Terror Is a Man (1959)

A mad scientist transforms a panther into a man-like creature that escapes and goes on a murderous rampage.

Director:

Gerardo de Leon

Writer:

Paul Harber (screenplay)

Stars:

Francis Lederer, Greta Thyssen, Richard Derr

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Francis Lederer	...	Dr. Charles Girard
Greta Thyssen	...	Frances Girard
Richard Derr	...	William Fitzgerald
Oscar Keesee	...	Walter Perrera
Lilia Duran	...	Selene
Peyton Keesee	...	Tiago - the Boy
Flory Carlos	...	Beast-Man

Storyline

William Fitzgerald finds himself shipwrecked on an island whose native inhabitants have recently fled. His civilized host, the secretive Dr. Charles Girard, explains that they were superstitiously fearful of his scientific work. Now the only people on the island are the castaway, the scientist, his voluptuous wife, his sleazy assistant, his beautiful native servant and her young son. But there may be one more man on the island: it's all a matter of philosophy and semantics. It seems Dr. Girard is surgically transforming a panther into a human being. The trouble is, the creature is not above killing members of the species he has recently joined.

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Plot Keywords:

panther | island | native | experiment | mad scientist | 

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Taglines:

THE BELL TELLS-Close your eyes you're CHICKEN-Keep them open you're COOL...LISTEN FOR THE BELL! (reissue "Blood Creature" print ad)

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

Philippines USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

November 1959 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blood Creature

Filming Locations:

Corregidor Island, Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lynn-Romero Productions, Premiere Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A warning bell sounded before "horrific" scenes.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Walter Perrera: I was here this afternoon. He wasn't here then.

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Connections

Version of Dr. Moreau's House of Pain (2004)

User Reviews

Much Better Than I Expected

This film, obviously inspired by H.G. Wells THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU, takes a while to get going but does pick up near the end. The acting, production values and cinematography were superior than expectation for a low budget film made in the Philippines although it's difficult to find a good print throughout. There are some intense, suspenseful and disturbing moments in Dr. Girard's underground laboratory.