It had to be science fiction, right? That’s the only way some 1950s “monster movie” directors could ever slip past the censors the far-fetched idea of actresses playing strong, brilliant, and highly credentialed women.
Don’t get me wrong. Most comparable movies of the time had women in secondary roles whose chief qualities were beauty, servitude to men, and the ability to emit high-pitched, ear-piercing shrieks at the drop of a hat. Witness the young Jill St. John in “The Lost World” (1960).
And yet, five "B” movies between 1951 and 1957 actually costarred women playing serious, courageous scientists or medical doctors. What a refreshing aberration.
“Them” (1954) featured Joan Weldon as Dr. Patricia Medford; “It Came from Beneath the Sea” (1955) co-starred Faith Domergue as Dr. Leslie Jones; “20 Million Miles to Earth” (1957) highlighted Joan Taylor as Marisa Leonardo studying to be an MD; “The Thing From Another World” (1951) with Margaret Sheridan as research associate Nikki; and “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms” (1953) with Paula Raymond as Lee Hunter studying for her doctorate are all cases in point.
Yes, these gals still fetched coffee for the boys and occasionally screamed in terror as the tough guys remained lock-jawed and resolute at their almost certain doom. However, these women of science may well have served as role models for girls at the time. Even better, since these movies were not then pitched to girls, maybe they opened the eyes of a few boys who saw women compete and succeed.
The stories and characters in sci-fi movies and TV shows often got past the censors because, well, it was all kids’ stuff. Anyone who thinks the stories in “Star Trek” or “The Twilight Zone” were for children has never watched either show. Meanwhile, adults were left to enjoy serious prime time fare such as “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Flying Nun.”
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