TARANTULA

Tarantula Movie Review

Professor Gerald Deemer (Hitchcock film regular Leo G. Carroll) and his colleagues have devised a formula that rapidly increases the growth of animals, but when a tarantula escapes the lab, the results are deadly. I really love watching 1950s sci-fi monster movies, and this 1955 classic is no exception. Let's face it--as much as we love this genre, most of the films are filled with awful dialogue, bad acting, horrible directing--this can certainly add to the enjoyment of some of the films, but Tarantula separates itself from a lot of the pack by actually delivering competency in these areas as well. The acting across the board is actually good, the dialogue is smart, the story is interesting, and the film has a wonderful pace. The makeup and special effects are quite impressive as well, but fear not, monster movie fans--some of the visuals and cheesiness we love are here too.

"..and then he said "Spider? I never even..."

The movie teases romance between our lead, Dr. Matt Hastings (husband of Shirley Temple and regular John Wayne sidekick), and understudy Stephanie Clayton (former Playboy model Mara Corday), but that really goes nowhere. It also...oh, you want to see Corday? Well, if you insist...

You're welcome

Tarantula is also known for the very brief appearance of a young Clint Eastwood, in an uncredited role.

"Get off my desert floor"

The 1950s produced dozens and dozens of giant, mutant insect and creature movies, but few are as good as Tarantula. While it falls short of what I would consider a "great" movie, if you are a fan of this genre, it should be considered a must-see.

On A Scale Of One To Ten: 7

Tarantula Movie Trailer