Swamp Thing (1982)

After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster.

Director:

Wes Craven

Writers:

Wes Craven, Len Wein (comic book)

Stars:

Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Louis Jourdan	...	Arcane
Adrienne Barbeau	...	Alice Cable
Ray Wise	...	Dr. Alec Holland
David Hess	...	Ferret
Nicholas Worth	...	Bruno
Don Knight	...	Ritter
Al Ruban	...	Charlie
Dick Durock	...	Swamp Thing
Ben Bates	...	Arcane Monster
Nannette Brown	...	Dr. Linda Holland
Reggie Batts	...	Jude
Mimi Craven	...	Arcane's Secretary (as Mimi Meyer)
Karen Price	...	Arcane's Messenger
Bill Erickson	...	Young Agent
Dov Gottesfeld	...	Commando

Storyline

Dr. Alec Holland, hidden away in the depths of a murky swamp, is trying to create a new species - a combination of animal and plant capable of adapting and thriving in the harshest conditions. Unfortunately he becomes subject of his own creation and is transformed . . . Arcane, desperate for the formula attempts to capture the Swamp Thing. An explosive chase ensues that ultimately ends with a confrontation between Holland and a changed Arcane . . .

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Plot Keywords:

swamp thing | psychotronic film | psychotronic | cult film | dc comics | 

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Taglines:

The comic book legend lives!

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Das Ding aus dem Sumpf

Filming Locations:

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Swampfilms

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min 93 min (DVD) 89 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Music composer Harry Manfredini had previously composed the music score for Friday the 13th (1980) and Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) (as well as their later sequels) with his score for Swamp Thing (1982) containing multiple similarities to this theme music from the franchise.

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Goofs

In the scene after the Swamp Thing heals Jude, he walks by a very large bush that is clearly camouflage netting.

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Quotes

Doctor Alec Holland: No, Ritter. Not you.
Harry Ritter: No, Dr. Holland, not Ritter.
[voice changes]
Harry Ritter: Ritter, poor fellow, is long dead.
[removes his mask, showing that was Arcane all along]
Dr. Anton Arcane: You've heard of but never seen me, so I'll introduce myself. My name is Arcane.

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Connections

Referenced in The Angry Video Game Nerd: Halloween (2007)

User Reviews

One of Craven's best

Swamp thing is a comic book film with the audacity to flaunt it's low budget and depend on the character elements of the film, well executed action sequences, scenery and a vibrant score which luckily saves a lot of money and provides for and entertaining gem of a film. Louise Jordan is a wonderful villain, his work is on par with his later appearance as a 007 villain in octopussy. Adriene Barbeaux oozes sexuality, without sacrificing toughness which is rare. Something disappeared after the 1980's with regard to women in action thrillers. The toughness seems manufactured as opposed to genuine. The sexual attractiveness remains, but rather than asserting themselves through intelligence, many of the female heroes of todays films seem to display a snobbish sort of entitlement, almost as if a lawyer was waiting to swoop down and file a law suite, if the film's villains dare to detract from their toughness. There is none of that here, she seems smart, tough and sexy which is rare. As for the storyline, it is what it is, not a whole lot of surprises, but that's o.k. It's a comic book, not War and Peace. Swamp Thing is an overlooked and under-rated movie that deserves a look from fans of the genre, and yound people fascinated with comics especially.