Agreeable 50's monster movie starts like an educational film (explaining all about radar fences with "knowledgable" narration) before getting down to the business at hand as a gigantic praying mantis travels the World terrorizing, destroying and generally being a nuisance. It's up to a military man, scientist and female reporter to stop the beast (who in memorable "landmark" fashion scales the Washington Memorial).

Watchable and endearing B-flick from director Juran (who also helmed the original Attack Of The 50 Ft. Woman) may be a tad talky (like most of this decade's sci-fi giant bug movies) but is so unserious in tone and has enough pleasing monster mayhem to make it recommended fare.

The obvious "puppet" Mantis isn't that bad actually, but is completely lacking during all the flying sequences. Surprisingly steadily acted also. A good timewaster.

Directed By: Nathan Juran.
Written By: Martin Berkeley.

Starring: Craig Stevens, William Hopper, Alix Talton, Donald Randolph.