"Monster From Green Hell" released 1957

Another "radiation-created-giant-monster" and "big bug" movie, Monster From Green Hell, following Godzilla (1954), Them! (1954), and Tarantula (1955), was released in the US, May 17, 1957.  It starred Jim Davis, who would go on to find bigger fame as Jock Ewing in Dallas in the 1970s and 1980s, and directed by Kenneth Crane. 

The film tells of the creation of giant wasps in the African wilderness by a atomic satellite, launched from the US and crashed into Africa.  Most of the film is stock footage from Stanley and Livingstone from 1939. In fact, the confrontation with the giant wasps takes place only ten minutes from the end of the movie.  A very slow build-up with little suspense.

It was not received warmly by critics or audiences.

Leonard Nimoy born 1931

Leonard Nimoy, born March 26, 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts, is best known for his portrayal of the Vulcan Mr. Spock in the Star Trek cinematic universe.  He played the character in the original series, the first five movies featuring the cast from the original series, and then appearances in some of the spin-off series and movies. He also directed, including Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.  

He made his Hollywood debut at 20, in Queen for a Day in a bit part.  He appeared briefly in the sci-fi classic Them!.

He was nominated for four Primetime Emmys, three of which were for his role as Spock. On January 16, 1985, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He passed away in February 2015 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" wins two Academy Awards (1955)

Disney's science-fiction masterpiece 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea won two Academy Awards at the 27th ceremony March 30, 1955.  It won Best Art Direction, Color for John Meehan (Art Direction) and Emile Kuri (Set Decoration).  It also won Best Special Effects.

It was nominated for Best Film Editing for Elmo Williams.

I think it is great that a horror favorite of mine Them! was also nominated for Best Special Effects.

"Them!" a sci-fi classic released in 1954

The B-movie science fiction classic "Them!" was released in New York City, June 16, 1954.  The rest of the U.S. would have to wait three more days before they could watch it.

After numerous nuclear tests in the New Mexico desert, ants have mutated into giant man-eaters.  Just when they think they've eliminated all the giant ants from their colony, they realize two queen ants have made their way to Los Angeles.  James Whitmore, James Arness and Fess Parker have major roles, but Leonard Nimoy has a cameo appearance!