"The Deadly Mantis" released 1957

The Deadly Mantis, released May 26, 1957, was a black and white science fiction movie that featured, well...a gigantic praying mantis.  It's one of a subgenre of big bug movies such as Them!, The Black Scorpion, The Beginning of the End, The Tarantula, and of course, Mothra!

It starred Craig Stevens, William Hopper and Alix Talton.

It garnered most negative reviews, claiming it was a rip-off of Them!, but sci-fi fanatics still enjoy it for its cheesy effects and good ol' plain fun!

The horrors continue! "Beginning of the End" released 1957

First, it was a giant gila monster, then giant killer shrews and now, giant killer grasshoppers.  Actually, "Beginning of the End", which premiered on June 28, 1957, came about 2 years before the other two.

Atomic testing has turned grasshoppers into gigantic beasts and they are closing in on Chicago.  This Bert I. Gordon "classic" starred a predictably stoic Peter Graves.  At least until he picks up an automatic rifle.

One of the best lines:  "You can't drop an atom bomb on Chicago!"