When an American spaceship crash-lands off the coast of Sicily, a rescue team discovers that the crew has brought back a gelatinous mass that soon hatches and evolves into a strange bi-ped creature which increases in size rapidly. Soon 20-feet tall, the creature rampages through Rome before being destroyed as it seeks refuge in the Colosseum.
 
"...classic science-fiction horror at its best with...the magic of Harryhausen's dynamation."  Eric Profancik, DVD Verdict
"...one of the best monster-on-the-loose movies ever."  Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
 


Editor's Note

The first space flight to Venus returns to Earth carrying a specimen of Venusian life called the Ymir. When the ship crashes into the sea upon its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, the small, reptilian creature escapes, growing to an enormous size, eventually terrorizing the city of Rome. The always beautiful and impressive creature animations of the great Ray Harryhausen elevate the film above the level of ordinary 1950's monster sci-fi. The Ymir is one of the best-known creations in his long, distinguished career.


Plot Summary

A space mission returning from Venus crashes into the sea near Sicily. The only surviving astronaut heads a mission to capture the cute reptilian creature that accompanied the crew to earth. Initially, scientists attempt to study the quickly growing organism but the alien life won't submit to being a laboratory specimen. Before long, the monster will gain full strength, escape the lab and destroy Rome.