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The Thing (1982)

 -  Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi  -  25 June 1982 (USA)
8.2
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Ratings: 8.2/10 from 161,739 users  
Reviews: 820 user | 194 critic

Scientists in the Antarctic are confronted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of the people that it kills.

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Title: The Thing (1982)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Dr. Blair (as A. Wilford Brimley)
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Charles Hallahan ...
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Windows (as Thomas Waites)
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Norwegian Passenger with Rifle (as Larry Franco)
Nate Irwin ...
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Storyline

An American scientific expedition to the frozen wastes of the Antarctic is interrupted by a group of seemingly mad Norwegians pursuing and shooting a dog. The helicopter pursuing the dog explodes, eventually leaving no explanation for the chase. During the night, the dog mutates and attacks other dogs in the cage and members of the team that investigate. The team soon realizes that an alien life-form with the ability to take over other bodies is on the loose and they don't know who may already have been taken over. Written by Goth <brooks@odie.ee.wits.ac.za>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

dog | american | helicopter | norwegian | alien | See more »

Taglines:

The ultimate in alien terror. See more »


Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

|

Release Date:

25 June 1982 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

John Carpenter's The Thing  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$3,107,897 (USA) (2 July 1982)

Gross:

$3,107,897 (USA) (2 July 1982)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(35 mm prints)| (70 mm prints)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The Sci-Fi Channel planned to make a four hour mini-series sequel to The Thing in 2003 but nothing ever came of it. See more »

Goofs

Right after Bennings yells on the intercom to turn the music down and we see his request ignored by Nauls in the kitchen, the following scene that slowly dollies from right to left in the empty medical room, the moving wheels of the dolly and a man in a light blue shirt pushing the dolly are clearly seen in the reflection of bottom and top pane of glass of the stainless steel and glass medical cabinet. Especially visible on the Blu-ray version. See more »

Quotes

Garry: My God, what was happening to him?
MacReady: If it had time to finish, it would have looked and sounded and acted just like Bennings!
Garry: I don't know what you're saying.
MacReady: That was one of those things out there Garry, trying to imitate him. C'mon.
Garry: MacReady, I know Bennings, I've known him for ten years. He's my friend.
MacReady: We've gotta burn the rest of them.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Apollo 18 (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

"ONE CHAIN DON'T MAKE NO PRISON"
(uncredited)
Performed by The Four Tops
Courtesy of MCA Records, Inc.
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Finally getting recognition.
29 September 2001 | by (Melbourne, Australia) – See all my reviews

I am ashamed to say it, but I have to admit, the first time I saw this film was only about a year ago. After seeing it, I immediately rushed out and bought the DVD collectors' edition and have watched it many times since.

The film is terrific on many levels. It works as your straight monster or action type film, as a horror/sci-fi and also as a very intriguing look into the human psyche. The incredible sense of paranoia, mistrust and fear, lent not only by Carpenter's direction (which is stunning) but also by the incredible acting of the cast in general. Kurt Russell (obviously) is spectacularly understated in the lead role of MacReady, and, as a direct result he "feels" like a real person, rather than a hollywood "all american hero". The other cast members all carry off their roles with style, and the net result is an intensely believable atmosphere, and a truly fantastic film.


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