Monster From The Ocean Floor (1954) by Roger Corman
In Monster From The Ocean Floor, our protagonists investigate a rash of missing person reports along Mexico’s Gulf Coast. They become entangled in an ancient feud between a small village and a sea monster. In fear for their lives, the townsfolk turn to a primitive ritual. One which calls for a human sacrifice to appease the one eyed beast. Julie, it seems, is perfect fish food, and they are anxious to plunge her into the drink.
Pros
The underwater cinematography is quite nice.
The acting, although by unknown actors, was fine.
The fake-looking monster is only on screen sparingly.
They don’t actually do a human sacrifice. Though Pablo does drip some blood into the water in an attempt to attract a shark, to kill Julie.
Cons
The forced romance is … well, forced.
The monster, when seen, is quite cheesy.
Tropes
Mankind is going to overpopulate the planet, and starve!
Radiation may be responsible for the giant, mutated sea monster.
“You’re a man of science!”
Cast of characters
Anne Kimbell (Port Sinister) … Julie Blair. Attractive young lady on vacation. An illustrator by trade. She inserts herself into the ongoing drama. And, faints. A lot.
Stuart Wade (Teenage Monster) … Steve Dunning. Biologist, who quickly falls in love with the beautiful Julie. Pilot of the one-man submarine.
Dick Pinner … Dr. Baldwin. Scientist, in charge of the expedition. They’re trying to find out what is killing people along the coast.
Wyott Ordung … Pablo. He’s heard stories about a sea monster. Which he gladly tells to Julie.
Inez Palange … Tula. The monster ate her dog! She browbeats Pablo into kidnapping Julie …. For a human sacrifice. But, the kind-hearted man doesn’t have the heart to hurt her.
David Garcia … Jose. His brother has gone missing … Underwater, from inside his deep sea diving outfit!
Trivia
The first film produced by Roger Corman.
Producer Roger Corman got the idea for the movie while reading a “Los Angeles Times” article. It was about a one-man submarine manufactured by Aerojet General. He phoned them and asked if he could use it in a film. Telling them that he couldn’t pay them but they’d get free publicity.
Stuart Wade came up with the idea to sing a song in the movie.
