The Black Scorpion (1957)

User Rating:

4.2/10   

Director:

Edward Ludwig

Writers:

Robert Blees (writer)
David Duncan (writer)

Release Date:

11 October 1957 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

DON'T BE ASHAMED TO SCREAM - IT HELPS TO RELIEVE THE TENSION

Plot:

Volcanic activity frees giant scorpions from the earth who wreak havoc in the rural countryside and eventually threaten Mexico City.

Plot Keywords:

Mexico City | Scorpion | Mexico | Geologist | Cavern

Cast

Richard Denning	...	Hank Scott
Mara Corday	...	Teresa Alvarez
Carlos Rivas	...	Artur Ramos
Mario Navarro	...	Juanito
Carlos Múzquiz	...	Dr. Velazco
Pascual García Peña	...	José de la Cruz
Fanny Schiller	...	Florentina
Pedro Galván	...	Father Delgado
Arturo Martínez	...	Major Cosio

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

USA:Approved (certificate #18505) | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

Estadio Universitario, Mexico City, México D.F., Mexico

Company:

Amex Productions

Trivia:

That giant worm with the "octopus-like arms" seen in this film is a prop from the unused spider pit sequence from the original King Kong (1933).

Goofs:

Continuity: Drs. Scott and Ramos switch positions three times while driving in the Jeep.

Quotes:

Teresa Alvarez: Caviar? Aren't you overdoing it a bit, Hank?
Hank Scott: Well, I've got to make an impression on you in 48 hours that'll last for two months. What's the matter, don't you like caviar?
Teresa Alvarez: Oh, I love it, but, I must say, I could never understand why it's so expensive!
Hank Scott: Well, it's a whole year's work for a sturgeon.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Black Scorpion (#2.12)" (1990)

Those Scorpions Gave Me Nightmares

One of the better Fifties science fiction entries is The Black Scorpion or scorpions to be precise. These creatures got released during a volcanic eruption and started wreaking havoc in the area around Mexico City.

Of all the monsters created by the special effects guys including the great Ray Harryhausen, the ugliest, meanest, nastiest creatures ever brought to the screen were these scorpions. They are ugly as sin, emit an obnoxious drool when on the prowl and make a noise guaranteed to scare any kid or kid at heart out of his comfortable movie seat. And they are one of the few creatures which are not either from outer space or caused by radioactivity.

When the scorpions start doing their thing, scientists Richard Denning and Carlos Rivas are in the area as is ranch owner Mara Corday. In between trying to figure out how to combat the scorpions, a little romance gets going between Denning and Corday. And there's a cute little kid around played by Mario Navarro who gets in all kinds of trouble tagging along with the scientists.

But you can mute the romance and get into the action. I guarantee you will like the scene inside the volcano where Denning, Rivas, and little Mario have to deal not only with the scorpions, but with giant earthworms and spiders. And the final battle in the Mexico City soccer stadium between the scorpion and the scientists and Mexican army is a tingler.