Note: This movie is being released on Blu-ray by Olive Films (www.olivefilms.com – www.facebook.com/olivefilms) on Sept. 13th.
Like most kids, I grew up loving horror flicks. And I watched all sorts from many eras, including classic monster pictures from the 30s, 80s slashers, as well as old creature features from the 50s and early 60s. This week sees the release of a lesser-known effort from the latter category. Personally, these types of oldies have always held some charm and appeal in their good-natured shoddiness. Particularly independent drive-in flicks, where upstarts would shoot quickly and cut corners wherever they could, including such important departments as make-up effects and cinematography.
However, I may have to rethink my views with the new Blu-ray release of The Monster of Piedras Blancas from Olive Films. This a movie that hasn’t been seen since the fuzzy days of VHS and late night TV broadcasts and it has always looked pretty grainy. What a difference high definition makes. Frankly, the image quality on this release is nothing short of stunning.
Despite the fact that this flick was made for peanuts ($29,000 in actuality), the black and white lighting and cinematography is astounding. And it’s been beautifully transferred to disc. It’s so sharp… the lighthouse, cliffs and seascapes, the details in a the town’s general store, the inky blacks and moody night scenes… they all look incredible. I’m not saying the photography was ever worthy of an Oscar, but it’s certainly far more polished than expected. in fact, it enough to make me wonder, could I have been wrong about other movies from this period? Are The Killer Shrews (1959) and Teenage Zombies (1960) masterfully photographed features that just have yet to receive a proper transfer?
Whatever the answer, it’s remarkable to see a movie like this getting such great treatment. As for the plot, it is pretty standard for the genre. A series of very strange murders have shocked the small coastal village of Piedras Blancas. The victims are decapitated, leading some of the superstitious locals to blame the legendary monster referenced in the title. Of course, it doesn’t help matters that the town’s oddball lighthouse keeper (John Harmon) leaves meat scraps out by the cliffs for no known reason.
The eccentric loner is also overly concerned about his adult daughter Lucy (Jeanne Carmen, known for her work as a model and… yes… a trick-shot golfer… because apparently that was a career option back in the day). Despite dad forbidding it, Lucy seems determined to go out after dark. At least she has boyfriend Fred (Don Sullivan) to keep her company. He’s a marine scientist (at least, I think he is… he talks about taking samples from the ocean doesn’t elaborate about what he does with them and he’s ready to protect his lady from the impending threat.
Pacing wise the story is slow, but the disc’s image quality is so striking that I was entertained just by viewing the various locations and sets. And along the way, there are some goofy lines that will keep B-movie fans chortling. Most amusing is the local constable (Forrest Lewis) and doctor (Les Tremayne). Despite all the brutal killings, they spend more time in the local cafe discussing what to do rather than actually doing anything about the killings. Thankfully, they so take action towards the close.
And when the monster in a rubber suit goes on a head-tearing rampage in the final third, the picture is a whole lot of fun. This movie is known for being more violent and graphic than other movies of its era. That is certainly true with all the severed noggins… although by today’s standards it isn’t shocking. The fake head gore is far funnier than it is scary.
As mentioned, the production values are surprisingly high. As it turns out, director Irvin Berwick and producer Jack Kevan weren’t inexperienced filmmakers; both previously worked as contract employees at Universal Studios. Kevan worked in the make-up department and even helped create the Gill-man on Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954). Reportedly, these two “borrowed” liberally from their previous employer to stretch their independent production, and it shows.
The Monster of Piedras Blancas is a silly little creature feature, but one that definitely has its moments and ultimately matches many other low-rent chillers of its era. Additionally, the Blu-ray image quality looks pretty dazzling. If you enjoy flicks from this peculiar subgenre, you’re likely to enjoy this release.