Of course you know the Wilhelm Scream, arguably one of the most famous stock sound effects in Hollywood.
The scream has been used in at least 400 movies and television series, usually when a character falls off a building or gets shot. It is a sound of excruciating pain.
According to Sound Effects Wiki, the Warner Bros. studio originally recorded the Wilhelm Scream in 1951 for the film Distant Drums, starring Gary Cooper. The scream we’re familiar with is #4 in a series of six recordings, and it’s named after an ill-fated character in a later film that used the scream, The Charge at Feather River (1953).
People like to make a game – and sometimes a drinking game – of the Wilhelm Scream. You know it to hear it; click HERE to listen.
But that’s not to say the Wilhelm Scream is necessarily cheesy. In fact, it’s used frequently because it’s so dang effective.
Them! (1954) is a sci-fi/horror film about ants who grow to gargantuan sizes (approx. 9-12 feet long, ew) due to radioactivity at an American nuclear testing site.
Scientists discover a nest at the site, but – alas! – they’re Too Late! Eggs have already been laid and hatched, and the new queens have gone searching for other places to build their nests.
Sounds like one of those marvellous over-the-top sci-fi/horror flicks from the 1950s, doesn’t it? But Them! is more than that. This is a thoughtful film that asks “What if?” when it comes to the dangers of nuclear fall-out.
As the film opens, we see a little girl, numb from shock, walking in the New Mexico desert. She’s dressed in pyjamas, clutching a doll with a broken head. She doesn’t blink, and she doesn’t seem to be aware of her surroundings.
She’s had a traumatic experience with one of the giant ants, and she’s not the only one.
A pilot is committed to a psych ward because he saw “flying saucers”, which were queen ants being carried by the wind. No one believes the pilot, of course, and the FBI agent In Charge tells the doctor to keep the man Locked Up. (The agent admits the pilot is telling the truth, but his story could never be told because of the potential for Widespread Panic.)
There’s nothing cheap about this film. The script is science-y with lots of Ant Facts, the acting is terrific, and the tension builds nicely until the climactic scene. Them!, apparently, inspired a slew of big bug flicks where insects grow to incredible sizes thanks to nuclear radiation.
It also set the template for scientists Explaining Things in Movies, wherein scientists display charts and such to illustrate the kind of science Going On Here.
Plus, there are the Wilhelm Screams.
Yeah, that puny gun’s gonna work. Image: Mental Floss
There are four Wilhelm Screams in Them!, most of which occur when the military invades one of the ant colonies. The effect is really good – it’s exactly what you’d imagine being attacked by giant ants would sound like. (And let’s hope none of us ever face that situation.)
Many critics say Them! is one of the best sci-fi/horror films of the 1950s. It was nominated for an Oscar, Best Effects/Special Effects, but lost to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
It was initially to be filmed in colour and 3-D, but Warner Bros. studio balked at the expense and went with Tried-But-True black and white. Even so, Them! was one of the highest-grossing films of the year for the studio.
If you haven’t seen Them!, we urge you to set aside some time for it. It employs some innovative cinematography and lighting, and the story is absorbing.
Them!: starringJames Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon. Directed by Gordon Douglas. Written by Ted Sherdeman & Russell Hughes. Warner Bros., 1954, B&W, 94 mins.
Really enjoyed reading this, and if you can’t resist those huge killer ants would recommend Empire of the Ants with Joan Collins. I will be checking Them! out for sure, thanks for bringing this post and you to the blogathon.
Them is such a classic slice of 50’s Sci-fi! / giant monster movies! I love that film. Interesting points about the iconic The Wilhelm Scream as well. Always enjoyed revisiting classic Sci-Fi like this!
It’s such a good film, isn’t it? Thoughtfully done and has lots of tension. When I first saw it, I had every intention of mocking it, but I couldn’t because it’s so engaging.
I never paid attention to the Wilhelm screams in this film before, because I always get so caught up in the story.
Hey, speaking of Wilhelm screams, have you seen the NetFlix/Rob Lowe doc on Movie Clichés? The Wilhelm Scream is one of them, along with the Meet Cute, the Quirky Girl, etc. It’s a delightful, tongue-in-cheek tribute to movies.
I remember seeing this as a kid (Saturday morning reruns of Godzilla, Sinbad, and other such classics) and it was fascinating! I didn’t know aobut the Wilhelm Scream but I’m glad now I do!
Once you start listening for the Wilhelm Scream, you’ll be surprised at how often it’s used. (So says me, who always focuses too much on the story and always misses it…)
Sounds like you had some primo television viewing as a kid. Excellent!
Them! is a true classic giant animal attack movie. I saw it very recently and loved it. I also love the Wilhelm Scream. Even before I knew what it was called.
I’m surprised at how many people first saw this film as a kid. And the fact that people remember it into adulthood shows what powerful story & imagery it has.
Your blog is not only entertaining, but it’s informative, to boot! When I read “Wilhelm Scream,” I envisioned the painting, “The Scream” — I never knew there was an actual sound! I remember my family joking about “Them” when I was little, but I’ve never seen it. This would be great for a midnight screening (I almost wrote “screaming”) at the TCM film fest, or at least a TCM Party treatment! Good stuff, as always!
Them! and The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms are my two favorite giant monster movies from the ’50s. I thought I knew almost everything there is to know about Them!, but the existence of the Wilhelm scream and its use in the movie are entirely new to me. Great pick for the blogathon — ’50s sci-fi doesn’t get any more entertaining than this, and your review is screamin’ good. 🙂
Haha! Thanks so much. I’ve yet to see The Beast from 20,000 fathoms, but I know I’ll love it when I do.
Them! Is an impressive movie, isn’t it? It makes you care about the characters and still gives you plenty o’ giant ant action. I like it even more each time I see it.
I definitely got an Aliens vibes when I watched Them!; especially with the traumatised little girl they find at the beginning. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out it was an influence on James Cameron.
Wow, I didn’t know I’d be educated on movie history, but thanks for introducing the Wilhelm scream to me. Is there a gunshot and explosion equivalent for it? Because I swear I’ve heard the same ones across multiple movies. Them! actually looks pretty danged interesting, especially for its time, so I guess I have something new to check out. Thanks for this post!
Silver Screenings 
Really enjoyed reading this, and if you can’t resist those huge killer ants would recommend Empire of the Ants with Joan Collins. I will be checking Them! out for sure, thanks for bringing this post and you to the blogathon.
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Thanks for recommending Empire of the Ants. I just did a quick online search re: the plot, and I must MUST see it!
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Be wrong if you didn’t.. it’s a real guilty pleasure. Thanks again for joining..
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Them is such a classic slice of 50’s Sci-fi! / giant monster movies! I love that film. Interesting points about the iconic The Wilhelm Scream as well. Always enjoyed revisiting classic Sci-Fi like this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s such a good film, isn’t it? Thoughtfully done and has lots of tension. When I first saw it, I had every intention of mocking it, but I couldn’t because it’s so engaging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have seen “Them!” several times but I’ve never counted the Wilhelm screams. Guess I’ll have to go back and listen. 🙂
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I never paid attention to the Wilhelm screams in this film before, because I always get so caught up in the story.
Hey, speaking of Wilhelm screams, have you seen the NetFlix/Rob Lowe doc on Movie Clichés? The Wilhelm Scream is one of them, along with the Meet Cute, the Quirky Girl, etc. It’s a delightful, tongue-in-cheek tribute to movies.
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No, but I’m totally there–that sounds cool. 🙂
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I remember seeing this as a kid (Saturday morning reruns of Godzilla, Sinbad, and other such classics) and it was fascinating! I didn’t know aobut the Wilhelm Scream but I’m glad now I do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once you start listening for the Wilhelm Scream, you’ll be surprised at how often it’s used. (So says me, who always focuses too much on the story and always misses it…)
Sounds like you had some primo television viewing as a kid. Excellent!
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Them! is a true classic giant animal attack movie. I saw it very recently and loved it. I also love the Wilhelm Scream. Even before I knew what it was called.
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It’s such a good film, isn’t it? It doesn’t rely on cheap thrills, most of the time.
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I loved it as a kid. You make me want to watch it again! Great review!
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I’m surprised at how many people first saw this film as a kid. And the fact that people remember it into adulthood shows what powerful story & imagery it has.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your blog is not only entertaining, but it’s informative, to boot! When I read “Wilhelm Scream,” I envisioned the painting, “The Scream” — I never knew there was an actual sound! I remember my family joking about “Them” when I was little, but I’ve never seen it. This would be great for a midnight screening (I almost wrote “screaming”) at the TCM film fest, or at least a TCM Party treatment! Good stuff, as always!
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Oh yeah, a midnight “screaming” at TCMFF would be fab! Brilliant!
I hope you get the chance to see this. It’s really well done.
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Beautifully written with video ! Loved it thanks for sharing 😊👌👌
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Thanks, Priti! Have a great weekend!
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You are welcome 🙂 stsy blessed 🤗🥰
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Them! and The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms are my two favorite giant monster movies from the ’50s. I thought I knew almost everything there is to know about Them!, but the existence of the Wilhelm scream and its use in the movie are entirely new to me. Great pick for the blogathon — ’50s sci-fi doesn’t get any more entertaining than this, and your review is screamin’ good. 🙂
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Haha! Thanks so much. I’ve yet to see The Beast from 20,000 fathoms, but I know I’ll love it when I do.
Them! Is an impressive movie, isn’t it? It makes you care about the characters and still gives you plenty o’ giant ant action. I like it even more each time I see it.
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I enjoyed reading. So much research put into this. Absolutely amazing
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Thanks very much! I’ll be visiting your site very soon.
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Thank you so much
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I definitely got an Aliens vibes when I watched Them!; especially with the traumatised little girl they find at the beginning. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out it was an influence on James Cameron.
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Good point! Now that you mention it, there is a definite aliens vibe to this film.
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Hi there, you’ve been tagged… https://weegiemidget.wordpress.com/collaborations/film-fun/the-colbys-tag/
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Thanks, Gill! Looking forward to reading about it. 😄
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Looking forward to your post.
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Wow, I didn’t know I’d be educated on movie history, but thanks for introducing the Wilhelm scream to me. Is there a gunshot and explosion equivalent for it? Because I swear I’ve heard the same ones across multiple movies. Them! actually looks pretty danged interesting, especially for its time, so I guess I have something new to check out. Thanks for this post!
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I’ve often wondered if there was a gun or explosion “Wilhelm Scream”, and I bet there is.
I hope you get the chance to see Them!. It’s not a typical campy 1950s scifi-horror flick.
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