The Mole People (1956)

A party of archaeologists discovers the remnants of a mutant five-millennia-old Sumerian civilization living beneath a glacier atop a mountain in Mesopotamia.

Director:

Virgil W. Vogel (as Virgil Vogel)

Writer:

László Görög (as Laszlo Gorog)

Stars:

John Agar, Cynthia Patrick, Hugh Beaumont

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Agar	...	Dr. Roger Bentley
Cynthia Patrick	...	Adad
Hugh Beaumont	...	Dr. Jud Bellamin
Alan Napier	...	Elinu, the High Priest
Nestor Paiva	...	Prof. Etienne Lafarge
Phil Chambers	...	Dr. Paul Stuart
Rodd Redwing	...	Nazar
Robin Hughes	...	First Officer
Frank Baxter	...	Self (in introduction) (as Dr. Frank C. Baxter)

Storyline

On an archaeological dig in Asia, Dr. Roger Bentley finds a cuneiform tablet referring to an ancient society, the Shadow Dynasty, that was destroyed. An earthquake soon after reveals an ancient artifact and the scientists discover the ruins of an ancient temple world on a remote mountain site. It leads them to an underground world, lost in time, where people have adapted to low light. The High Priest Elinu doesn't welcome the presence of the new arrivals and wants them eliminated.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | pipe smoking | camp | albino | archaeologist | 

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Taglines:

HORROR LIKE NOTHING YOUR EYES HAVE SEEN BEFORE (original print ad - all caps)

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Genres:

Adventure | Fantasy | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Footage of the mole people was later used in The Wild World Of Batwoman as monsters created by a supervillain.

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Goofs

Lafarge says "Dr. Bentley, do you remember the Gilgamesh tablets that George Smith found?" George Smith did not find the Gilgamesh tablets. He was the British Museum assistant that first translated the tablets in 1872. The tablets were discovered in 1839 by A.H. Layard. Later, Dr. Stuart questions the existence of a "Sumerian version of Noah's Ark." Dr. Bentley responds "Exactly. The flood has been proven to be a historical fact, why not a Sumerian version?" The Sumerian version (the story of Utnapishtim and the flood) is found in the Epic of Gilgamesh, which they spoke of earlier; therefore, it should be no surprise to Dr. Stuart. These do not appear to be very learned archaeologists.

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Quotes

Dr. Roger Bentley: Jud, come here. Take a look at this.
Dr. Jud Bellamin: Claw marks! Maybe a hand. There're four cuts.
Dr. Roger Bentley: Some hand. Whoever it was needs a manicure.

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Crazy Credits

Opening Credits rise up from a hole in the ground.

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Connections

Referenced in The Last Man on Earth: Got Milk? (2017)

User Reviews

Lame Conclusion for an Entertaining B-Movie

"The Mole People" is another underrated black-and-white B-movie from the 50´s. The story of archaeologists that discover an ancient underground society in Asia is entertaining but unfortunately the rushed conclusion is lame and gives the sensation that the budget ended and the film had to be interrupted. The beauty of Cynthia Patrick is still impressive in the present days. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): "O Templo do Pavor" ("The Temple of the Dread")

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

December 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Mole People

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

77 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1