Review of Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) by Trevor P — 03 Nov 2016

Unlike many of the most famous of the classic Universal monsters, the Creature from the Black Lagoon wasn't recognisably drawn from classic literature or widely known legend. The creature was specifically created for the cinema and the movie was made to take full advantage of the popular 1950s craze for 3D films.

The plot is a bit of a twist on the King Kong story where a monster falls for a pretty girl. The creature itself is superbly realised for the day and has become a genuine classic. Whilst the conventions of horror movies at the time do look a bit corny to modern audiences, this film works due to a great atmosphere, enhanced by a terrific score.

The cast is a solid one with 1950s science fiction stalwart Richard Carlson taking the lead as Marine Biologist David Reed whilst the love interest is provided by Julie Adams. There are some stunning underwater sequences during which director Jack Arnold really shows his mettle and a deft skill.

There are scenes that seem to have been deliberately picked up and echoed years later in that other great aquatic horror movie, Jaws. What I like about Creature from the Black Lagoon is the fact that the creature itself is not simply a rampaging, senseless monster.

Rather he is portrayed with some sympathy, allowing the viewer to sympathise with and understand his reactions to the various situations that confront him thanks to the scientific team that invade his world.

These movies are still great fun and are rightly regarded as significant. The Universal Monster movies were always good stories, told with economy and style and still make perfect viewing for big kids like me who want a bit of a scare before bedtime.