HALLOWEEN HORROR DAYS ~ DAY 16: CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954)

Perhaps the most well known gallery of movie monsters has come from none other than Universal Studios. Frankenstein's Monster, Dracula, the Mummy, the Bride of Frankenstein. the Phantom of the Opera, and the Wolf Man along with many many others. Perhaps it was the time period when these films came out or maybe it was the men and women in front and behind of the camera. Regardless, these characters are world renown. But the Universal classic monster that has always captured my imagination and attention more than any other wouldn't make his appearance until 20 or more years later.

In 1954 Universal Studios unveiled the last of their now classic and iconic stable of monsters, the CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. This movie introduced one of the most inspired monster designs in film history as well as one of the most convincing monster costumes ever devised. The film explored new territory, different from where the previous Universal monsters had trod, the unknown reaches of the Amazon. Concepts of evolution, creationism, and that of God were all rolled into one. Not to mention featuring some remarkable underwater photography and underwater acting by Ricou Browning.

THE PLOT

Archaeologist Carl Maia discovers a prehistoric fossil along the Amazon River. He goes back to America leaving his digging crew behind. Dr. Maia gathers a team of scientists to take back to the Amazon and attempt a full scale excavation of the site with hopes of uncovering the remainder of the fossil. Upon arriving the scientists find Dr. Maia's digging crew murdered, clawed open and pulled apart. The claw marks resemble that of an animal, what kind of animal they cannot determine. They continue with the excavation and find nothing. The scientists hypothesize that perhaps the rest of the fossil may in fact be in the lagoon at the end of the stream.

Refusing to give up, they pack up their gear on the boat and move further down into the lagoon. There they discover more than they ever thought they would, a living breathing GILL-MAN. An archaeological mission turns into an attempt at live animal capture. But the Gill-Man defends himself and even kills several of the scientists. What's left of the expedition crew decides to leave before anyone else dies. On their way out of the lagoon they find the mouth of the lagoon blocked by a downed tree and natural debris. The Gill-Man won't let them leave. What does this creature want? Will anyone be left alive after it gets what it wants?

THE GOOD

Ever since I was a child I have loved the Creature From the Black Lagoon. Seeing the Gill-Man's picture in a library book I was instantly wowed, my mind blown. I had never seen anything like it before. Today, almost 30 years later, the creature design still draws my gaze and captures my attention. The suit made for the movie was equally as impressive as the design. His eyes moved, is mouth moved, and of course his gills moved. His scaly skin glistened in the light while dripping with water and the detail was by far greater than any of the other Universal monsters save the original Mummy look.

The strongest aspect of this movie is without a doubt the monster. Two actors played the Gill-Man, one for the land sequences and one for the underwater shots. Actor Ricou Browning played the Creature for the underwater scenes. His acting underwater and the amazing costume really convince you that the Gill-Man is real. He could hold his breath for minutes on end and was an accomplished swimmer. Ben Chapman played the Creature on land providing a large imposing figure. Both men play the monster very well, Ricou Browning's performance easily the most awe-inspiring.

The story too is worthy of note. It's a story about exploration both forward and backward, discovering where we've been and where we're going. It appeals to the curiosity in human beings, the areas of our world still unexplored, and also touching on the mysteries of evolution and what might have been had evolution gone another route. And lastly I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the sole female of the movie, gorgeous actress Julie Adams. Her swimming scene with the Gill-Man is perhaps the most beautiful and captivating scene in film, sexy and innocent, serene and frightening. Very few monster movies have captured a scene of beauty and terror like this one.

THE BAD

There is a musical cue every time the Creature appears, whether it's a full body shot or only a hand. The musical cue plays every single time. And it's not a subtle cue. It's loud and jarring. It's a good musical piece but it is played to death in the movie. Overall the music is well done but that one cue is massively overused. Beyond that this movie delivers on all its promises. There's a reason why it is a classic. The only other complaint I have is that as a child I wanted the Creature to live. He was my favorite part of the movie and they killed him at the end! It broke my heart to watch him die. It still does actually.

THE VERDICT

If you're a fan of monster movies this is one of the finest examples of the genre. From a narrative perspective it has been ripped off and copied countless time. And as a creature feature it has one of the greatest monster designs in all cinema. With the exception of a few movie monsters, every other creature feature wishes they had a monster design as impressive as the Gill-Man. The Gill-Man is a true horror movie icon the likes of Frankenstein's Monster and Dracula. He has since become a legend.

Did you ever watch a movie as a child and it stuck with you as you aged. No matter where you were in your life, no matter what was going on, and no matter how many times you have seen it, this movie never lets you down and it never gets old? This is one of those movies for me. With the exception of King Kong and Godzilla, the Gill-Man is king of the monsters in my book. My love for this movie knows no limits. It has impacted my life and is a movie I still love today. I have a few movies that for me are untouchable, going as far as defying reason and logic. The Creature From the Black Lagoon is one of them.

Overall Ranking: 10 out of 10

Nude-O-Meter: 0 out of 10