Truth to tell, I wasn't expecting a whole lot from "Giant From the Unknown." I'd seen two of director Richard Cunha's later works, "Missile to the Moon" and "Frankenstein's Daughter," and had found them both incredibly awful, albeit entertainingly so. Indeed, the latter might just be my favorite bad movie of all time. Still, it was to my surprise that "Giant," although certainly not a good movie by any reasonable definition, turned out to be yet another entertaining diversion from director Cunha. In it, a Spanish conquistador, buried 500 years ago by Indians in what is now California, rises from the earth to cause more mayhem. As played by Buddy Baer (brother of heavyweight prizefighter Max), and featuring a makeup job by Jack "Frankenstein" Pierce, this giant does make for one imposing sight. Scientist Morris Ankrum, his daughter Sally Fraser, and an ex-student, Edward Kemmer, all happen to be in this CA mountain community when old Vargas goes on his rampage, and the three make for appealing leads. This film features a fair amount of suspense, some startling moments, not too many unintentionally funny lines, and a fairly compact story line. Granted, some of the backdrops look as phony as can be (that lake, that ersatz dam), and some details don't make much sense if one ponders them later, but darn it, this movie was kinda fun! Maybe I've been watching too many shlocky films lately, and my standards are starting to slip, but still, I did enjoy this one. The DVD looks nice and crisp, too, although the source material seems damaged in spots. All in all, I certainly do not regret having rented this one out....
41 Reviews
You want to see a late Saturday night Creature Feature movie? Here you go.
lemon_magic5 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is strictly by-the-numbers black and white "horror" fare. It isn't bad, it isn't good, it's just hack work done to a certain professional standard. To give you an idea, Morris Ankrum, who played any number of military commanders in a likeable, humane way, has a featured role, and he plays his part here the same way. You wouldn't go out of your way to see it, but he does the bit well.
On the other hand, the opening scene has a ton of exposition by another character actor (all about the violence and assaults and damage happening in the area), an actor who you've seen in a thousand similar movies...but his body language is stiff as a board, (with arms held unnaturally akimbo at his waist) , and completely off. (I can't believe the director was OK with his choices.) And in a gaping plot hole that is never explained, the creature committing the mayhem (the "Giant") isn't actually released from suspended animation until 1/2 way into the movie, so the Giant couldnt have been responsible...so what was the tale-teller going on about??
And there's all the "day for night" scenes. And a romantic relationship with no chemistry between the two principals. And a female lead whose role in the screenplay is mostly making coffee and sandwiches for the men. And a "Giant" who isn't so much a giant as a fairly bulky fellow who absorbs bullets with no apparent ill effects, but can be set back by a board across the chest.
Am I sorry I took the time to see this? No, it was...OK, if somewhat ragged around the edges. Reminiscent of a Corman flick from the same time. And I am sure the target audience from its time was only half-watching it anyway.
On the other hand, the opening scene has a ton of exposition by another character actor (all about the violence and assaults and damage happening in the area), an actor who you've seen in a thousand similar movies...but his body language is stiff as a board, (with arms held unnaturally akimbo at his waist) , and completely off. (I can't believe the director was OK with his choices.) And in a gaping plot hole that is never explained, the creature committing the mayhem (the "Giant") isn't actually released from suspended animation until 1/2 way into the movie, so the Giant couldnt have been responsible...so what was the tale-teller going on about??
And there's all the "day for night" scenes. And a romantic relationship with no chemistry between the two principals. And a female lead whose role in the screenplay is mostly making coffee and sandwiches for the men. And a "Giant" who isn't so much a giant as a fairly bulky fellow who absorbs bullets with no apparent ill effects, but can be set back by a board across the chest.
Am I sorry I took the time to see this? No, it was...OK, if somewhat ragged around the edges. Reminiscent of a Corman flick from the same time. And I am sure the target audience from its time was only half-watching it anyway.
I hope the giant took a bath in the lake after getting out of his 500 year old dirt grave!
mark.waltz29 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
What woman using a Geiger counter all of a sudden stops to pull out a compact and check her make-up in the woods? Sally Fraser, that's who, in this entertaining but sometimes silly science fiction tale of a Spanish conquistador who comes back from the dead, preserve in a petrified forest, and seeking revenge (and female companionship) as he finds a whole different world around him, even in the great outdoors. The film opens with an indication that something is already out there causing havoc: Killing farm animals viciously and leaving their tattered carcasses all over the countryside, and eventually attacking a farmer. Ed Kemmer escorts scientist Morris Ankrum and his daughter (Fraser) out to this desolate countryside where they find the skeletons of the long dead conquistador's army as well as some of his headgear and weapons. Ankrum has boxed up an ordinary lizard which he claims he found living inside a rock, a species that has been extinct for centuries. This explanation is used mainly to explain how Buddy Baer, as the giant head conquistador, managed to survive somehow, and indeed, his presence is a bit terrifying as he roams the countryside.
There is no explanation of the dead farm animals or murdered farmer other than to assume that Baer had come briefly back from his petrified state, killed these animals and returned to his dirt grave for a long rest. Veteran western actor Bob Steele plays a local sheriff who doesn't believe in the supernatural causes behind the murder, excelled when a young girl is approached by the grunting Baer, and later found dead, apparently raped before being murdered. Billy Dix is cast as a stereotypical native American ("Indian Joe", he's called in bad taste), cursing the white man for taking over the native's land, yet proclaiming friendship to Kemmer whom he had earlier shot at, claiming he was only hunting rabbits. Gary Crutcher, cast as a young local named Charlie Brown (!), gets the silliest moments as he vows revenge against the giant for killing his sister yet obviously stood no chance, being half the size of the giant. For some reason, the hot countryside all of a sudden becomes a snowy mountain as Kemmer and Baer go head to head near a rushing river that somehow leads into a volcanic cave that no man has ever explored. It ends on a thrilling note, even though it is utterly absurd of how it got there.
There is no explanation of the dead farm animals or murdered farmer other than to assume that Baer had come briefly back from his petrified state, killed these animals and returned to his dirt grave for a long rest. Veteran western actor Bob Steele plays a local sheriff who doesn't believe in the supernatural causes behind the murder, excelled when a young girl is approached by the grunting Baer, and later found dead, apparently raped before being murdered. Billy Dix is cast as a stereotypical native American ("Indian Joe", he's called in bad taste), cursing the white man for taking over the native's land, yet proclaiming friendship to Kemmer whom he had earlier shot at, claiming he was only hunting rabbits. Gary Crutcher, cast as a young local named Charlie Brown (!), gets the silliest moments as he vows revenge against the giant for killing his sister yet obviously stood no chance, being half the size of the giant. For some reason, the hot countryside all of a sudden becomes a snowy mountain as Kemmer and Baer go head to head near a rushing river that somehow leads into a volcanic cave that no man has ever explored. It ends on a thrilling note, even though it is utterly absurd of how it got there.
Giant Conquistador Terrorizes Southwest!
BaronBl00d1 September 2001
Ah! The 1950's and science fiction films. This was the decade that brought us giant ants and other mutant insects, evil aliens coming to take over our bodies, good aliens out to save mankind from destroying itself, Godzilla and all his Japanese monster buddies destroying every inch of Japan, and the films of Richard Cunha, Missile to the Moon, She Demons, Frankenstein's Daughter, and Giant From the Unknown. Cunha has a certain directorial style, that for me, is the mixing of bad film-making with an almost uncanny way of making bad seem good...or at least interesting. Giant From the Unknown is indeed a bad film. It tells the story of a professor and his daughter driving through the southwest looking for the remains of a giant Spanish conquistador known for his cruelty. While driving they just happen to come to a town where Ed Kemmer(an affable leading man if nothing else)just happened to find a lizard alive in rock that was thousands of years old. Okay, I know you know where this is going. And it does go there. The giant is alive in century old rock and begins to eat his way through everyone's livestock and likes to kill for no apparent reason. Kemmer falls in love with the daughter Sally Fraser, whilst proud pops(the great Morris Ankrum)realizes his dream come true of finding evidence that this giant once lived. Well, the story is without a doubt ridiculous. But this is a fun film. Jack Pierce did the make-up for the giant conquistador. It is not real impressive, but Buddy Baer certainly is a giant of a screen presence. The acting in general is adequate, and the direction is entertaining. The film does have some fine scenes, particularly the ending in the snowy mountains and the dam. If you just want to be entertained in that magical 50's B picture way....take a look at Giant From the Unknown.
Another movie title full of lies.
13Funbags24 April 2017
There is so much to say about this terrible movie.I could write a review longer than the script but it's not worth my time. The trailer says "From The Depths Of Hell It Came,To Hold All Men Prisoner and Every Woman Slave!!" That's 100% false,it didn't do any of that. Not to mention that it's not a giant and they know where it's from..... This flick is so bad that the make-up "artist" gets his name in the opening credits and the make-up is just some dirt on the guys face. So anyway,a scientist and his daughter show up in some country town(sounds REAL familiar) and guess what?They immediately run into another scientist!!! Turns out the younger scientist was at a lecture given by the older one but the old guy doesn't remember.At the same time the sheriff shows up to hassle the old guy and warn him that the younger guy is probably a murderer, even though there's no evidence to support that. Most of the movie is spent using terrible writing and acting to get the characters to split up,it's silly. The old guy has come to town to search for artifacts to prove whites had been there centuries before Columbus and that one of them was a giant.After a few minutes of searching he decides to give up,then they stumble on a mass grave.They dig it up and without any evidence of a giant he gives up again.Then the younger guy finds the giant's armor while hitting on the older guy's daughter, AND IT'S JUST BURIED UNDER SOME LEAVES!!!!!!!! Oh,it gets worse. They decide to hang the armor on a tree and go to sleep.Guess what happens next?? You just wasted an hour and a half. Watch this movie expecting it to suck and it might not make you angry.If you never see it,you didn't miss anything.
Not good, no matter how forgiving you are!
khunkrumark29 July 2017
Despite being a keen fan (and student) of this genre of movie-making, this one is hard work. No matter how forgiving you are, it's hard to find anything positive here.
From the stolid (not in a good way) direction and the hackneyed script, to the multiple narrative failures of the plot, there must have been better ways for Astor Pictures to squander the $50,000 budget that was set aside for this turkey, right?
The residents of Pine Ridge are in something of a kerfuffle when the livestock starts dying by gruesome means. The sheriff for some insane reasons of his own is convinced that young Wayne, the local geologist is the bad guy! All small mountain towns have a resident geologist, don't they?
Half way through the movie, Vargas, also known as the "Diablo Giant", wakes up and goes on a killing spree... this is AFTER the deaths of the animals and local residents began happening!
Crazy Injun Joe fires his rifle at the imaginary rabbits clustered around the feet of the only friend he has in town... the monster eventually crashes through a bridge into the river and in an amazing feat of dexterity, politely rebuilds the fence on his way down... and on and on it goes.
It's just awful! There are one or two familiar faces in this clunker but their ghosts probably don't want to be reminded!
From the stolid (not in a good way) direction and the hackneyed script, to the multiple narrative failures of the plot, there must have been better ways for Astor Pictures to squander the $50,000 budget that was set aside for this turkey, right?
The residents of Pine Ridge are in something of a kerfuffle when the livestock starts dying by gruesome means. The sheriff for some insane reasons of his own is convinced that young Wayne, the local geologist is the bad guy! All small mountain towns have a resident geologist, don't they?
Half way through the movie, Vargas, also known as the "Diablo Giant", wakes up and goes on a killing spree... this is AFTER the deaths of the animals and local residents began happening!
Crazy Injun Joe fires his rifle at the imaginary rabbits clustered around the feet of the only friend he has in town... the monster eventually crashes through a bridge into the river and in an amazing feat of dexterity, politely rebuilds the fence on his way down... and on and on it goes.
It's just awful! There are one or two familiar faces in this clunker but their ghosts probably don't want to be reminded!
Howler at the end.
shugaron31630 August 2005
Since there is no goofs section for this movie,I will give the big one I saw at the finish:The Giant crashes thru the bridge railing and into the river,but in the next long shot,when the hero is walking away from the bridge,the railing is intact. This is one of the most dreadfully bad of the 50's B flicks,rating right down there with turkeys like The Giant Claw,From Hell It Came,Killers From Space,Beginning of the End,Robot Monster,etc. I'm surprised they didn't get old Tor Johnson for this role, as it was right down his alley but I guess he couldn't fit into the armor,else they'd be calling it Fat,Bald,No Talent,ex-Wrestler From the Unknown!
Cheap, pedestrian and absurd, but strangely watchable.
christopouloschris-5838823 July 2019
Giant from the Unknown (1958) is rather a cheap and pedestrian sci fi film with an absurd premise, lots of "stuff" happening, rather unconvincing acting, somewhat dull dialogue and a largely unimpressive "monster' character. Still, it must be said that it's perfect viewing fare for a rainy afternoon!
As far as film monsters go, Vargas seems to be pretty lame. One could say that he is a monster in a moral rather than in a scary physical sense. He is described as being depraved and brutal and has remained so even after three and a half centuries of suspended animation.
The film does suffer from continuity and subplot development problems. For instance, we are never quite sure why Parker and Wayne don't like each other. What is the history behind their animosity? They just seem to detest the sight of each other.
Giant from the Unknown does contain moments of good pacing, and combines some effective creation of eerie atmosphere, and black and white cinematography. In addition, the 77 minute running time doesn't allow the film to drag too much and Albert Glasser's orchestral score is quite solid and powerful.
As far as film monsters go, Vargas seems to be pretty lame. One could say that he is a monster in a moral rather than in a scary physical sense. He is described as being depraved and brutal and has remained so even after three and a half centuries of suspended animation.
The film does suffer from continuity and subplot development problems. For instance, we are never quite sure why Parker and Wayne don't like each other. What is the history behind their animosity? They just seem to detest the sight of each other.
Giant from the Unknown does contain moments of good pacing, and combines some effective creation of eerie atmosphere, and black and white cinematography. In addition, the 77 minute running time doesn't allow the film to drag too much and Albert Glasser's orchestral score is quite solid and powerful.
Ridiculous
BandSAboutMovies16 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
You may have seen this movie as Giant from Devil's Crag and The Diablo Giant. It's directed by Richard E. Cunha, who also directed She Demons, Missile to the Moon and Frankenstein's Daughter. It tells a story that started way before it became a big deal in the 70s - cattle mutation by alien forces!
It stars Buddy Baer - the man who nearly beat Joe Lewis and the brother of Max Bear - as the gigantic Vargas. And even better, it has makeup by Jack Pierce, the same man who did the effects for the Universal Monsters.
Just as interesting in light of UFO theories that also became more popular years later, the alien creatures in the film are thought to be demons or gods by the Native Americans that have encountered them for centuries.
It stars Buddy Baer - the man who nearly beat Joe Lewis and the brother of Max Bear - as the gigantic Vargas. And even better, it has makeup by Jack Pierce, the same man who did the effects for the Universal Monsters.
Just as interesting in light of UFO theories that also became more popular years later, the alien creatures in the film are thought to be demons or gods by the Native Americans that have encountered them for centuries.
Okay, so I'm a sucker for Morris Ankrum movies
Vigilante-40728 January 2001
I can't think of any movie that has Morris Ankrum that I didn't really like...and yes, I have seen The Giant Claw (three times, in fact).
That fact notwithstanding, Giant From The Unknown is a pretty good movie. The basic story has a Spanish Conquistador (who happens to be a giant and who happens to have travelled up into northern California after breaking with Cortez) waking up after five hundred years of suspended animation and going on a rampage of death and cattle mutilation.
Don't let the plot turn you off. The script manages to make it all seem pretty believeable, and the acting is pretty good as well. Morris Ankrum is great. Ed Kemmer (Commander Buzz Corey on Space Patrol) is the hero. Cowboy and serial legend Bob Steele is the sheriff, and the lovely Janet Fraser is the love interest.
The monster himself looks pretty good as well...for an unburied conquistador, that is. The finale at the sawmill is an excellent sequence...though don't try to adjust your VCR. That fuzziness is optically-printed snow on the sequence (it took me a couple of minutes to realize that...I thought the print had deteriorated).
Giant From the Unknown is a good all-around example of fifties science fiction that is worth a look by fans of the genre.
That fact notwithstanding, Giant From The Unknown is a pretty good movie. The basic story has a Spanish Conquistador (who happens to be a giant and who happens to have travelled up into northern California after breaking with Cortez) waking up after five hundred years of suspended animation and going on a rampage of death and cattle mutilation.
Don't let the plot turn you off. The script manages to make it all seem pretty believeable, and the acting is pretty good as well. Morris Ankrum is great. Ed Kemmer (Commander Buzz Corey on Space Patrol) is the hero. Cowboy and serial legend Bob Steele is the sheriff, and the lovely Janet Fraser is the love interest.
The monster himself looks pretty good as well...for an unburied conquistador, that is. The finale at the sawmill is an excellent sequence...though don't try to adjust your VCR. That fuzziness is optically-printed snow on the sequence (it took me a couple of minutes to realize that...I thought the print had deteriorated).
Giant From the Unknown is a good all-around example of fifties science fiction that is worth a look by fans of the genre.
Not as bad as you'd think....not that that's a glowing endorsement!
planktonrules22 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The budget for "Giant From the Unknown" was $54,000--a minuscule sum even by the standards of 1958. You'd assume that this is like an Ed Wood film, as his budgets often were quite similar. However, I was surprised--it was better than $54,000 would suggest...though I am not trying to say it was a particularly good film either!
The film is set in a California mountain town where there are some killings--and the sheriff is a complete moron. He constantly blames an amateur archaeologist for the killings even though there is no evidence. Later, when the archaeologist realizes what might be happening, the dumb sheriff arrests HIM. Amazingly, it turns out the killer is a crazy Spanish explorer who SHOULD have died 500 years ago! While the idea of a bolt of lightning reviving this homicidal maniac is dumb (yes it IS!), the entire thing was handled about as well as you can with such an outlandish plot--though it's hilarious how some of the extras just walk out so the giant can kill them near the end! It's not good--but it could have been. a lot worse! Worth seeing if your standards are pretty low...otherwise you can certainly do better.
NOTE: at the end, the giant falls through a fence to his death--smashing the fence in the process. However, look at the fence immediately after--it's still all in one piece and isn't broken!
By the way, the evil giant was played by Buddy Baer. He was a famous pro boxer and brother of Max Baer (the heavyweight boxing champ) and uncle of Max Baer Jr. (who gained fame playing Jethro on "The Beverly Hillbillies"). Just thought you'd like to know.
The film is set in a California mountain town where there are some killings--and the sheriff is a complete moron. He constantly blames an amateur archaeologist for the killings even though there is no evidence. Later, when the archaeologist realizes what might be happening, the dumb sheriff arrests HIM. Amazingly, it turns out the killer is a crazy Spanish explorer who SHOULD have died 500 years ago! While the idea of a bolt of lightning reviving this homicidal maniac is dumb (yes it IS!), the entire thing was handled about as well as you can with such an outlandish plot--though it's hilarious how some of the extras just walk out so the giant can kill them near the end! It's not good--but it could have been. a lot worse! Worth seeing if your standards are pretty low...otherwise you can certainly do better.
NOTE: at the end, the giant falls through a fence to his death--smashing the fence in the process. However, look at the fence immediately after--it's still all in one piece and isn't broken!
By the way, the evil giant was played by Buddy Baer. He was a famous pro boxer and brother of Max Baer (the heavyweight boxing champ) and uncle of Max Baer Jr. (who gained fame playing Jethro on "The Beverly Hillbillies"). Just thought you'd like to know.
A fun 50's horror flick
Woodyanders10 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Huge murderous behemoth Vargas (hulking Buddy Baer, the brother of Max Baer of "The Beverly Hillbillies" fame) terrorizes a small California country hamlet. The frightened townspeople believe Vargas is the reincarnation of an infamous Spanish Conquistador who was killed in the mountains many years ago. Folksy anthropologist Dr. Frederick Cleveland (excellently played by Morris Ankrum), his fetching daughter Janet (the really charming and attractive Sally Fraser), and affable local Wayne Brooks (an engaging portrayal by Edward Kemmer) run into Vargas during an expedition into the woods. Director Richard Cunha maintains a steady pace throughout, does a good job of creating a pretty eerie atmosphere, and stages the shock scenes with a reasonable amount of aplomb. Cunha's sharp black and white cinematography, the pleasingly trim 77 minute running time and Albert Glasser's roaring full-tilt orchestral score are all on the money solid. Nice supporting performances by Bob Steele as stern, no-nonsense Sheriff Parker, Gary Crutcher as nice guy Charlie Brown, Jolene Brand as Charlie's sweet gal pal Ann, and Billy Dix as crazy doomsayer Indian Joe. The legendary Jack ("Frankenstein") Pierce did the crusty make-up for Vargas. An enjoyable romp.
A late late show classic!
reptilicus15 May 2005
Way way back in my childhood years (well okay, maybe not THAT far back!) I remember seeing this movie many times on the late late show. I was attracted to this film originally because I had previously seen THE AMAZING COLOSSAL MAN and ATTACK OF THE FIFTY FOOT WOMAN and I expected something more. When I say the giant of the title was just a little bit taller than the rest of the cast I was disappointed at first but the spell of this movie quickly won me over. I mean, how can you not like a movie that has former B western star Bob Steele as the no-nonsense sheriff of a small mountain town?
Ed Kemmer (EARTH VS THE SPIDER), Morris Ankrum (INVADERS FROM MARS among many others) and Sally Fraser (WAR OF THE COLOSSAL BEAST) are searching a mountain area with the foreboding name of Devil's Crag in the hopes of finding proof that a legendary renegade Conquistador named Vargas really did exist ("A man of unusual size and strength . . .a depraved degenerate of a man."). To their amazement they discover that he still does exist after some 400 years. Preserved by chemicals in the soil (so Morris informs us) he is revived by a bolt of lightning. Vargas (Buddy Baer, brother of prizefighter Max Baer and uncle of Max "Jethro Bodine" Baer Jr.) is no gentle giant though. At first he just slaughters cattle but then he graduates to people! His attack on mountain girl Joline Brand hints that a brutal sexual assault preceded her murder and he leaves local "crazy guy" Indian Joe hanging from a hook! The scientists join the sheriff and his posse to hunt down and destroy the giant but either he is too tough to be brought down by bullets or that is one really good suit of armour he is wearing. So can the mountain folk win out over the rampaging giant? Well luckily this film is now on DVD so you can find out without having to stay up until 2 in the morning like I did when I was a kid.
The makeup for Buddy Baer was done by Jack Pierce, who created such memorable scary faces as the Frankenstein Monster, I'm-Ho-Tep, Kharis and the Wolfman. It was directed by Richard Cunha who gave us 3 other memorable late night classics: MISSILE TO THE MOON, SHE DEMONS and the unforgettable FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER.
Ed Kemmer (EARTH VS THE SPIDER), Morris Ankrum (INVADERS FROM MARS among many others) and Sally Fraser (WAR OF THE COLOSSAL BEAST) are searching a mountain area with the foreboding name of Devil's Crag in the hopes of finding proof that a legendary renegade Conquistador named Vargas really did exist ("A man of unusual size and strength . . .a depraved degenerate of a man."). To their amazement they discover that he still does exist after some 400 years. Preserved by chemicals in the soil (so Morris informs us) he is revived by a bolt of lightning. Vargas (Buddy Baer, brother of prizefighter Max Baer and uncle of Max "Jethro Bodine" Baer Jr.) is no gentle giant though. At first he just slaughters cattle but then he graduates to people! His attack on mountain girl Joline Brand hints that a brutal sexual assault preceded her murder and he leaves local "crazy guy" Indian Joe hanging from a hook! The scientists join the sheriff and his posse to hunt down and destroy the giant but either he is too tough to be brought down by bullets or that is one really good suit of armour he is wearing. So can the mountain folk win out over the rampaging giant? Well luckily this film is now on DVD so you can find out without having to stay up until 2 in the morning like I did when I was a kid.
The makeup for Buddy Baer was done by Jack Pierce, who created such memorable scary faces as the Frankenstein Monster, I'm-Ho-Tep, Kharis and the Wolfman. It was directed by Richard Cunha who gave us 3 other memorable late night classics: MISSILE TO THE MOON, SHE DEMONS and the unforgettable FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER.
Entertainingly Bad
mdwesterly15 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a fan of late 50s/early 60s B&W horror and monster movies, and this is one of my favorites. Yes, it has all the cliches of the low-budget, slapped together flicks of this genre and time period, such as alternating daylight and darkness within the same sequence, poorly-written script ("I know it's impossible, but It's the only possible explanation!"), and cheesy special effects. It's also has a climax that pushes the movie beyond cliche: it takes place on top of a dam in mountain wilderness, with water cascading thunderously like Niagara Falls. A dam that had not been seen or heard in any of the previous scenes that occurred just a few yards away. Which conveniently empties into a bottomless pool. It's impossible, but it's the only way possible.
still manages to entertain even today
oscar-351 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
*Spoiler/plot- Giant from the Unknown, 1958. A criminal group of Spanish conquistadors leave their mark with local mountain Indians. During present day, scientists wish to find out about the Spanish, unfortunately several mysterious deaths occur near the burial ground of the Spanish and Indian tribe. Police and scientists try to solve crimes and find artifacts.
*Special Stars- Bob Steele, Ed Kemmer, Sally Fraser, Morris Ankrum, Buddy Bear.
*Theme- Evil is often not buried with a evil person's bones.
*Trivia/location/goofs- B & W. Filmed at Big Bear, California. The giant falls over and breaks the bridge railing and later shot shows the railing not broken. The giant grabs the girl from the Jeep by pushing the passenger seat forward. How would a Spanish soldier from the 15th century know to do that instead of crossing to the driver's side and grabbing her out.
*Emotion- A memorable film plot and excellent production elements for the viewer. The acting and direction of the plot builds tension, suspense, and wonder on how the film will turn out. This is an excellent film of the time and still manages to entertain even today.
*Special Stars- Bob Steele, Ed Kemmer, Sally Fraser, Morris Ankrum, Buddy Bear.
*Theme- Evil is often not buried with a evil person's bones.
*Trivia/location/goofs- B & W. Filmed at Big Bear, California. The giant falls over and breaks the bridge railing and later shot shows the railing not broken. The giant grabs the girl from the Jeep by pushing the passenger seat forward. How would a Spanish soldier from the 15th century know to do that instead of crossing to the driver's side and grabbing her out.
*Emotion- A memorable film plot and excellent production elements for the viewer. The acting and direction of the plot builds tension, suspense, and wonder on how the film will turn out. This is an excellent film of the time and still manages to entertain even today.
"I'm tell'n you there is something strange going on around here"
Bernie444428 November 2023
For five centuries it waited beneath the earth.
Held captive by a mountain of stone, a giant Spanish conquistador. It looks just like Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA.
Suddenly in a flash of fate nature unleashed this horrendous monster Vargas - Diablo Giant played by Buddy Baer.
The nightmare monster who held all civilization in a paralyzing grip of fear.
Man was powerless against this creeping terror.
Bullets could not stop it.
And only human life could satiate its bloodlust.
Here is the terror that strikes with gigantic fury.
An amazing adventure into a hellish world of horror that you will never forget.
Beware its cold look of death is watching you "now."
Never mind the hooky acting and multiple filming goofs.
Held captive by a mountain of stone, a giant Spanish conquistador. It looks just like Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA.
Suddenly in a flash of fate nature unleashed this horrendous monster Vargas - Diablo Giant played by Buddy Baer.
The nightmare monster who held all civilization in a paralyzing grip of fear.
Man was powerless against this creeping terror.
Bullets could not stop it.
And only human life could satiate its bloodlust.
Here is the terror that strikes with gigantic fury.
An amazing adventure into a hellish world of horror that you will never forget.
Beware its cold look of death is watching you "now."
Never mind the hooky acting and multiple filming goofs.
This movie had potential...but is bad.
kevin_robbins28 April 2022
Giant from the Unknown (1958) is currently available on Tubi. The storyline follows a Spanish giant conquistador that is awakened after being struck by lightening. He terrorizes the Midwest and starts a killing spree. Meanwhile a researcher and archeologist just happen to be researching the very area he's terrorizing.
This movie is directed by Richard E. Cunha (She Demons) and stars Ed Kemmer (The Spider), Sally Fraser (It Conquered the World), Bob Steele (The Big Sleep), Morris Ankrum (In A Lonely Place) and Buddy Baer (Jack and the Beanstalk).
The storyline and characters in this are very well established. The acting is actually pretty good for the genre. The Midwest setting are solid too. The Giant emerging from the ground definitely wasn't what I was expecting...he's kind of just a regular guy sitting up and getting out of a hole. 😂 The action scenes were fairly average and the waterfall scene at the end was absolutely hilarious.
This movie had potential...but is bad. I would score this a 3/10 and recommend skipping it, unless you need a few good laughs.
This movie is directed by Richard E. Cunha (She Demons) and stars Ed Kemmer (The Spider), Sally Fraser (It Conquered the World), Bob Steele (The Big Sleep), Morris Ankrum (In A Lonely Place) and Buddy Baer (Jack and the Beanstalk).
The storyline and characters in this are very well established. The acting is actually pretty good for the genre. The Midwest setting are solid too. The Giant emerging from the ground definitely wasn't what I was expecting...he's kind of just a regular guy sitting up and getting out of a hole. 😂 The action scenes were fairly average and the waterfall scene at the end was absolutely hilarious.
This movie had potential...but is bad. I would score this a 3/10 and recommend skipping it, unless you need a few good laughs.
Above Average Height Man from the Woods
Red-Barracuda11 September 2010
This is a pretty lacking 50's monster movie from Richard E. Cunha, the man who brought us the schlocktastic female monsters and Nazis trash-fest, She Demons. That latter movie is considerably more entertaining than Giant from the Unknown. The basic premise of the film is reasonable enough though, with archaeologists arriving in a remote cabin town to discover that a 500 year old giant conquistador has been preserved and reanimated by special minerals in the local soil. It just so happens that this giant is a raving lunatic and goes around killing people for no reason other than he is evil, and that's what evil giant reanimated conquistadors do.
I suppose the trouble with the movie is that the title villain only really gets into his stride in the latter stages of the film, the rest being a somewhat unremarkable build-up. While there are some undeniably memorable set-pieces like the final confrontation at the dam, there aren't really enough and the film isn't entertaining in a campy sense either as, to be fair, it's too solidly made and acted to provide many cheap laughs. It's certainly not bottom of the barrel stuff but you might find this one lacking in much entertainment value outwith a few isolated scenes. Fans of 50's sci-fi and horror films might find something of value here mind you, but it is strictly a minor and lower division effort.
I suppose the trouble with the movie is that the title villain only really gets into his stride in the latter stages of the film, the rest being a somewhat unremarkable build-up. While there are some undeniably memorable set-pieces like the final confrontation at the dam, there aren't really enough and the film isn't entertaining in a campy sense either as, to be fair, it's too solidly made and acted to provide many cheap laughs. It's certainly not bottom of the barrel stuff but you might find this one lacking in much entertainment value outwith a few isolated scenes. Fans of 50's sci-fi and horror films might find something of value here mind you, but it is strictly a minor and lower division effort.
By the numbers
dbborroughs8 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Long dead, or perhaps hibernating conquistador is revived and terrorizes some people in the wilderness.
Not really a giant in what we normally think of as a giant the title character is more a really big man. Other than that there isn't much to him as he goes about causing problems for the people in the area where he was buried. You can tell from the lack of real description and enthusiasm how exciting this film is. Its a not a bad film as such but there really isn't much to it at all. Why a giant? beats me, I guess because Conquistador from the Unknown wouldn't have sold as many tickets. The real problem with the film is that this is basically a plug and play film. they took so many stock elements and mixed them together and made this film which is pretty much bereft of any emotion. As 50's horror and scifi films go this is far from the worst, however it is one of the least passionate films. Worth a look if you have nothing else to choose from, but I wouldn't search it out
Not really a giant in what we normally think of as a giant the title character is more a really big man. Other than that there isn't much to him as he goes about causing problems for the people in the area where he was buried. You can tell from the lack of real description and enthusiasm how exciting this film is. Its a not a bad film as such but there really isn't much to it at all. Why a giant? beats me, I guess because Conquistador from the Unknown wouldn't have sold as many tickets. The real problem with the film is that this is basically a plug and play film. they took so many stock elements and mixed them together and made this film which is pretty much bereft of any emotion. As 50's horror and scifi films go this is far from the worst, however it is one of the least passionate films. Worth a look if you have nothing else to choose from, but I wouldn't search it out
Not a bad monster movie
ghenrikson-117 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Though the premise is of course absurd, "Giant from the Unkonwn" is a cut above most B-grade horror films of its era. The difference lies in the cast. Bob Steele, veteran of over 200 films and a familiar face in Westerns, does a very good job as the local sheriff. His gestures, facial expressions and easy mastery of the material give the film its backbone. Morris Ankrum, who plays the inevitable scientist, likewise brought an impressive background to the role. He is probably best known today for his recurring role as a trial judge in Perry Mason, but like Steele he had already been in hundreds of movies when "Giant" was filmed. The supporting cast is good, and manage to approach the silly premise of a giant conquistador on the rampage with a straight face. It's a worthy effort, though it would have been nice to have a better script and a slightly less silly premise.
Less pulchritude than in Richard E. Cunha's cofeature "She Demons"
kevinolzak11 January 2021
1957's "Giant from the Unknown" marked the directorial debut of cinematographer Richard E. Cunha, kicking off a quartet of infamous titles issued in two double bills by notorious Astor Pictures Corporation, a Poverty Row outfit that did few of its own productions before expiring in 1963. Compared to cofeature "She Demons" and second twin bill "Frankenstein's Daughter" and "Missile to the Moon," this comes off as a much more low key affair without a bevy of bodacious beauties to catch the eye (Sally Fraser the exception). Cunha's vehicles generally were completed in a week on actual locations or in real homes, here Big Bear Lake providing an excellent backdrop for a slight story badly scripted, from working titles "Giant of Devil's Crag," "The Diablo Giant," or "Giant from Diablo Pass." The opening scene reminds one of the serene country setting for Columbia's 1956 "The Werewolf," a small town victimized by several deaths, people and animals being mutilated, and Bob Steele's Sheriff determined to pin the crimes on archaeologist Wayne Brooks (Ed Kemmer, from "Earth vs the Spider"), who has been spending his time digging in the mountains. Indian Joe (Billy Dix) suggests a curse from interfering with sacred Indian burial grounds, but considers the honest Brooks a trusted friend. Enter ever reliable Morris Ankrum, doing much of the heavy lifting as fellow archaeologist Frederick Cleveland, Sally Fraser as his beautiful daughter Janet easily catching Wayne's eye. Both men rejoice at the discovery of a lizard long thought extinct that was found alive in suspended animation inside a tomb of stone, deducing that something in the rich soil preserves its dead and buried. Cleveland's reason to be there is to find evidence of a 15th century Spanish conquistador named Vargas, the 'Diablo Giant,' finding an axe, helmet, chest plate, even a gold amulet to offer enough proof that his remains must be close by. An electrical storm is blamed for the Giant's revival, Buddy Baer (younger brother of boxing champion Max Baer) doing the honors in Jack Pierce makeup, rising from his shallow grave to retrieve his armor and stalk whoever crosses his path. Poor Indian Joe is found hanging on a hook in his own shack, and young Ann Brown (Jolene Brand) is murdered as well, the Sheriff only convinced of the Giant's presence once he makes off with Janet. The screenplay commits the cardinal sin of opening with a series of murders that are promptly dropped at the midway point when Vargas comes to life, botching any attempt to link the Giant with the killings preceding his revival (this kind of confused, unsolved padding also afflicted the 1962 "Terrified," in which the surprise killer couldn't possibly be the culprit driving folks off the road early on). Baer is effective though kept silent as a menace , the climax similar to the Karloff "Frankenstein" in that a mill proves the final destination, a light snowfall capturing the quiet beauty of the surroundings before Vargas takes his fatal plunge. Morris Ankrum, equally at home here as a professor or as military leaders in "Flight to Mars" and "The Giant Claw," probably enjoys his most screen time as a supporting player, Sally Fraser was a veteran of "It Conquered the World," "War of the Colossal Beast," and "Earth vs the Spider." Bob Steele's mulish characterization initially brings back fond memories of Curly in "Of Mice and Men," eventually coming around from this stubborn streak to lead the charge against the Giant. The most surprising cast member is young Gary Crutcher as the working brother of victimized Ann Brown, here making his film debut before the camera but later churning out screenplays for such cult films as William Grefe's "Stanley" and John Carradine's "Superchick."
Not perfect, but entertaining to watch
the-antichrist-is-near5 March 2023
A fun movie full of inconsistencies, but with a nice flow.
The main story is rather one-tracked and asides from the initial animosity between the main characters, there isn't much side story to be found anyway.
Either way, despite some obvious plot holes (especially the giant awakening AFTER some murders happened in town), the 'scientific' explanation of the happenings is somewhat believable and all put together pretty decently.
The acting of the protagonists perfectly suits the level of storytelling and a Giant Spanish Conquistador bad guy, what more would you want... Maybe some amazing CGI for dessert?
The main story is rather one-tracked and asides from the initial animosity between the main characters, there isn't much side story to be found anyway.
Either way, despite some obvious plot holes (especially the giant awakening AFTER some murders happened in town), the 'scientific' explanation of the happenings is somewhat believable and all put together pretty decently.
The acting of the protagonists perfectly suits the level of storytelling and a Giant Spanish Conquistador bad guy, what more would you want... Maybe some amazing CGI for dessert?
My Review Of "Giants Of The Unknown"
ASouthernHorrorFan24 July 2013
Giant From The Unknown is a standard classic in my collection in that I have watched it nearly a dozen times since purchasing the DVD. I like most of my generation grew up on these B-movies almost second hand through late night television shows with strange horror hosts who poked harmless fun at the pictures but really taught us to embrace the classic films usually ignored by big box office standard studios. That feeling of nostalgia is why I still turn to these films as an almost "comfort food" for the soul.
This film although rattled with the faux pas of most classic B-movies in that there is a basic male chauvinism and xenophobia subtext to the story is a fun and light sci-fi flick for all ages. It is just how film and television flowed in those days. Push it aside and Giant From The Unknown like a lot of old movies is really a great story that is both entertaining and filled with adventure. Especially when dealing with the 50's sci-fi genre. It is directed by Richard E. Cunha and stars Ed Kemmer, Buddy Baer, Sally Fraser and Bob Steele.
This movie has a pretty interesting and fantastical story that deals with real giants of historical legends which just sets the mind to wonder. The dialog and acting is classic melodrama which is slightly over-the-top but fun to watch. The Giant is pretty intimidating and unlike most movie monsters of the era he looks convincing realistic. Over all the film is a great way to introduce kids to the old black & white genre stuff and a film that hold's it's own against any giant lizard or mummy. Just let yourself set back and enjoy a fun classic film.
This film although rattled with the faux pas of most classic B-movies in that there is a basic male chauvinism and xenophobia subtext to the story is a fun and light sci-fi flick for all ages. It is just how film and television flowed in those days. Push it aside and Giant From The Unknown like a lot of old movies is really a great story that is both entertaining and filled with adventure. Especially when dealing with the 50's sci-fi genre. It is directed by Richard E. Cunha and stars Ed Kemmer, Buddy Baer, Sally Fraser and Bob Steele.
This movie has a pretty interesting and fantastical story that deals with real giants of historical legends which just sets the mind to wonder. The dialog and acting is classic melodrama which is slightly over-the-top but fun to watch. The Giant is pretty intimidating and unlike most movie monsters of the era he looks convincing realistic. Over all the film is a great way to introduce kids to the old black & white genre stuff and a film that hold's it's own against any giant lizard or mummy. Just let yourself set back and enjoy a fun classic film.
He is clearly from Spain, not the unknown!
Aaron13754 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Saw this film and not sure what to say. The film is like a lot of films of the era in that the science is iffy and the pacing a bit slow. It also teases, but then you will later wonder how some things could of happened. Yes, the film is about a giant who is not from the unknown and not really a giant, but he does enjoy picking up girls and hanging Native American decor...
The story, there have been cow mutilations, a murder and people are in a panic! Well, an archaeologist and his daughter come to the town as the doctor wants to find a legendary giant. Amidst all the wrong doings, the sheriff takes time to tell the archaeologist to put ties on the tent poles and another archaeologist asks the two for dinner which upsets this one guy who really wanted the younger archaeologist to do his sister, but then a giant awakens and kills the sister so the sheriff believes it is the younger archaeologist and then a posse is formed to take care of the giant and the person who mutilated the cows and killed the one person laughs as they forget all about his crimes!
Seriously, the mutilations and the murder at the beginning of the film could not have been done by the giant as it was clearly in suspended animation still. They show him getting out of the grave for the first time, which is well after the mention of mutilations and murder. Kind of reminds me of another film, The Beast of Yucca Flats, which showed the beast kill a woman in her home pre credit sequence; however, at no point was the beast near civilization or a cabin during the run of the film!
So, the film is a bit of a mess and you get people running around and shooting at the giant which is not as effective as hitting it with a stick apparently. Still, it is always kind of fun to revisit a film from this era mainly for the laughs it can provide and the silly premise. I do not care what the giant was made up, if he was just buried in the ground he would decay, not remain intact until lightning woke him up!
The story, there have been cow mutilations, a murder and people are in a panic! Well, an archaeologist and his daughter come to the town as the doctor wants to find a legendary giant. Amidst all the wrong doings, the sheriff takes time to tell the archaeologist to put ties on the tent poles and another archaeologist asks the two for dinner which upsets this one guy who really wanted the younger archaeologist to do his sister, but then a giant awakens and kills the sister so the sheriff believes it is the younger archaeologist and then a posse is formed to take care of the giant and the person who mutilated the cows and killed the one person laughs as they forget all about his crimes!
Seriously, the mutilations and the murder at the beginning of the film could not have been done by the giant as it was clearly in suspended animation still. They show him getting out of the grave for the first time, which is well after the mention of mutilations and murder. Kind of reminds me of another film, The Beast of Yucca Flats, which showed the beast kill a woman in her home pre credit sequence; however, at no point was the beast near civilization or a cabin during the run of the film!
So, the film is a bit of a mess and you get people running around and shooting at the giant which is not as effective as hitting it with a stick apparently. Still, it is always kind of fun to revisit a film from this era mainly for the laughs it can provide and the silly premise. I do not care what the giant was made up, if he was just buried in the ground he would decay, not remain intact until lightning woke him up!
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