The Blob (1958)

An alien lifeform consumes everything in its path as it grows and grows.

Directors:

Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr., Russell S. Doughten Jr. (uncredited)

Writers:

Theodore Simonson (screenplay), Kay Linaker (screenplay) (as Kate Phillips)

Stars:

Steve McQueen, Aneta Corsaut, Earl Rowe

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steve McQueen	...	Steve Andrews (as Steven McQueen)
Aneta Corsaut	...	Jane Martin (as Aneta Corseaut)
Earl Rowe	...	Lt. Dave
Olin Howland	...	Old Man (as Olin Howlin)
Stephen Chase	...	Dr. T. Hallen (as Steven Chase)
John Benson	...	Sgt. Jim Bert
George Karas	...	Officer Ritchie
Lee Payton	...	Kate the Nurse
Elbert Smith	...	Henry Martin
Hugh Graham	...	Mr. Andrews
Vincent Barbi	...	George - Cafe Owner (as Vince Barbi)
Audrey Metcalf	...	Elizabeth Martin
Jasper Deeter	...	Civil Defense Volunteer
Tom Ogden	...	Fire Chief
Elinor Hammer	...	Mrs. Porter

Storyline

A mysterious creature from another planet, resembling a giant blob of jelly, lands on earth. The people of a nearby small town refuse to listen to some teenagers who have witnessed the blob's destructive power. In the meantime, the blob just keeps on getting bigger.

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Plot Keywords:

meteorite | teenager | alien | eaten alive | disbelieving adult | 

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Taglines:

The Classic 1958 Original

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 September 1958 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Molten Meteor

Filming Locations:

Valley Forge Studios, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$240,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$4,000,000, 31 December 1958

Company Credits

Production Co:

Tonylyn Productions Inc., Valley Forge Films, Fairview Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min 83 min (Blu-ray Unrated Edition)

Sound Mix:

Mono Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Color by Deluxe)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Producer Jack H. Harris had experience as a distributor, but this was his first foray into motion picture production.

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Goofs

When Tony and his friends taunt Steve in his car, Tony puts both his hands on the top of the windshield. In a closer shot, his right hand is suddenly not there.

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Quotes

Tony Gressette: [Steve stops outside the phone booth to call the police] Go on!
Steve Andrews: You talk to them, Tony.
Tony Gressette: Me? Why me?
Steve Andrews: I'm supposed to be home asleep, if they think I'm running around loose, they'll never believe us.
Al: Yeah yeah, here's a dime. Come on, come on!
Tony Gressette: What'll I say?
Steve Andrews: Ask for Dave, and listen Tony, you give it to him straight. Tell him to get out to this store quick! You tell him to bring every piece of hardware he can find in the police station!

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Crazy Credits

Stephen Chase is listed in the credits as "Steven Chase."

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Alternate Versions

Spanish dubbed version substitutes the opening credits theme song for a more conventional, in-tone with the movie, instrumental tune.

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Connections

Referenced in M*A*S*H: Operation Noselift (1974)

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Soundtracks

THE BLOB
Written by Burt Bacharach & Mack David
Performed by The Five Blobs, arranged by and all vocals by Bernie Knee

User Reviews

Excellent B-grade entertainment!

The Blob is a classic 1950s B-movie sci-fi flick. You probably know the story: two teens (Steve McQueen & Aneta Corsaut) see a meteorite hit the ground, and when they go to look for it, they run into an old man with some weird...blob attached to his arm. They take him to the doctor's office, and then go to find out what happened. From there, the blob spreads, eating everyone in its path. The special effects are cheesy fun, as is the story. There are a lot of great touches, like the cop who plays chess over the radio with a cop in another district. It's no masterpiece, but it has a special place in its genre. Steve McQueen is very good. 8/10.