Mark Maddox returns to discuss a giant monster movie from Denmark! Yes – REPTILICUS (1961) is either the shame or pride of Danish cinema depending on who you ask. Much like THE GIANT CLAW (1957) it asks a lot of the audience whenever the titular creature is onscreen. For many fans of genre film, the willing suspension of disbelief is too heavy a lift even though the first act setup involves an intriguing premise. So what do Mark and I think of it? Hang on tight!
We discuss the origin of the project and the various creators who brought this movie to the world. Sidney Pink and Ib Melchior get the biggest share of our attention as they were the writers and director of the project. We quote American International Pictures’ Sam Arkoff about his discovery of the major mistake in the English dialog that had to be corrected by looping the entire film. The monster special effects go under the microscope with both of us relating the style and form to the Gerry Anderson TV shows that were gaining popularity in the early 1960’s. The differences between the AIP English version and the version made for Danish consumption are touched on with special mention of the added musical number that drives Mark nearly insane. (Yes, I included it in the show.) Topping things off is my co-host’s reoccurring Swedish Chef impression which is either cultural appropriation, an insulting caricature or a confused cry for help. Or all three. And this entire affair goes on for two hours! That is clearly too long, but take heart in the knowledge that this is the edited version of our conversation.
If you have any comments about REPTILICUS or any of the other things we’ve covered on the show thebloodypit@gmail.com is the place to send them. Thank you for listening and we’ll be back soon.
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