Pauspy:
Last night I watched The Alligator People again for the first time in quite a while. I had remembered being a little dissapointed the first time I saw it, but in this second viewing I think I apprciate it more.
Outside of the fantasy elements of "alligator gland" experimentation, and a pretty cool-looking cobalt-ray projector, the story could easily be any classic Gothic romance/adventure. You have the gloomy mansion, the dishy female protagonist (Beverly Garland rowr rowr!), the mysterious secret, the lost love, and the hulking no-goodnik (Lon Chaney Jr frothing enthusiastically at the 'gators who took his hand, a la Captain Hook).
I thought the mid-transformation" make-up was pretty good, though the final "gator-head" look probably looked better on paper than fully realized with the make-up available at the time. A modern 'gator-man would, I think, look totally amazing.Any other thoughts about this movie?
Caveman:
Alligator People is a surprisingly good little film, decently acted and tightly directed. There are a number of good atmospheric moments here and there. Lon Chaney Jr. steal the show once more. He overacts with zeal, and gives us one of the most entertaining brute character ever. In contrast, Beverly Garland gives a dignified performance as a confused yet determined wife in search of her missing husband.
The special effects are fairly standard and well done, especially Paul's makeup. However, once he becomes a walking alligator, we are treated to one of the most rigid rubber monster suits ever (pay attention when the actor noticeably has trouble finding his away across a swampy movie set.) The movie is slowly paced and can be a bit stagnant at times, but it should easily entertain Lon Chaney fans and atomic monster lovers. Even if you don't fall into either category, give it a chance.
RedKing:
I agree-very fun movie! Lon also has one of my favorite lines in this movie-"I'll getcha alligator man-just like I'd get any 4 legged gator!" I don't know why, but that line has always stuck with me and I say it at random times occasionally. Even with the rubbery gator head make-up, I like the Alligator man look and a modern version would really be spectacular, especially if someone like Rick Baker did the make-up!Beverly Garland is always a treat to watch, Bruce Bennet had played Tarzan in the 1935 serial New Adventures of Tarzan under the name Herman Brix as well as appearing in a few Stooges shorts until moving on to supporting roles in mainstream films with stars like Humphrey Bogart. He lived to be 100 years old and passed away in 2007! Richard Crane who played Alligator Man Paul had been the hero Rocky Jones in the 1954-56 early sci-fi TV series Rocky Jones Space Ranger.
Caveman:
There are clear shades of The Fly in the relationship between the distressed wife and her desperate husband in search of a cure.
Hmmm! Maybe you're right after all, RedKing, the suit is ridiculously interesting and almost pretty effective. ;D
Pauspy:
I loved Lon's over-the-top performacne as well; compared to the fairly low-key and, as caveman mentioned, somewhat plodding pace of the rest of the movie at times, his performance really stands out.