The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms

The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms Theatrical Release Poster Country USA Directed by Eugène Lourié Release Date 1953 Studio Jack Dietz Productions Distributor Warner Bros. Main Cast Character Actor Prof. Tom Nesbitt Paul Hubschmid Lee Hunter Paula Raymond Col. Jack Evans Kenneth Tobey Prof. Thurgood Elson Cecil Kellaway Capt. Phil Jackson Donald Woods

The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms is a 1953 B&W science fiction monster movie directed by Eugène Lourié and starring Paul Hubschmid (credited as Paul Christian), Paula Raymond and Kenneth Tobey. The screenplay is based on specifically the Ray Bradbury short story "The Fog Horn" and its stop motion effects were done by the legendary Ray Harryhausen. The movie depicts a fictional dinosaur, the "Rhedosaurus", which is released from its hibernating state in the Arctic by an atomic bomb test. The film is often credited with serving as the inspiration for the entire sub-genre of "prehistoric monsters on the loose" films, including Godzilla, which became popular during the early years of the Cold War era. Eugène Lourié, who directed this film, later directed the very similar film The Giant Behemoth in 1959, as well as Gorgo.

The following weapons were used in the film The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms:

Revolvers

Smith & Wesson Model 10

In the opening scene in the Arctic, Tom Nesbitt (Paul Hubschmid) and George Ritchie (Ross Elliott) use Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolvers for signalling. A S&W Model 10 is also seen in hands of an NYPD officer in his brave but fruitless attempt to stop the Rhedosaurus.

Smith & Wesson Model 10 Revolver - .38 Special

Ritchie, falled from the ice cliff, fires his revolver to signal Nesbitt.

Ritchie's revolver on the snow.

A police officer fires at the monster.

Shotguns

Winchester M1897

Most NYPD officers use Winchester M1897 shotguns against the monster.

Winchester Model 1897 Riot Gun - 12 gauge

A police officer with the shotgun.

Police officers ready to protect the citizens from the monster (Kenner G. Kemp at the foreground).

Police officers open fire.

Rifles

M1 Carbine

In the final scene Corporal Jason Stone (Lee Van Cleef) uses the M1 Carbine to fire a rifle grenade, loaded with a radioactive isotope, at the Rhedosaurus.

World War II Era M1 Carbine, with Dark Walnut Stock, 'L' peep sight and no bayonet lug - .30 Carbine - correct for most of WWII, shown with khaki sling and oiler and a period twin magazine pouch for buttstock

Tom Nesbitt (Paul Hubschmid) hands the rifle to Corp. Stone. The carbine lacks the magazine which is correct in this case as the rifle was loaded with a single cartridge for firing the rifle grenade.

Stone takes aim to estimate the distance and angle of fire from the position.

Stone readies the fire the rifle grenade.

M1 Garand

Most National Guard soldiers and some NYPD officers are armed with M1 Garand rifles.

M1 Garand semiautomatic Rifle with leather M1917 sling - .30-06

A police officer at the left holds the Garand.

Soldiers with M1 Garand rifles get in the truck.

Soldiers with Garand rifles defend the position on NY street.

A soldier holds his rifle.

M1903 Springfield

Some National Guardsmen are armed with M1903 Springfield (likely M1903A3) rifles.

Remington M1903A3 rifle - .30-06

A soldier with M1903 rifle patrols the night street.

Soldiers come across the puddle of monster's blood.

A soldier at the foreground holds the M1903 rifle.

Winchester Model 1892

A rifle that resembles Winchester Model 1892 is seen in hands of a police officer.

Winchester 1892 - .38-40

A police officer at the left holds a rifle. What is seen of the gun looks similar to Winchester 1892.

Machine Guns

Browning M1919A4

What appear to be Browning M1919A4 machine guns are mounted on National Guard jeeps.

Browning M1919A4 on an M31C pedestal mount - .30-06 Springfield

The machine gun is seen very blurry due to fast motion but its size matches M1919 rather than Browning M2HB.

Oerlikon 20mm Cannon

The Oerlikon 20mm Cannon on naval mounting is deployed against the monster.

Oerlikon Cannon - 20mm

Oerlikon on position.

Fire!

Other Weapons

M8 Rifle Grenade Launcher

In the final scene Corporal Jason Stone (Lee Van Cleef) uses the M1 Carbine, fitted with M8 Rifle Grenade Launcher to fire a rifle grenade, loaded with a radioactive isotope, at the monster. The grenade itself appears to be a movie prop, based on M9A1 Rifle Grenade.

M1 Carbine with M8 Rifle Grenade Launcher - 22mm

M8 rifle grenade launcher, used on M1 Carbine - 22mm

M9A1 Rifle Grenade

The M8 launcher is seen.

Stone readies the fire the rifle grenade.

M9 Bazooka

National Guard troops use M9 Bazooka rocket launchers against the monster.

M9 "Bazooka" - 2.36 inch

A soldier takes aim at the monster.

A soldier readies the bazooka.