Beginning of the End is a 1957 sci-fi horror film directed by Bert I. Gordon. The movie tells the story of a scientist named Dr. Ed Wainwright (Peter Graves) who accidentally creates giant grasshoppers while conducting experiments with radiation. As the monstrous insects begin to wreak havoc on the city of Chicago, Wainwright and a reporter named Audrey Aimes (Peggie Castle) work together to try and stop them before it’s too late.

Unfortunately, despite the promising premise, Beginning of the End falls short in almost every way. The film’s special effects are laughably bad, with the giant grasshoppers looking more like cheaply made puppets than terrifying monsters. The pacing is slow and plodding, with much of the movie dedicated to long scenes of characters talking about the impending threat rather than actually doing anything to stop it.

Peter Graves, who would go on to achieve fame in Mission: Impossible, is miscast as the scientist protagonist. His performance is wooden and uninspired, making it difficult for the audience to care about his character’s plight. Peggie Castle fares slightly better as the spunky reporter, but her character is given little to do beyond being a love interest for Graves.

Overall, Beginning of the End is a forgettable monster movie that fails to deliver on its promise of scares and excitement. While it may hold some nostalgic value for fans of classic B-movies, it is unlikely to satisfy modern audiences looking for genuine thrills and chills.