Giant from the Unknown

Giant from the Unknown (1958) is rather a cheap and pedestrian sci fi film with an absurd premise, lots of "stuff" happening, rather unconvincing acting, somewhat dull dialogue and a largely unimpressive "monster' character. Still, it must be said that it's perfect viewing fare for a rainy afternoon!

As far as film monsters go, Vargas seems to be pretty lame. One could say that he is a monster in a moral rather than in a scary physical sense. He is described as being depraved and brutal and has remained so even after three and a half centuries of suspended animation.

The film does suffer from continuity and subplot development problems. For instance, we are never quite sure why Parker and Wayne don't like each other. What is the history behind their animosity? They just seem to detest the sight of each other.

Giant from the Unknown does contain moments of good pacing, and combines some effective creation of eerie atmosphere, and black and white cinematography. In addition, the 77 minute running time doesn't allow the film to drag too much and Albert Glasser's orchestral score is quite solid and powerful.

I can't think of any movie that has Morris Ankrum that I didn't really like...and yes, I have seen The Giant Claw (three times, in fact).

That fact notwithstanding, Giant From The Unknown is a pretty good movie. The basic story has a Spanish Conquistador (who happens to be a giant and who happens to have travelled up into northern California after breaking with Cortez) waking up after five hundred years of suspended animation and going on a rampage of death and cattle mutilation.

Don't let the plot turn you off. The script manages to make it all seem pretty believeable, and the acting is pretty good as well. Morris Ankrum is great. Ed Kemmer (Commander Buzz Corey on Space Patrol) is the hero. Cowboy and serial legend Bob Steele is the sheriff, and the lovely Janet Fraser is the love interest.

The monster himself looks pretty good as well...for an unburied conquistador, that is. The finale at the sawmill is an excellent sequence...though don't try to adjust your VCR. That fuzziness is optically-printed snow on the sequence (it took me a couple of minutes to realize that...I thought the print had deteriorated).

Giant From the Unknown is a good all-around example of fifties science fiction that is worth a look by fans of the genre.

A series of animal deaths and other disasters hits a rural town. When humans start dying, a local, bewigged, stock native known, not-so-lovingly, as "Injun Joe" speaks of omens and portents. The townsfolk are... unimpressed. The sheriff is flummoxed by it all.

When archaeologist, Dr. Frederick Cleveland (the ubiquitous Morris Ankrum) and his daughter, Janet (Sally Fraser) come to town, they draw the sheriff's suspicion. Especially, since they happen to know a loner, named Wayne Brooks (Ed Kemmer).

Cleveland just happens to be searching for evidence of an ancient, sadistic, towering conquistador known as Vargas, The Devil Giant.

Coincidence? Hmmm.

Cheeeze-tacular, pseudo-scientific claptrap sets up the idea that the old behemoth could possibly have been reanimated. While Cleveland and Brooks search for artifacts, Janet makes lunch, brews coffee, and cleans up the camp!

Aaaah, the 1950's!

After what feels like a century, Vargas finally makes his appearance, but nothing much takes place. The obligatory romance blooms between Janet and Brooks. More locals are eliminated. Will the sheriff ever believe the truth? Will Janet ever brew the perfect pot of coffee? Will "Injun Joe" ever get a better hairpiece?

Cheddar doesn't get much chunkier than GIANT FROM THE UNKNOWN! Highly entertaining hooey!

P.S.- Janet also makes sandwiches...

Giant From The Unknown is a standard classic in my collection in that I have watched it nearly a dozen times since purchasing the DVD. I like most of my generation grew up on these B-movies almost second hand through late night television shows with strange horror hosts who poked harmless fun at the pictures but really taught us to embrace the classic films usually ignored by big box office standard studios. That feeling of nostalgia is why I still turn to these films as an almost "comfort food" for the soul.

This film although rattled with the faux pas of most classic B-movies in that there is a basic male chauvinism and xenophobia subtext to the story is a fun and light sci-fi flick for all ages. It is just how film and television flowed in those days. Push it aside and Giant From The Unknown like a lot of old movies is really a great story that is both entertaining and filled with adventure. Especially when dealing with the 50's sci-fi genre. It is directed by Richard E. Cunha and stars Ed Kemmer, Buddy Baer, Sally Fraser and Bob Steele.

This movie has a pretty interesting and fantastical story that deals with real giants of historical legends which just sets the mind to wonder. The dialog and acting is classic melodrama which is slightly over-the-top but fun to watch. The Giant is pretty intimidating and unlike most movie monsters of the era he looks convincing realistic. Over all the film is a great way to introduce kids to the old black & white genre stuff and a film that hold's it's own against any giant lizard or mummy. Just let yourself set back and enjoy a fun classic film.

RATING: *1/2 out of ****

Director Cunha's first of four drive-in "horror classics" is merely typical, and not a big deal. It's about a trio of expeditionists unearthing an infamous 6' 6" Spanish Conquistador who promptly picks up his axe and stalks around the woods for a while.

Ed Kemmer makes a likeable leading man, and Sally Fraser is the standard helpless heroine. Morris Ankrum seems hesitant to deliver his lines, and the film is sprinkled with enough silly acting to make it endurable for a single viewing.

The film falls short with the title character; a helmeted tall man with dirt and mud on his face just doesn't terrify me. It's one of the last makeups done by genius artist Jack Pierce (famous for his timeless Wolf Man and Frankenstein designs for Universal), and not one of his best efforts. The giant does little during the time he's onscreen, and is disappointing.

The best film director Cunha made in the genre - and required viewing for any fifties monster fan - is FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER.