Among the vintage 'B' Science-Fiction creature features from the 1950s, this stands out as the top choice. It is renowned for being the movie that ALIEN is loosely based on, adding to its historical significance. The captivating storyline revolves around the rescue of Col. Carruthers, the lone survivor of a doomed Mars expedition. Despite his claims of being innocent, he is accused of murdering his crew members for survival and is being taken back to Earth for trial. As the ship departs from Mars, a mysterious shadow is spotted onboard, creating a chilling atmosphere. Carruthers insists that his comrades were killed by an unseen Martian entity, but his pleas fall on deaf ears. The tension escalates as the crew realizes they have an unwelcome guest on board, leading to a suspenseful battle for survival. Despite its low budget, the film effectively conveys a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom. The black and white cinematography adds to the eerie mood, while the clever script keeps viewers on edge. Director Cahn skillfully maintains the suspense by keeping the creature hidden, heightening the fear factor. While not flawless, this movie remains a memorable and entertaining piece of sci-fi cinema from a bygone era.