Night of the Lepus (1972)

Director:

William F. Claxton

Writers:

Russell Braddon (novel)
Don Holliday (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

4 October 1972 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Tagline:

They were born that tragic moment when science made its great mistake... now from behind the shroud of night they come, a scuttling, shambling horde of creatures destroying all in their path.

Plot:

Giant mutant rabbits terrorize the southwest!!

Plot Keywords:

Rabbit | Dead Family | Giant Animal | Mutant Animal | Pantyhose

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Stuart Whitman	...	Roy Bennett
Janet Leigh	...	Gerry Bennett
Rory Calhoun	...	Cole Hillman
DeForest Kelley	...	Elgin Clark
Paul Fix	...	Sheriff Cody
Melanie Fullerton	...	Amanda Bennett
Chris Morrell	...	Jackie Hillman
Chuck Hayward	...	Jud
Henry Wills	...	Frank
Francesca Jarvis	...	Mildred
William Elliott	...	Dr. Leopold
Bob Hardy	...	Professor Dirkson (as Robert Hardy)
Richard Jacome	...	Deputy Jason
Inez Perez	...	Housekeeper
Roy Gaintner	...	Walker (as G. Leroy Gaintner)

Also Known As:

Rabbits (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

88 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:PG | UK:X (original rating) | Australia:G

Filming Locations:

Ajo, Arizona, USA

Company:

A.C. Lyles Productions

Trivia:

The films original title was 'Rabbits', but MGM felt the title didn't suit a horror film at all so it was re-named the more sinister title Night of the Lepus.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: Before the rabbits stampede on the general store, a stagehand is visible in the background of one of the shots of the empty road. Since the road is a miniature set, this means that he looks about fifty feet tall.

Quotes:

Husband in Car: Picking up no strangers, Susan. I said that when we left Denver, and I'm sticking with it. Especially a man carrying a gun!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Beast of Yucca Flats (#7.21)" (1995)

Cottontails On the Rampage Doesn't Make For A Bad Film!

OK, I've read several of the reviews/comments for this film and I must stand and be counted as one of the fans of this low-budget film. Sure, the story may be ludicrous and the effects may be bad, but face it, this film doesn't deserve all the bad publicity it always receives. It's got a nice cast and they all seem to be genuine in their efforts to make this film a success, but it does fall short of it's target in several aspects. I'd say the one constant in this film that bothers me the most is the young girl, the daughter of Stuart Whitman and Janet Leigh, I'd have gladly fed her to these rabbits in the first 20 minutes or so, but beyond that, I really don't see all the fuss about how horrible of a film this is. It's definitely an original idea for a horror film and if you ever have the opportunity to view the unedited version, there is a scene or two that's nice and bloody, but it isn't a gore-hound's delight and it won't ever sit high among the classics of horror, but I miss the fact that this used to be a staple on late-night TV when I was a kid and you can't see it at all, these days. For those of you with a curious nature, I'd recommend viewing this film at least once, just so you can be counted among film fans that have watched this killer bunny film...trust me, it won't hurt at all!