Swamp Thing (1982)

After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster.

Director:

Wes Craven

Writers:

Wes Craven, Len Wein (comic book)

Stars:

Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Louis Jourdan	...	Arcane
Adrienne Barbeau	...	Alice Cable
Ray Wise	...	Dr. Alec Holland
David Hess	...	Ferret
Nicholas Worth	...	Bruno
Don Knight	...	Ritter
Al Ruban	...	Charlie
Dick Durock	...	Swamp Thing
Ben Bates	...	Arcane Monster
Nannette Brown	...	Dr. Linda Holland
Reggie Batts	...	Jude
Mimi Craven	...	Arcane's Secretary (as Mimi Meyer)
Karen Price	...	Arcane's Messenger
Bill Erickson	...	Young Agent
Dov Gottesfeld	...	Commando

Storyline

Dr. Alec Holland, hidden away in the depths of a murky swamp, is trying to create a new species - a combination of animal and plant capable of adapting and thriving in the harshest conditions. Unfortunately he becomes subject of his own creation and is transformed . . . Arcane, desperate for the formula attempts to capture the Swamp Thing. An explosive chase ensues that ultimately ends with a confrontation between Holland and a changed Arcane . . .

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Plot Keywords:

swamp | swamp thing | scientist | government agent | paramilitary group | 

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Taglines:

Science transformed him into a monster. Love changed him even more!

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Das Ding aus dem Sumpf

Filming Locations:

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Swampfilms

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min 93 min (DVD) 89 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When initially released on DVD in the United States, the international version of the movie containing scenes of nudity not seen in US theaters was accidentally transferred instead of the US version. After complaints from viewers, the DVD was recalled.

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Goofs

After escaping their cell and swinging thru the well to the swamp, Cable is deposited on the bank, her lingerie wet and clingy as well as her hair. Cut to Arcane flailing with the sword, and then cut back to Cable now sitting up on something, beautiful hair and gown completely dry.

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Quotes

Swamp Thing: The way out is through.

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Alternate Versions

The 2002 DVD release by MGM features some additional shots of nudity compared to the original US theatrical release:

• When Adrienne Barbeau takes a bath in the swamp you could only see a side shot of her breast. Now you can see some extra seconds of full-on breast shots.
• At the beginning of the party scene (Bruno's big comeuppance) two dancing gypsy women taking off their clothes. This footage was not included in previous video and laserdisc releases. Reissues on DVD and Blu-ray since 2005 have reverted to the original censored PG version.

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Connections

Version of The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)

User Reviews

Dull and uninspired until the final act

For most of its run-time, "Swamp Thing" feels like an episode of "Tales From the Crypt" or "The Outer Limits" stretched out to feature length.

The film contains no surprises until one hour and eleven minutes into its hour-and-a-half run time. If you can't tell, I was counting.

Even if you've never heard of the DC character of the same name, you can see every twist and turn coming straight from the opening scenes. A good man and a good woman are working on a top secret formula in a lab in the Louisiana bayou. A bad guy - basically a third rate Bond villain - shows up with an army led by the always dependable David Hess and set about trying to steal the formula. In the process, the good guy is dosed with it and becomes the titular Swamp Thing.

I think the problem with this movie is that Wes Craven made it to prove he could direct an action movie. He proves that he was a remarkably average action director. Sure, it's a "monster movie", but the Swamp Thing is also a good guy; you're not supposed to be scared of him, and there is no attempt to make him such.

The only time the movie shows you anything interesting or surprising is in the final 20 minutes, where Craven is finally allowed to inject some horror into the proceedings. This is where the director obviously felt at home; it's the only time I was able to concentrate on the movie.

In its final act "Swamp Thing" turns into an "Island of Doctor Moreau" type of story, and it's only there that it becomes effective.

But after an hour and eleven minutes of pure tedium and mediocrity, you might have nodded off and will miss it.