X The Unknown (1956)

Starring Dean Jagger, Edward Chapman, Leo McKern, Anthony Newley, Jameson Clark
Directed by Leslie Norman
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

An atomic scientist discovers a radioactive monster has emerged from beneath the Earth's crust, that has a lethal effect on anyone who gets near it.

Hammer Films delivers an entertaining science fiction film in the mold of its Quatermass thrillers, but coming from an original screenplay by Jimmy Sangster, his first for the studio.  There's some fine actors on display, with Jagger, who won an Oscar over a decade before, still effective and kindly and thoughtful as Professor Royston, whose research ideas don't always jibe with his hard-line boss, played by Chapman.  However, the crisis at hand eventually unites the two men, with good support from McKern as an energy commission investigator who quickly comes to trust in Royston.  The monster of the film can lay claim to being the first oozing creature in a horror film, predating The Blob and Caltiki, and the special effects are still reasonably acceptable, and chilling when it comes to the creature's attacks on humanity.  I've heard Norman became director after Joseph Losey was dismissed due to Jagger's protest over his link to HUAC investigations, but whoever was behind the camera designed some taut and suspenseful scenes, augmented by James Bernard's driving score, particularly during the film's climactic confrontation between men and monster.

Things To Come (1936)

Starring Raymond Massey, Edward Chapman, Ralph Richardson, Margaretta Scott, Cedric Hardwicke
Directed by William Cameron Menzies
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

When war breaks out in 1940, the world is decimated by the conflict, but a visionary has a plan to build a new and better Earth.

Author H.G. Wells contributed to the screenplay for the adaptation of his novel, "The Shape Of Things To Come," which is wonderfully realized visually by director William Cameron Menzies, convincingly creating an "Everytown" in three drastically different periods, including a spectacular world of the future.  The art direction and special effects are first-rate, and actor Raymond Massey makes a fine anchor for the century-long story, with Ralph Richardson and Cedric Hardwicke giving memorable turns as well.  Although the film is a bit talky, it may be the most visually impressive production ever to come out of Britain.