The Johnstown Monster

I have seen the film several times as i was an extra in it. It is a very enjoyable family film and would be enjoyed by young children in particular. The Boat scene was filmed in Killaloe and featured the CIE cruiser St.Kieran (Now operating in New Ross in Wexford as a floating restaurant)It is of great interest to locals in Ballina/Killaloe & Garrykennedy as a lot of locals were in the film.The best known actor to the locals was Desmond Perry who at the time was featuring in a weekly soap called Tolka Row. It is a simple story about a monster in the Lough similar to the Lough Ness Monster. It involves an American tourist who is out to prove that it does not exist and how local kids continue to bring the monster to life every so often.

I saw this movie way back in the early 70's which followed with a strong determination to visit the Johnstown Castle in Ireland, which eventually I did. The film was made on location. The castle could not be visited from the inside but the view from the outside was worth the visit. There are numerous web sites that show the castle also.

I too wish I could see this film again, because I forgot what it was all about. I have always appreciated films made in England with children who go on expeditions or act as spies. Makes me wish I was a kid again. If anyone knows of similar films, just as good, please let me know. Also if anyone knows where a copy could be purchased, please let me know that too. (wna7@hotmail.com) Thanks!

Although I haven't seen The Johnstown Monster for several years now, I remember it very well.

A group of local children decide to make a fake lake monster to attract more tourists to the area, making them think it is the real thing. But one American, who does not believe in the legend, does all he can to prove it is a fake and achieves this at the end by shooting it and it deflates. He is then confronted by the real monster just after.

The cast is mostly made up of unknowns, although Michael Goodliffe (The Day The Earth Caught Fire) is in it.

Unfortunately, this movie isn't available on video or DVD anywhere and have to rely on it coming on TV, but it hasn't been screened for several years now.

I rather enjoyed watching this movie and is worth looking out for.

Rating: 3 stars out of 5.