the events leading up to the 1982 version, providing new insights into the alien’s origin.
- “Night of the Creeps” (1986): While not a direct adaptation of Campbell’s work, this horror-comedy film pays homage to his style and includes references to his stories.
- “The Thing” (2002 video game): This survival horror game serves as a sequel to John Carpenter’s film and expands the story in a thrilling interactive format.
These adaptations showcase the enduring influence and popularity of Campbell’s works across various media.
10 Similar Movies to “The Thing from Another World”
- “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956)
- “Alien” (1979)
- “The Fly” (1986)
- “Event Horizon” (1997)
- “The Mist” (2007)
- “Annihilation” (2018)
- “Underwater” (2020)
- “The Blob” (1958)
- “Predator” (1987)
- “The Abyss” (1989)
These movies share thematic similarities with “The Thing from Another World,” such as isolated settings, unknown alien threats, and the exploration of paranoia and survival instincts.
5 Other Works by John W. Campbell Jr.
- “The Black Star Passes” (1930): This space opera novel tells the story of a group of scientists who embark on a mission to save Earth from impending destruction.
- “The Ultimate Weapon” (1936): Campbell explores the consequences of the discovery of an immensely powerful destructive force in this thrilling story.
- “The Moon is Hell!” (1951): This novel depicts a realistic and gripping account of a stranded crew struggling to survive on the Moon.
- “The Planeteers” (1966): Campbell delves into the conflicts and challenges faced by a group of explorers as they navigate the complexities of interplanetary colonization.
- “The Brain Stealers” (1954): In this action-packed novel, Campbell weaves a tale of alien invasion and the desperate fight to save humanity.
These works showcase Campbell’s versatility as a writer, covering a range of themes and exploring different aspects of science fiction.
Book Club Questions for “Who Goes There?”
- How does “Who Goes There?” explore the theme of paranoia and distrust? Discuss specific instances from the novella.
- What makes the concept of an alien entity capable of assimilation and shape-shifting so terrifying? How does the novella portray this threat?
- Compare and contrast the character dynamics in the novella and the film adaptation, “The Thing from Another World.” Which version do you find more compelling and why?
- How does the setting of the Antarctic contribute to the overall atmosphere and suspense of the story? Discuss the significance of isolation in the narrative.
- “Who Goes There?” raises questions about the nature of humanity and the limits of trust. How do the characters grapple with these themes, and what conclusions can be drawn from their experiences?
These book club questions can spark insightful discussions among readers, delving deeper into the themes and ideas presented in “Who Goes There?”
10 Similar Novels with Plot Similarities to “Who Goes There?”
- “The Andromeda Strain” by Michael Crichton
- “The Puppet Masters” by Robert A. Heinlein
- “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” by Jack Finney
- “The Midwich Cuckoos” by John Wyndham
- “Sphere” by Michael Crichton
- “Annihilation” by Jeff VanderMeer
- “Blindsight” by Peter Watts
- “The Girl with All the Gifts” by M.R. Carey
- “Bird Box” by Josh Malerman
- “The Ruins” by Scott Smith
These novels explore similar themes of alien invasion, shape-shifting creatures, and the struggle for survival in the face of unknown threats.
Buying guide and gift ideas for fans of “Who Goes There?”
- “Who Goes There?” (novella) by John W. Campbell Jr.
- “The Thing” (1982 film) directed by John Carpenter
- “The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31” (board game)
- “The Thing” (soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone
- “The Art of “The Thing”” (coffee table book)
These items make excellent gifts for fans of “Who Goes There?” and “The Thing from Another World.” Whether they prefer the original novella, the iconic 1982 film, or enjoy exploring the art and music associated with the story, there’s something for every fan.
