The Food of the Gods (1976)

Morgan and his friends are on a hunting trip on a remote Canadian island when they are attacked by a swarm of giant wasps. Looking for help, Morgan stumbles across a barn inhabited by an ... See full summary »

Director:

Bert I. Gordon

Writers:

H.G. Wells (portion of novel), Bert I. Gordon (screenplay)

Stars:

Marjoe Gortner, Pamela Franklin, Ralph Meeker

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Marjoe Gortner	...	Morgan
Pamela Franklin	...	Lorna
Ralph Meeker	...	Bensington
Jon Cypher	...	Brian
Ida Lupino	...	Mrs. Skinner
John McLiam	...	Mr. Skinner
Belinda Balaski	...	Rita
Tom Stovall	...	Thomas
Chuck Courtney	...	Davis
Reg Tunnicliffe	...	Ferry Attendant

Storyline

Morgan and his friends are on a hunting trip on a remote Canadian island when they are attacked by a swarm of giant wasps. Looking for help, Morgan stumbles across a barn inhabited by an enormous killer chicken. After doing some exploring, they discover the entire island is crawling with animals that have somehow grown to giant size. The most dangerous of all of these, however, are the rats, who are mobilizing to do battle with the human intruders.

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Plot Keywords:

island | rat | wasp | cabin | actual animal killed | 

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Taglines:

Welcome to the Bottom of the Food Chain!

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Genres:

Sci-Fi | Horror

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 June 1976 (USA)

Also Known As:

H.G. Wells' The Food of the Gods

Filming Locations:

Cowan's Point, Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

American International Pictures (AIP)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Oversized reproductions of worms, chickens, wasps and rats were used to create the gigantic creature effect. Six different mechanized rat heads and four human-motivated rat costumes were also employed.

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Goofs

When Morgan first meets Mrs. Skinner's Rooster, the legs (from the knees down) are visible of the crewmember wielding the giant chicken head.

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Quotes

Jack Bensington: You know about the food the Skinners have up here?
Morgan: Yeah, a little.
Jack Bensington: Well, I can tell you right now if you're entertaining any intention of becoming involved, you're too late. My company controls all rights.
Morgan: Well then maybe it's not Mr. Skinner I want to see after all, is it?

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Crazy Credits

Based on a Portion of the Novel By H.G. Wells

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Master Ninja II (1992)

User Reviews

Giant animals attack humans!

For some unknown reason, this movie is one of my guilty pleasures. It is a bad movie I can't get enough of. Watching Ida Lupino screech as a giant plastic worm chews on her arm was a camp moment unlike any other. A giant chicken takes out some townsfolk, as do giant rats and giant wasps. All of this happens because the animals eat what appears to be hot marshmallow creme gurgling out of the earth. The special effects are from what appears to be the caveman era, but it is still fun to watch. Another movie that could almost work if remade with today's special effects (and a major script overhaul).