Prospective customers of the Keith Memorial within the next few days should be warned, first of all, that "The Thing" has absolutely nothing in common with a song of the same name recently popularized by Phil Harris. Rather, it is based upon a story called "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell, Jr. Its message is that you just can't be too careful. The particular Thing in this Howard Hawks production landed at a point 2,000 miles north of Anchorage, but the movie ends with a warning to everyone to watch the skies--everywhere.

The Thing is eight feet of reproducing vegetable in the form of a man, presumably from another planet, who is not vulnerable to bullets or fire and is finally electrocuted. He arrives in a 20,000-ton flying saucer, so you know what to look for.

If you think there is a virtue in the extraordinary, you will surely enjoy this picture of Frankenstein. And even if you don't, the suspense generated by the Thing's spectacular appearances makes the movie worth seeing. The acting is competent for the most part, even though no "name" actors are involved.

The directors have made some effort to create an allegory, for the movie suggests what the place of the scientist may be in dealing with future Things.

"The Thing" lags in places but all in all it is moderately good entertainment. Do not bring small children (I heard a fellow behind me remark he was scared at one point) or those with weak constitutions. And by all means watch the skies.