Exploring the Classic Low Budget B-Movies 'Creature of the Black Lagoon' and 'Them!' from 1954

Are you a fan of low-budget horror films? If so, then the 1950s were one of the best eras for you to explore. In 1954, two horror films that stand out are Jack Arnold’s “Creature of the Black Lagoon” and George Pal’s “Them!”. Both films showcased unique and prehistoric creatures that captivated audiences for generations. Today, let’s dive into these two classic B-movies and explore what made them so special.

‘Creature of the Black Lagoon’: A Monster You Would Want to Save

One of the best low-budget B-movies ever made, ‘Creature of the Black Lagoon’ (1954) features a captivating love story mixed with a thrilling chase. In this film, Dr. Carl Maia Antonio Moreno (Tarzan actor Roy Roberts) finds unique skeletal remains in the Amazonian jungle. A team of scientists, led by Dr. David Reed (Richard Carlson), embarks on a journey to explore further.

What they discover is nothing like they expected. A living prehistoric creature, half-man and half-amphibious reptile, arises from the depths of the Black Lagoon. This creature finds Dr. David’s fiancée, Kay Lawrence (Julie Adams), and does not take kindly to the scientists’ attempts to capture her. The creature becomes protective of Kay, leading to a series of battles and rescues.

Key Moments and Frightening Scenes

One of the most famous scenes in ‘Creature of the Black Lagoon’ is where the creature tracks Kay from below while she treads water in the lagoon. This scene eerily foreshadows the iconic underwater shark scene from ‘Jaws’ (1975), showcasing the effective use of tension and suspense. This horror film has earned a special place in cinema history because you root for the monster.

The creature, known as “The Thing from the Lagoon,” is not just a mindless killer. It shows flashes of intelligence and a protective nature toward Kay. This makes the audience empathize with the creature, making it a standout among B-movies.

‘Them!’: The Giant Ants of the New Mexico Desert

Another 1954 horror classic is George Pal’s ‘Them!’. Set in the New Mexico desert, this film follows the story of a serial killer, Sgt. Ben Peterson (James Whitmore), who investigates a series of mysterious ant attacks. The sheer scale and invasiveness of the ant colony make this film stand out from other similar B-movies of the era.

The Mystery Unfolds

As the movie begins, police officers, including Ben and his partner, encounter a child named Sandy Descher who has just screamed, “Them!” while wandering in the desert. This becomes the first hint of the giant ants that are menacing the residents. FBI agent Robert Graham (James Arness), Ben, and a team of scientists, including Dr. Harold Medford (Edmund Gwenn) and his daughter, embark on a mission to protect the people and destroy the colony.

Nuclear Origins and Final Moments

Dr. Harold Medford explains that the atomic bomb tests in 1945 led to the creation of these dangerous mutant ants. The story evolves further with the discovery that two queen ants have fled to Los Angeles. The fear is that they are starting a huge colony in the underground drain tunnels of the city. The team must race against time to find the queens and save the children who are reported missing.

Eye Catching Details

‘Them!’ is not only a gripping tale but also meticulously crafted with impressive visual effects. The destruction of the ant colonies and the epic chase scenes are still thrilling to watch today. Interestingly, the original plan was to film this movie in color and in New York City, but the local subway officials objected, leading to a change in the setting and color scheme. This decision, though seemingly inconvenient at the time, has benefited the movie in the long run by making it more memorable.

TRIVIA

Did you know that ‘Them!’ was initially budgeted for color production in New York City but was scaled down to black and white due to objections from local authorities? The film was instead shot in the vast, stark landscapes of New Mexico. This unexpected change in setting and color scheme has created something special. Many of the iconic posters for ‘Them!’ are in color, a testament to the movie’s enduring appeal.

Both ‘Creature of the Black Lagoon’ and ‘Them!’ exemplify the ingenuity and creativity of filmmakers in the 1950s. Despite being low-budget B-movies, they offer a unique and thrilling experience that still captivates audiences today. Whether you’re interested in prehistoric creatures or giant animals gone rogue, these films are essential watching for any horror fan.