This movie is a great nostalgia trip to the 70's, especially if, like me, you have a fondness for 70's paranormal programs (OK, maybe I'm the only one). J. Smith narrates as we watch Robert Morgan, John Green, Rene Dahinden and a host of others discuss Bigfoot! Watch Robert Morgan's expedition into Bigfoot country (in the shadow of pre-volcano-blasted Mount St. Helens). I just love it, it takes me back to my 70's childhood, when Bigfoot, UFO's and other topics were really getting a foothold into popular culture. If you like In Search Of, chances are you will like this.
10 Reviews
Great documentary..classic 70's genius
MovieWiz6614 November 2008
From the fantastic narration to the wonderful Robert Morgan,this docu-drama has it all. Robert Morgan is still active in the search for "Forest Giants" as he likes to call them. This film takes me back to my childhood and helped to give birth to what would become a lifetime fascination with this subject. Like Steven(who reviewed this film earlier),I am a longtime bigfoot enthusiast/researcher myself who thinks that Bob Morgan is very underrated as a legend in the sasquatch community. Classic part of the film is the conversation with 3 of the all-time greats of sasquatchery,John Green,Rene Dahinden and Robert Morgan. I think Robert Morgan deserves to be one of the "four horsemen of sasquatchery" and he is such an interesting man. He has a book called Soul Snatchers that deals with his journey and travels will searching for our elusive friends of the woods. If you love the 70's documentaries,the subject of sasquatch or just want to see a great period piece,this film will not let you down. Simply one of the best.
Scientific expedition to gather evidence regarding Bigfoot
steven_titchenell20061 January 2007
This is the best Bigfoot documentary of them all. I HIGHLY recommend it. Most of it deals with a team of explorers. Including two biologists, a microbiologist, a botanist, an expert tracker, & sociology researcher, two Bigfoot researchers, an anthropologist, a naturalist, & a Native American historian spend most of the summer of 1974 in the Mt. St. Helens area gathering evidence & talking to people who claimed to have seen Bigfoot. Until a forest fire forces them out of the area. Luckily they found footprints & hair samples before they had to leave. Unfortunately, the 1980 eruption of Mt. St Helens heavily impacted or destroyed some of the area. The rest is interviews with other Bigfoot witnesses & the Patterson/Gimlin film. Which has NEVER been proved to be a hoax as the other reviewer claims. I know this because I'm a Bigfoot researcher myself & keep up on all the Bigfoot news.
My only problem with the DVD is nobody bothered to restore the color of the film before putting it on DVD.
My only problem with the DVD is nobody bothered to restore the color of the film before putting it on DVD.
Vintage Seventies Paranormal Documentary at its Best
ANDREWEHUNT1 May 2010
As a kid growing up in the 1970s, I was addicted to paranormal documentaries. Documentaries such as Mysteries From Beyond Earth (1975), docudramas such as The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972) and TV's Project UFO (1978) and TV documentaries like In Search Of... were the kinds of shows I lived for. Recently, while wandering around on YouTube, I found the opening segment of one of my all-time favourite 1970s' paranormal documentaries, Bigfoot: Man or Beast? (the release date is often mistakenly said to be 1972, but it was actually released in 1975). Unfortunately, YouTube only features the first 10 minutes of the film (you can watch the first 11 minutes 48 seconds of the film on Google Video). Apparently, you can watch the entire documentary online at The Film Wall (http://www.thefilmwall.com), although the poster they feature on the Website is for a different Bigfoot film and the website asks for your credit card #, even though it insists you can watch movies online for free. It looks pretty dubious to me.
Bigfoot: Man or Beast? is a beautifully made documentary with outstanding production values, compelling footage and, at the risk of being accused of hyperbole, I consider it a work of art. Sadly, this outstanding documentary has not found its way to DVD. Many of the old- timers in the film are now, alas, no longer with us, so the film is also a very important historical document about early twentieth century sightings.
The film holds up beautifully today. The last time I saw it was on TNT back in 2000. Too bad it hasn't been released on DVD, because there is definitely a niche audience for this film and I think it would sell fairly well. The location filming and gripping eyewitness accounts combine to make this a remarkable film. If you see it, do not miss it. The sound of the screaming Bigfoot in the film (based on eyewitness descriptions) is chilling and worth the price of admission.
UPDATE (April 26, 2014): The movie is now available on DVD, as well as YouTube. Check it out if you get a chance!
Bigfoot: Man or Beast? is a beautifully made documentary with outstanding production values, compelling footage and, at the risk of being accused of hyperbole, I consider it a work of art. Sadly, this outstanding documentary has not found its way to DVD. Many of the old- timers in the film are now, alas, no longer with us, so the film is also a very important historical document about early twentieth century sightings.
The film holds up beautifully today. The last time I saw it was on TNT back in 2000. Too bad it hasn't been released on DVD, because there is definitely a niche audience for this film and I think it would sell fairly well. The location filming and gripping eyewitness accounts combine to make this a remarkable film. If you see it, do not miss it. The sound of the screaming Bigfoot in the film (based on eyewitness descriptions) is chilling and worth the price of admission.
UPDATE (April 26, 2014): The movie is now available on DVD, as well as YouTube. Check it out if you get a chance!
Best Bigfoot Documentary Ever!!!
birthofamule1 August 2008
I have only ever seen it once. It was about 12 years ago, and it was on TBS or something at 4am. The best part was the people who live in the cabin, the husband did all the talking of the encounter his WIFE had with Bigfoot. The stick figure with big pointed teeth that she provided as a description of the Beast is hilarious. Once you get past laughing at most of the people who they interview, it really is pretty interesting. It was made in the early 70's, and the scientific side of it is pretty solid. Especially for being made as long ago as it was. An absolute must see for anyone, if you can find it to watch. It hasn't been on for a long time, and I don't believe you can buy it anywhere.
Bob Morgan is the man!
Woodyanders26 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
"Bigfoot: Man or Beast?" stands tall as the greatest Sasquatch documentary ever made. It's the greatest for one simple reason: Bob Morgan's in it, dude! Morgan's essentially the whole show -- and man what a hell of a show it is! Morgan qualifies as my all-time favorite Bigfoot fanatic. His fiercely incendiary fire-in-the-heart passion and enthusiasm for ol' big'n'hairy makes for a gloriously gaga'n'gonzo marvel to behold. Morgan's madly aggressive and tiresomely determined presence positively energizes the screen. Bob's shiny bald head and buff muscular build supply plenty of tasty eye candy for the ladies, too. Unworried about the scorn or ridicule his obsessive search for Bigfoot may elicit from nonbelievers, Morgan's gung-ho attitude concerning the irrefutable proving of Sasquatch's existence (Bob's awesome motto about his relentless Bigfoot quest: "What the hell's worth doing in this world if it doesn't have a price to pay?") is a testament to sheer iron will and a yardstick by which all other aspiring mighty macho men should be measured.
Bob's recollection of his first Sasquatch sighting in March, 1957 is truly killer: Morgan describes the legendary being as "the most man-like human gorilla I've ever seen" and vividly remembers that Mr. Go To a Barber and Get a Haircut Pronto Pal "had a knowing look in his eyes." Bob whips himself into a borderline psychotic angry rage as he discusses the scientific community's dismissal of Bigfoot as a hoax, stating with righteous fury that Bigfoot does indeed exist and he's just the man to produce the hard concrete evidence. Accompanied by a motley bunch of hardy souls and an irritatingly incessant corny humming harmonica and plucking banjo country music soundbite, Morgan, a self-described "tough, hard-driving man," braves searing heat and the perilous Washington wilderness (Morgan admits the danger factor plays a substantial role in making the trek so alluring) so he can track down a Bigfoot family. You see, Morgan has a tremendous respect for Sasquatch because he lives "beautifully with nature" and thinks perhaps we weakling humans could learn from Bigfoot's harmonious-with-the-elements lifestyle.
WARNING: Possible major *SPOILERS* ahead. Sadly, all does not go well. Morgan bruises his ribs after taking a nasty fall. But he plugs ahead at a furiously accelerated speed, noting that "time is our greatest enemy." Mother Nature further spoils everyone's fun by starting a forest fire, therefor ruining Morgan's chances of uncovering Bigfoot on this particular expedition. Bob's heretofore imperturbable machismo cracks; he breaks down, cries and hugs other equally grief-stricken team members. What drama! What pathos! What a crushing real-life bummer of an ending! If there ever was a film which needed -- scratch that, totally demands -- a sequel, it's "Bigfoot; Man or Beast?". I want to see Bob Morgan chasing Sasquatch all over the country and eventually all over the world. At the very least it would make for a first-rate reality TV show.
Bob's recollection of his first Sasquatch sighting in March, 1957 is truly killer: Morgan describes the legendary being as "the most man-like human gorilla I've ever seen" and vividly remembers that Mr. Go To a Barber and Get a Haircut Pronto Pal "had a knowing look in his eyes." Bob whips himself into a borderline psychotic angry rage as he discusses the scientific community's dismissal of Bigfoot as a hoax, stating with righteous fury that Bigfoot does indeed exist and he's just the man to produce the hard concrete evidence. Accompanied by a motley bunch of hardy souls and an irritatingly incessant corny humming harmonica and plucking banjo country music soundbite, Morgan, a self-described "tough, hard-driving man," braves searing heat and the perilous Washington wilderness (Morgan admits the danger factor plays a substantial role in making the trek so alluring) so he can track down a Bigfoot family. You see, Morgan has a tremendous respect for Sasquatch because he lives "beautifully with nature" and thinks perhaps we weakling humans could learn from Bigfoot's harmonious-with-the-elements lifestyle.
WARNING: Possible major *SPOILERS* ahead. Sadly, all does not go well. Morgan bruises his ribs after taking a nasty fall. But he plugs ahead at a furiously accelerated speed, noting that "time is our greatest enemy." Mother Nature further spoils everyone's fun by starting a forest fire, therefor ruining Morgan's chances of uncovering Bigfoot on this particular expedition. Bob's heretofore imperturbable machismo cracks; he breaks down, cries and hugs other equally grief-stricken team members. What drama! What pathos! What a crushing real-life bummer of an ending! If there ever was a film which needed -- scratch that, totally demands -- a sequel, it's "Bigfoot; Man or Beast?". I want to see Bob Morgan chasing Sasquatch all over the country and eventually all over the world. At the very least it would make for a first-rate reality TV show.
Grovy guys looking for Monsters(Monster Hunting)
MACREADY-38 October 1999
Yes! Robert Morgan baby! Looks like Loomis from Halloween. He trots through the woods with the same sound bite harmonica music for 90 min. He isn't very convincing when he describes his bigfoot sighting. "The most man-like, human...gorilla...I had ever seen." They start a forest fire and he cries along with his hippie entourage because their plans for finding Biggie are ruined. At the beginning the guy driving the crazy all terrain car is great, especially when he tells the guy with the chainsaw to hold up for a bit. Includes the Patterson film, a mime describes what he thinks of it, has my buddy Grover Krantz(he shows that same footprint he is so proud of) "What we have here is obviously a crippled individual.", also get to see the Biggie Hunters argue weather he should be shot or not. But for the most part its grovy guys in grovy clothes looking for Bigfoot. That about sums it up.
Doc
Doc
Decent Documentary
Michael_Elliott12 October 2016
Bigfoot: Man or Beast? (1972)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Released the same year as THE LEGEND OF BOGGY CREEK, this docu-drama is basically just like that movie, although this one here focuses more on the actual hunting of the creature.
For the most part this is an entertaining movie as long as you're a fan of the subject. There's certainly nothing ground-breaking here but you've got to admit that the 1970's were the clear Golden Era for Bigfoot movies. You had countless documentaries, several cheap movies and television series like In Search Of... that took a look at the legendary creature and all of them tried to educate the viewer on the creature and what hopes there were for finding one. This film does a good job with the interviews as we get to hear from several eyewitnesses. I thought the film started to drag during the final thirty-minutes when it turned into more of a hunting guide.
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Released the same year as THE LEGEND OF BOGGY CREEK, this docu-drama is basically just like that movie, although this one here focuses more on the actual hunting of the creature.
For the most part this is an entertaining movie as long as you're a fan of the subject. There's certainly nothing ground-breaking here but you've got to admit that the 1970's were the clear Golden Era for Bigfoot movies. You had countless documentaries, several cheap movies and television series like In Search Of... that took a look at the legendary creature and all of them tried to educate the viewer on the creature and what hopes there were for finding one. This film does a good job with the interviews as we get to hear from several eyewitnesses. I thought the film started to drag during the final thirty-minutes when it turned into more of a hunting guide.
So bad its good
mikedonovan2 April 2002
This was a great film if it was 20 years ago and about four in the morning and you had a hand rolled cigarette and a couple of glasses of wine and it came on the only station broadcasting all night in your area. This was before cable, folks. Stations really did often shut down from two to six a.m.. They'd play the star spangled banner, show some Air Force jets flying through the Grand Canyon and then suddenly a major network tv station shut off and you got a test pattern and a a four hour high pitched beep. I kid you not. But one would usually stay on and it was your only hope. Whatever movie came on, that was the hand you were dealt, and this miserably amateurish idiot film was the only game in town on more than one sad occasion. The only authentic scientific moment is the frame by frame showing of the famous footage of the Bigfoot walking through a forested area in the U.S. Northwest. This shakey 8 millimeter clip was recently proven to be a total hoax, a guy in a gorilla suit, so if the movie wasn't a joke before, its twice as comical now. By all means, watch this film if it ever comes on TV, but not if you're sober. Another fine film from American International.
"We're Told It's Bigfoot Country!"...
azathothpwiggins10 October 2022
BIGFOOT: MAN OR BEAST is a very thorough, well-made documentary. Whether you believe these creatures actually exist or not, this is a fair treatment of the subject matter. It's not as absurd as one might expect either, since everyone involved comes across as sincere.
There are the eye witnesses and their retelling of their experiences, as well as experts both pro and con. Sightings as far back as the 1920's are discussed. There are also healthy doses of voiceover narration.
SPECIAL NOTE: This movie contains the famous 16mm video that has become the signature footage of the creature.
Of course, this did come out in the early 1970's, so it reflects its era. It's handled far more seriously than more recent Bigfoot exposes, which have usually been in the form of "reality shows".
This documentary is required viewing for the true enthusiast...
There are the eye witnesses and their retelling of their experiences, as well as experts both pro and con. Sightings as far back as the 1920's are discussed. There are also healthy doses of voiceover narration.
SPECIAL NOTE: This movie contains the famous 16mm video that has become the signature footage of the creature.
Of course, this did come out in the early 1970's, so it reflects its era. It's handled far more seriously than more recent Bigfoot exposes, which have usually been in the form of "reality shows".
This documentary is required viewing for the true enthusiast...
See also
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