X
- 1954
- Approved
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 19 m
- 1954
- Approved
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 19 m
Summary A strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle. A group of scientists try to capture the animal and bring it back to civilization for study.
Directed By: Jack Arnold
Written By: Harry Essex, Arthur A. Ross, Maurice Zimm, William Alland
- 1954
- Approved
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 19 m
- 1954
- Approved
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 19 m
Creature from the Black Lagoon
68
7.3
Where to Watch
Summary A strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle. A group of scientists try to capture the animal and bring it back to civilization for study.
Directed By: Jack Arnold
Written By: Harry Essex, Arthur A. Ross, Maurice Zimm, William Alland
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
68
82% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
18% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
68
82% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
18% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
A drive-in classic that is one of the most cherished horror pictures of the '50s. [30 Oct 1997, p.F17]
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 21 User Ratings
7.3
81% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
14% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
5% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 21 User Ratings
7.3
81% Positive
17 Ratings
17 Ratings
14% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
5% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
One of the most thrilling film of mid 50s
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This Universal sci-fi saga has little of the style or atmosphere of the studio's '30s horror classics; its stars are amiable Richard Carlson and Julia Adams. But it does have a unique monster: the Amazonian gill man, a lovelorn amphibian who spots Adams underwater and doesn't stop swimming after her until the very last minute. [30 Oct 1998, p.I]
A much more antic, exploitative experience than the Frankenstein/Wolfman/Mummy/Dracula pictures it stands alongside, Creature from the Black Lagoon perfectly typifies the transition from older, more European horror styles into bloodthirsty schlock and ever-cheaper thrills.
A good piece of science-fiction of the beauty and the beast school, the beast in this case being a monstrous combination of man and fish. It makes for solid horror-thrill entertainment.
Archetypal 50s science fiction—light on brains and heavy on sexual innuendo (1954). But director Jack Arnold has a flair for this sort of thing, and if there really is anything frightening about a man dressed up in a rubber suit with zippers where the gills ought to be, Arnold comes close to finding it.
It's a fishing expedition that is necessary only if a viewer has lost all of his comic books.
'Creature from the Black Lagoon' is an entertaining flick from 1954.
For a film made so long ago, it really does age nicely. Sure some of the ways used to bring the creature to life look a little dorky in patches, but for the most part I felt the required creepiness - especially via the creature's face. It has the feel of a very well made production, which is little surprise given it's a Universal production of course. I also like how it has a sense of knowledge to it, who knows if it all adds up but it sounds the part at least.
I enjoyed the cast, they all work well together onscreen. Richard Carlson, Julie Adams and Richard Denning are naturally the standouts, though I also found Nestor Paiva to be decent. Interesting to note that two people played the Gillman, with Ben Chapman on land and Ricou Browning underwater.
The start of a trilogy, I'm keen to check out the two sequels.
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Classic Universal Monster Tale, reflects a sense of Originality!
The Gill Man unlike a lot of monsters at the time came from an original and fresh idea, whereas monsters like Frankenstein, the Wolfman and Dracula have appeared in various fiction, including there own films. Even to this day, the costume design is top notch and the underwater sequences are impressive considering the time. The Gill Man's characteristics may mirror King Kong but he's still an awesomely designed monster. If this is your first time watching this, please consider the time period and DONT compare it to modern films. The Gill Man is often overshadowed by his older brothers like Dracula, Wolfman and Frankenstein but he deserves more spotlight, he was familiar but original and its a monster flick that still entertains to this day.
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The youngest of the classic Universal Monsters and it still works pretty well. The comparisons to Del Toro's beautiful love story are obvious but nevertheless: If you're in the mood for an old school adventure, some 50s attractive people, a very cool creature, and stunning underwater shots; go for it, it's not even an hour and a half! Plus commentary on Man treating earth like **** which is probably more relevant than ever.
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The underwater stuff looked great and it also looked excellent for the age. Really stunning picture quality and great 3D effect, only issue was the dissolves were at a lower quality. Pretty standard sound design for the time. Nothing exciting and nothing wrong. Quite an interesting story but it has a stupid looking monster. Overall enjoyable vintage fare.
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Awards
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Critics Association of Central Florida Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
