Zaat (1971)

A mad scientist transforms himself into an aquatic killer.

Director:

Don Barton

Writers:

Ron Kivett (story), Lee O. Larew (story),

Stars:

Marshall Grauer, Wade Popwell, Paul Galloway

Bottom 100 #47 | See the Bottom 100 movies as voted by our users.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marshall Grauer	...	Dr. Kurt Leopold
Wade Popwell	...	The Monster
Paul Galloway	...	Sheriff Lou Krantz
Gerald Cruse	...	Marine Biologist Rex
Sanna Ringhaver	...	INPIT Agent Martha Walsh
Dave Dickerson	...	INPIT Agent Walker Stevens
Rich Valliere	...	Deputy Sheriff (as Archie Valliere)
Nancy Lien	...	Girl Camper
Russell Holcomb
Gloria Brady
Del Galloway
Hal Nearhoof
Jim Merrill	...	Boy on porch
Elizabeth Barton	...	Girl on porch
Bob Knowles

Storyline

A mad scientist (and apparent former Nazi) unleashes his master plan: to transform himself into a mutated walking catfish, gain revenge on those who have spurned him, and kidnap nubile young women to similarly transform so that he can breed. Or something like that.

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Plot Keywords:

mad scientist | scientist | catfish | laboratory | nazi experiment | 

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Taglines:

Hydra will rip at your senses and plunge you into a quagmire of revulsion...

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Genres:

Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

January 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Attack of the Swamp Creatures

Filming Locations:

Green Cove Springs, Florida, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Barton Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the only movie that the cast appeared in (excluding Paul Galloway, who appeared in J.D.'s Revenge, and one of the bit players, who appeared in Silent Night, Deadly Night III: Better Watch Out!), and the only movie for most of the crew as well.

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Goofs

After the Monster trashes the drugstore and walks out to the right side, a shadow can be seen moving around on the floor on the left side.

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Quotes

Dr. Leopold: I'll cause underwater life to triumph over all other living creatures. I will adapt myself to a permanent underwater environment. All other humans will be conquered. I can not - I WILL NOT BE STOPPED! I will select a mate with utmost care, and together we will create a whole new aquatic race. But there is no time left!

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Connections

Referenced in Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams (2002)

User Reviews

Great 70's Fun!

This film is a testament to the low budget, independent monster/horror flicks of the 60's and 70's. Man with a grudge, Dr. Kurt Leopold, transforms himself into a murderous "man fish" reeking revenge on all who have scorned him and anyone who gets in his way. Sure, the FX are non existent, the acting and dialogue amateurish, and the monster looks incredibly inane - a "man fish" with fur around the neck and back to hide the zipper! But that's what makes these films loads of fun to watch! You have to admire these independents who often invest their life savings to produce these gems. Lots of heart and soul fuse this genre. Today's excuses for cinema with bloated corporate budgets, over production, over paid prima donna actors, and excessive FX can't compare to the spirit and zeal of this genre. Cinamatic hacks such as Spielberg, Scorsese, Lucas, and Coppola who prostitute themselves on a consistent basis can learn a lot from the likes of The Blood Waters of Dr. Z.