Gorgo (1961)

Greedy sailors capture a giant lizard off the coast of Ireland and sell it to a London circus. Then its mother shows up.

Director:

Eugène Lourié (as Eugene Lourie)

Writers:

Robert L. Richards (screen story), Daniel James (screen story)

Stars:

Bill Travers, William Sylvester, Vincent Winter

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Bill Travers	...	Joe Ryan
William Sylvester	...	Sam Slade
Vincent Winter	...	Sean
Christopher Rhodes	...	McCartin
Joseph O'Conor	...	Prof. Hendricks
Bruce Seton	...	Prof. Flaherty
Martin Benson	...	Dorkin
Maurice Kaufmann	...	Radio Reporter (as Maurice Kauffman)
Basil Dignam	...	Admiral
Barry Keegan	...	Mate
Tommy Duggan	...	1st Naval Officer (as Thomas Duggan)
Howard Lang	...	1st Colonel
Dervis Ward	...	Bosun

Storyline

A salvage vessle is nearly sunk off the Irish coast by an undersea earthquake. A few nights later, a walking sea monster tangles with the fishing boats and enters the town. The salvage vessel captures Gorgo and takes it to London for display. Gorgo's mother, who is upset and significantly larger follows his trail to London leaving a wake of destruction in her path.

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Plot Keywords:

animal character name as title | psychotronic film | sailor | boat | giant lizard | 

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Taglines:

It's Alive !

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Irish

Release Date:

29 March 1961 (USA)

Also Known As:

Fornaldar-skrímslið

Filming Locations:

Coliemore Harbour, Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Company Credits

Production Co:

King Brothers Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was originally set in Japan. Later, the King Brothers and Eugène Lourié thought of setting it in Paris, but that would have meant the monster would have had to wade about 100 miles up the Seine to get to the city. Finally, the location was changed to Ireland and England.

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Goofs

A scene in which a London bus displays an advertisement for DULUX paint is also shown in reverse; XULUD.

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Quotes

Radio Reporter: Bridge is gone! One of London's oldest landmarks smashed like matchwood! Nothing has stopped this beast so far, nothing!

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Connections

Referenced in Gargantua (1998)

User Reviews

One of the few Monster Movies that deserved a sequel!

Yes, Yes, I know...this movie could be viewed as simply a ripoff of Godzilla. But really, the Brits took the concept and did a "Good show, old chap." Unlike most of the 'Zilla movies, it actually has an interesting plot. It's theme has a decidedly "pro environment" message...and the guy in the monster suit doesn't camp it up, but makes the monster seem remarkably real. Now there are some weaknesses...despite a journeyman cast of capable folks, many still turn in one-note performances, as if they're a little embarrassed about being in a monster movie. Also, some of the plot mechanisms are a little creaky. For all that, though, this is a monster movie that's at least a small cut above most. It held my attention as an adult (I'd first seen it as a child and didn't see it again for twenty years), the special effects are mostly quite good, and the ending, despite being hokey, still works! It rarely shows up on tv for some reason...so if you get a chance, rent it (there are copies available in independent shops that specialize in rare movies.)