Sci-Fi Stories That Inspired Classic Sci Fi Films: “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell Jnr. (as Don A. Stuart)

John W. Campbell Jnr's, Who Goes There was first published in the August 1938 Astounding Science Fiction. 

The classic 1951 science fiction film, The Thing from Another World (featured in this blog) was adapted from this novella.

Trailer

In the film adaptation, a plant-based humanoid alien life-form and its space craft is discovered frozen in ice in Antarctica. The alien’s species require animal blood in order to survive. This single alien is capable of creating an entire army of invaders from seed pods contained in its body.

John W. Campbell Jnr

In Campbell’s novella, "The Thing" is a malevolent shape-shifting alien creature possessing telepathic powers. In the story, a group of scientific researchers in Antarctica stumble upon this alien life form which has the ability to assume the identity, memories, and mannerisms of the humans. The story follows the humans’ struggle to determine which members of the expedition are still human, and which are alien impostors. The very fate of humanity will depend on them being able to do so!

pdf version link  (Who Goes There?)

The Thing Blog Post Link 

Full Film Link (The Thing)

Full Film (Colourised) Version Link  (The Thing)