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The Thing (1982)

109 min  -  Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi  -   25 June 1982 (USA)
8.2
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Ratings: 8.2/10 from 148,173 users  
Reviews: 810 user | 185 critic

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

Director:

John Carpenter

Writers:

Bill Lancaster (screenplay), John W. Campbell Jr. (story)
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Top 250 #145 | 3 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kurt Russell Kurt Russell ...
Wilford Brimley Wilford Brimley ...
Dr. Blair (as A. Wilford Brimley)
T.K. Carter T.K. Carter ...
David Clennon David Clennon ...
Keith David Keith David ...
Richard Dysart Richard Dysart ...
Charles Hallahan Charles Hallahan ...
Peter Maloney Peter Maloney ...
Richard Masur Richard Masur ...
Donald Moffat Donald Moffat ...
Joel Polis Joel Polis ...
Thomas G. Waites Thomas G. Waites ...
Windows (as Thomas Waites)
Norbert Weisser Norbert Weisser ...
Larry J. Franco Larry J. Franco ...
Norwegian Passenger with Rifle (as Larry Franco)
Nate Irwin 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 | Helicopter | American | Alien | Norwegian  | See more »

Taglines:

What you fear most... is among you. See more »

Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Norwegian

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

John Carpenter's The Thing See more »

Filming Locations:

Juneau, Alaska, USA See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$3,107,897 (USA) (27 June 1982) (840 Screens)

Gross:

$19,629,760 (USA) (31 December 1982)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints) | 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The sound effect of the Antarctic wind was actually recorded in the desert outside Palm Springs. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: In the scene where the men are gathered around the dead Norwegian, Fuchs is seen standing among the group and Palmer is also there offering Copper a ride. In the very next scene, Copper is walking towards the helicopter wreck telling Mac to get his things on and Fuchs and Palmer are already standing by the wreck dressed in their snow parkas. See more »

Quotes

MacReady: [Holding TNT in one hand, and a lit flare in the other] Anybody touches me, and we go!
See more »

Connections

Featured in Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

"DON'T EXPLAIN"
Music by Billie Holiday (uncredited)
Lyrics by Arthur Herzog Jr. (uncredited)
Performed by Billie Holiday
Courtesy of MCA Records See more »