Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)

A backwoods game warden and a local doctor discover that giant leeches are responsible for disappearances and deaths in a local swamp, but the local police don't believe them.

Director:

Bernard L. Kowalski

Writers:

Leo Gordon (original story), Leo Gordon (screenplay)

Stars:

Ken Clark, Yvette Vickers, Jan Shepard

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Ken Clark	...	Steve Benton
Yvette Vickers	...	Liz Walker
Jan Shepard	...	Nan Greyson
Michael Emmet	...	Cal Moulton
Tyler McVey	...	Doc Greyson
Bruno VeSota	...	Dave Walker
Gene Roth	...	Sheriff Kovis
Dan White	...	Porky Reed (as Daniel White)
George Cisar	...	Lem Sawyer

Storyline

In a community near a swamp, a local dweller sees a couple of giant monsters but nobody believes him. Later, the cuckold Dave Walker finds his slut wife Liz Walker cheating on him with his friend Cal Moulton. He chases the couple through the swamp, and forces them to jump into the water. The leeches take them and shocked Dave is arrested and accused of murder. Two other locals decide to look for the bodies of Liz and Cal to get the prize of US $50.00 per body, and also vanish in the swamp. Finally, game warden Steve Benton organizes a patrol to investigate the caves under the swamp, finding the lethal giant leeches.

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Plot Keywords:

cult film | psychotronic film | giant leech | leech | cheating wife | 

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Taglines:

Crawling horror... unleashed by the depths of hell to kill and conquer!

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

October 1959 (USA)

Also Known As:

Attack of the Blood Leeches

Filming Locations:

Chaplin Studios - 1416 N. La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$70,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Roger Corman Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

62 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In July 1992, Attack of the Giant Leeches was featured as a fourth-season episode of the film-mocking television series Mystery Science Theater 3000. It was also featured on the nationally syndicated horror host television show Cinema Insomnia,[6] and in the second episode of season 5 of Shilling Shockers, a New England-based television show hosted by the witch Penny Dreadful XIII.

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Goofs

Cal and Dave are talking outside the general store. The reflection of the mike boom can be seen in the roof of the car.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Lem Sawyer: [laughter] Wait a minute! Wait a minute!
Cal Moulton: Hold on. Hold on. Hold on.
Dave Walker: Just hold it a second, Lem. Liz! You hear me girl?
Liz Walker: [appears in doorway] What you want now?
Dave Walker: [referring to music] You gotta play that thing so loud...?

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Connections

Featured in The Schlocky Horror Picture Show: Attack of the Giant Leeches (2017)

User Reviews

Surprisingly good for a bad film

Regardless of the rabid fans of MST3K (myself included), attack of The Giant Leeches isn't the horrid film they make it out to be. Certainly it is low budget, but trying to shine through the lackluster production is a film that has some good writing, few plot holes, and exhibits an actual knowledge of the subject (swamps, critters, rednecks who are a danger to themselves and others...).

As far as Corman flicks go, this one has a good feel to it. Some drama, tragedy, comedy (well, some that was intentional), and an attempt at a real story. The screenwriter, Leo Gordon, has created a good feel for the south, and is an accomplished (although not great) practitioner of his trade. So, laughs aside, watch this movie again and focus on the plot when you can. There is no hocus pocus, minimal pseudo-science, and some likable characters.

Oh yeah, and please don't be a danger to yourself or others...