Last week, “The Lost World” took us to an area of the Amazon where reptilian creatures abound- but tonight on MeTV- we head to a similarly steamy Amazon jungle sector in search of an amphibious relic from ages ago! We travel to a place that legend says no man has ever returned from- and discover that the deadly species known as Gill Man is the reason why! It’s the classic original introduction to Universal Studios’ greatest monster of the 1950s, and a personal favorite of yours truly- the “Creature from the Black Lagoon”!
We first get a look at a geological expedition along the banks of the Amazon River, where one Dr. Maia is astounded to find an unusual fossil- a large, webbed claw, the likes of which even a learned man of science like him has never seen. The doctor thinks it may be the first true proof of a missing link in the evolutionary chain from the era when sea creatures developed into land dwellers! The doctor leaves his two native assistants to hold down his camp, as he travels to Brazil in order to consult with a former student. That student is Dr. Reed, a California ichthyologist who is immersed (literally) in research there aided by his stunning girlfriend and assistant Kay.
Unfortunately, Reed can't identify the fossil either. He suggests that perhaps a return to that area of the Amazon, and searching for more of the fossil could provide answers. Unfortunately, his boss is Dr. Williams, a bullheaded type who is somewhat of a major roadblock to taking chances (and /or spending money). Reed is shocked when Williams amazingly agrees that such an expedition would be worth the effort and expense (although he is not so much thinking what it could mean to science- more about the money any discovery of additional skeletal proof might bring). There is one catch to his consent- he must join the expedition, with Maia, Reed, and Kay. Since his approval hinges on that, his inclusion really can’t be refused, and with all in reluctant agreement, they are soon on their way to the Amazon. They begin their journey down the renowned river aboard the Rita, a ramshackle steamer, under the command of the unsophisticated but canny Captain Lucas, who is well versed in the local waterways and lore.
When they arrive at Maia’s campsite- they are shocked to find the place torn apart, with both his men dead! It’s suggested that this was the result of a jaguar attack- but it doesn’t seem like any of them really believes that. Regardless of the horrific event, they continue their search for the fossil proof they seek.
Time passes – and they are frustrated that their constant searching hasn’t discovered any additional parts of the fossil, nor even a hint of any. A new theory occurs to them- with the passage of time, any additional fossil remains could have been swept down river! The researchers anxiously decide to head further down the river and reluctantly, Captain Lucas agrees to guide them down a remote tributary that flows into an ominous area known as the “Black Lagoon”-a beautiful place with that legendary reputation that anyone who has dared to go there- has never returned! That seems like reason enough for his reluctance- but they continue on.
They enter the Black Lagoon, finding the area beautiful and fascinating (a description that also applies to Kay)- totally unaware that the creature whose fossilized remains they hope to find is actually alive and well- and stalking THEM! After they drop anchor, the men go diving in search of fossils- while Kay, wearing the most famous one-piece white bathing suit in filmdom, takes her memorable dip (yes, at times, represented by her stunt double)- unaware that right below her is the object of their expedition- the Gill Man- following her every move, and close enough to touch her!
No sooner is everyone back aboard than the boat begins rocking, due to something getting caught in the ship's net. The end result- the net is torn apart, with an ominous claw left stuck in the netting! The shocked expedition party is forced to face the reality that the fabled Gill Man still exists! They put two and two together and discern that the creature is most likely responsible for the attack on Maia’s campsite. Now they realize that it’s aiming for them- with the home field advantage!
There are more savage attacks, and although it is obvious that the wise thing to do is to leave the lagoon immediately- Williams, with dollar signs in his eyes, is unwilling to give up his dreams of the big money windfall and demands that they stay- to attempt to capture the Gill Man, regardless of the dangers! It becomes a battle between them and a creature that evolution could not change. Will they find a way to escape-or join the statistics among those who have never returned from the Black Lagoon?!
This 1954 film truly established the Gill Man as the last of the great Universal monsters. We’ll tell you about the Creature’s background and creation, introduce the movie’s cast, and present a commercial for an alluring scent sent directly from the Amazon. You’ll see an interview with cinematographer/director and longtime Sven fan Michael Goi whose work has ranged from “Glee” to “American Horror Story”, as well as chats with some horror film notables, plus a visit from Gwengoolie, highlights from Flashback Weekend costume contests for both the kids and the adults -and more!
"Creature from the Black Lagoon" surfaces tonight on MeTV at 8pm eastern/pacific, 7 central, or check for time and channel in your local listings and/ or www.metv.com . We appreciate that our viewers have kept us among the top trending topics on Twitter/X and Bluesky by live-posting and Tweeting during the program, and you are invited to join in- just make sure your posts include the hashtag #svengoolie ! Our Chicago area viewers get a second trip back to the “The Lost World” -this week returning to our regular time slot of 11 am on our main local station, WCIU the U.
Our 2025 appearance schedule begins next month- first with the Rich Koz participation in the live stage anniversary “Those Were The Days” event presenting scripts from classic old radio shows on Sunday April 6th- and then, our annual visit to the C2E2 comics and entertainment convention at Chicago’s McCormick Place the weekend of April 11th and 12th. We will be posting more details under the “appearances” tab here on our website as the events get closer.
We just got a glimpse of a very special item that will go on sale in the store on April 1st- no fooling! Keep an eye out for it!
Round 3 of MeTV’s “Me Madness”- is now open, and one of these two famous phrases made it to the next round! Help us make it to Round 4 by casting your vote at metv.com
Join us tonight on MeTV for the ‘50s classic that established the Black Lagoon as a must-see (and must-flee!) location, thanks to the Gill Man!
2821 Comments
But you seem to be a couple of blogs behind 😊
Just waiting for the villagers with pitch forks and torches to show up in support of the opposition.
So much fun.
Didn't like that Dick Tufeld didn't get any similar tribute.
On this day in 1963 (in Turkey, Canada, and the U.S.), The Birds flew the coup and took to the silver screen for a flight of terror. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock from a story by Daphne Du Maurier and Evan Hunter, the film starred Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Birds enjoyed an Academy Award nomination in 1964 in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Visual Effects.'
On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the Man Made Monster! Directed by George Waggner from a story by Harry Essex, Sid Schwartz, and Len Golos, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lionel Atwill, Lon Chaney Jr, Anne Nagel, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist turns a man into an electrically-controlled monster to do his bidding."
"After a young male is transported to the future, he teams up and works with a team of friends who work at a delivery company. Together, they travel on countless adventures where they learn more about each other and get into situations that could have terrible consequences."
Also sad that they couldn't mention Tiny Naylor's as the original roller-skating carhop drive-in (and birthplace of the patty melt). And "Mel's Drive-in"? Should have been Diner; the original is just a couple of miles from where I'm typing this.
