CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON Retrospective: The Last Great Universal Monster

Рет қаралды 81,224

Жыл бұрын

A look back at Universal's "Creature From The Black Lagoon" franchise, including an analysis of Jack Arnold's original classic film, the increasingly strange sequels of "Revenge of the Creature" and "The Creature Walks Among Us," the history of the Creature's design by Millicent Patrick, and the history of the many failed attempts to remake Creature.
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Пікірлер: 341

@MattDraper Жыл бұрын

Who's your favorite Universal Monster?

@boweryboy Жыл бұрын

The Creature (from the Black Lagoon)

@carsonsmith7314 Жыл бұрын

The creature from the black lagoon, Frankenstein’s monster, and the wolf man.

@jonathanmulondo9206 Жыл бұрын

The Wolfman

@ginofrancejr555 Жыл бұрын

Dracula because of the romantic seduction. Frankensteins monster for his humanity AND the mummy for the tragedy

@briarpatchlogic Жыл бұрын

Bride of Frankenstein

@jikorijo4516 Жыл бұрын

This is good timing since, sadly, Ricou Browning, the swimmer who played Gill-Man while underwater, passed away this year at the age of 93. As an aside, I highly recommend Incredible Shrinking Man by Creature’s Director, Jack Arnold. It’s based off a Richard Matheson novel, it’s suspenseful, and has a hefty dose of existentialism. Plus, it’s apart of the Criterion Collection!

@vaporwaverabbit3389 Жыл бұрын

WHAT OG FISHMAN PASSED AWAY?

@tokumillennium5162 Жыл бұрын

R.I.P Ocean Man

@jessfrankel5212 7 ай бұрын

That's a shame. He gave the Gill-Man a special grace when he swam. I can see where The Shape of Water got its inspiration from. RIP, Ocean Master.

@zacharylund6926 Жыл бұрын

I love the underwater sequences in this film. The body language is great in it. The movie is basically a home invasion film

@GoldenProxyy Жыл бұрын

I love the Gillman. He’s my favourite Universal monster (my favourite Universal film is the Invisible Man). It’s a shame John Carpenter never made the reboot he was planning in the 90s.

@robertwild9447 Жыл бұрын

I'm still heartbroken that remake never happened.

@KaijuSlayer54 Жыл бұрын

I wish he got the chance, my favorite Universal Monster and one of the best Creature Feature directors to ever put film to screen? Broooooo

@speedracer1945 Жыл бұрын

When they turned the Creature onto a man was downright stupid.

@zandorvorkov986 Жыл бұрын

This was the first time that I'd seen the Rick Baker creature model for that ill fated movie, and it was beautiful!

@jonathanmulondo9206 Жыл бұрын

Creature from the black lagoon is an underrated masterpiece. It mixes the suspense of Dracula with the tragedy of Frankenstein. When you think about it, Black Lagoon and Godzilla popularized the fish monster concept

@hanolodo Жыл бұрын

Makes sense since Creature of the Black Lagoon and Godzilla both came out in 1954 and both deal with the clash between science/humanity and nature

@frankgesuele6298 Жыл бұрын

It's an aquatic Beauty & the Beast.

@nickmitsialis Жыл бұрын

@@frankgesuele6298 that that brass orchestral cue for the creature just 'slaps'....pah pah pah...PAH PAH PAH!!

@speedracer1945 Жыл бұрын

Imagine sitting with your gal in the 40s watching tge first time.

@filthydisgustingape5354 Жыл бұрын

@@speedracer1945 Julie Adams was pretty spiffy, especially for a 1950s chick

@vaporwaverabbit3389 Жыл бұрын

Take a double shot every time the claw is about to make a grab but misses the chance and slinks away.

@walterfechter8080 Жыл бұрын

In the film, "The Seven Year Itch," Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell are seen leaving a movie theater after viewing "The Creature from the Black Lagoon." Monroe's character empathized with The Creature.

@briarpatchlogic Жыл бұрын

The Creature does fit in well with the Lovecraft mythos...I'm surprised more creators have not tried to capitalize on this. Even Alan Moore did it in the later LOEG stuff.

@stephenvelez9710 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for making clear Millicent Patrick designed the Creature…I knew you would❤. I adore these movies and think the third is an underrated exercise in tragedy, and a workable metaphor for racism and xenophobia, as well as forced assimilation. Great video. RIP Ricou Browning💔

@peterolbrisch8970 7 ай бұрын

That fossilized hand at the beginning is so cool. I always wanted one.

@flamethrowerflufsalisbury Жыл бұрын

I was lucky enough to meet Browning twice in the past few years in Orlando before his passing. Very nice guy. My 20 yr old son has always been a huge fan of his because it was one of the first horror series that we watched together when he was a child.

@jasonmaclean719 Жыл бұрын

No mention of the MST3K episode of 'Revenge of The Creature'? That was one of my all time favorites, and introduction to the Gillman. It will always hold a special place in my heart

@nicolechampeau8432 Жыл бұрын

Jack Arnold helped create Flipper, so it's very cool that Rico Browning guest starred.

@nashhartley3675 Жыл бұрын

Ever since I was little, Gillman has been my favorite! He’s so cool

@speedracer1945 Жыл бұрын

The 1st was the best in the series. 😊

@michaelchoman1625 Жыл бұрын

The oceanarium in Revenge of the Creature was actually Marineland (and this was back when Marineland was brand new). In fact, all three films were made in Florida.

@anthonyhudak9363 Жыл бұрын

This is my favorite Universal monster and it can be seen as a catalyst for future man against beast stories. Think about it, would we potentially have Alien, Jaws, or Predator if it wasn't for The Creature From The Black Lagoon?

@MattDraper Жыл бұрын

That's a great point! I think the influence is really felt everywhere.

@anthonyhudak9363 Жыл бұрын

It really is. I highly recommend the 40 min documentary about the Creature. It's free in KZfaq. Also as a side note, you talking about Del Toro really makes me want you to discuss Pacific Rim (the first one mainly, but the show was actually decent)

@chuckleezodiac24 Жыл бұрын

right on, bro. man versus beast stories have definitely not been around since forever. Gilgamesh, Heracles, Theseus, Perseus and St. George never fought any beasts. and Alien wasn't based on The Thing from Another World, Jaws wasn't based on a novel, and Predator wasn't based on The Most Dangerous Game...

@anthonyhudak9363 Жыл бұрын

I meant more modern man against beast stories that delved more into sci fi than just straight up mythology

@chuckleezodiac24 Жыл бұрын

@@anthonyhudak9363 besides King Kong in 1933, there were lots of monster movies in the 40s and early 50s -- The Ape Man, The Flying Serpent, Bride of the Gorilla, Neanderthal Man, Lost Continent, Robot Monster, Untamed Women, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms. i love The Creature -- but would we have Godzilla (from the same year 1954) and all the other Atomic Age monster flicks and sci-fi creature features without the Gill-Man? probably...

@dengdesigns Жыл бұрын

The Amazon river scenes were filmed at “Wakulla” Springs state park in North Florida. About 6 miles from my house and a beautiful river and spring.

@karl_alan Жыл бұрын

I find it fascinating that "the skin I live in" is your go-to for body horror

@ginofrancejr555 Жыл бұрын

One of my all time favorite horror monster movie. I hope universal brings this back. Especially like with the invisible man reboot and the upcoming reinfeld.

@barrymurphy1337 Жыл бұрын

Great video Matt, thanks. Creature from the Black Lagoon is my favourite Universal monster movie and I've been lucky enough to see it in 3D on the big screen twice over the years. Julie Adams was breathtakingly beautiful.

@robertwild9447 Жыл бұрын

I finally got to see Creature in 3D at a friend's house, that was pretty cool. I first saw the film on VHS when I was a kid, and Julie Adams was definitely one of my first ever movie crushes 😁

@aghilton8531 Жыл бұрын

Awesome retrospective! Creature was one of the first horror films I remember seeing as a kid - begged my mine for m a collector’s dvd set I saw while we were out because he looked so cool on the cover. Made a huge impression on me. The design is so iconic and the first film is just classic. Wish he got as much love as his other Universal comrades. I’ve always felt he was a really underrated monster in comparison

@BrokeProductions Жыл бұрын

I’m really glad to see you covering this! I actually wrote my senior thesis in College about the Universal monster movies just so I could talk about Creature. I looked at them from the lens of how the movies reflected the relationship between civilization and nature before and during the atomic age

@parkerpshebnisky1051 Жыл бұрын

The gill-man is one of my fav monsters!

@AG-od3dc Жыл бұрын

The creature is such a hauntingly beautiful classic.

@christopherwaldrop5293 Жыл бұрын

The Gill-Man is my favorite movie monster of them all so I really enjoyed this. I also think it's fascinating how the three movies, unintentionally, tell a single story of a romance developing then going sour. In the first Kay is independent and not ready to settle down. In the second Clete and Helen fully embrace each other with the Gill-Man, in a twisted way, their "child". And then in the final film Marcia regrets losing her independence. She could almost be an older Kay, wishing she hadn't married. In spite of the weaknesses of the sequels they do have some depth (yeah, I went there).

@roguebritgravy1 Жыл бұрын

Always up for more Universal Monster Explorations. Hell any monster explanation from the Silent era to modern day and everything in-between.

@carsonsmith7314 Жыл бұрын

The creature from the black lagoon was my first horror film, and is still one of my favorites.

@andresanlozada2495 Жыл бұрын

There's something so horribly ironic on how the two first films have a definitive ending and get a follow up. But the one that's open ended and ambiguous is the final film that's been made

@SaberKing Жыл бұрын

This was probably my favorite Monster video of yours dude! I love the Creature and that first film really cemented itself as one of my favorite Universal horror monster films right next Frankenstein It’s a shame Creature hasn’t gotten any modern day attention but the OG still lives on Also just wanna say RIP to Ricou Browning Somehow he outlived all of the OG monster Actors but I’m happy he got to live long enough to see the film get even more love and appreciation

@rig-zag Жыл бұрын

Creature was my first 3D movie when I was a kid, as my local arthouse theater showed it periodically in the early 90s. It undoubtedly led to my love of 3D, as I am now a diehard 3D enthusiast. But Creature will always hold a special place in my heart, as not only was it one of my favorite monster movies as a kid, but it is the best 3D movie of the Golden Age of 3D in the 50s.

@SnakeCraftIsMagic Ай бұрын

He's at the top of my fav creature list! Been a huge inspiration on my own sculpting and costume making! And Milicent Patrick was an absolute powerhouse!

@dfailsthemost Жыл бұрын

The creatures hands look so cool.

@vincentfranklin17 Жыл бұрын

I first saw this film when I was 16 years old. It was creepy, but compelling!

@thehorrorcatdad 4 ай бұрын

Great, great retrospective video! Absolutely love Creature from the Black Lagoon, and is my favorite Universal Monster! First film is a masterpiece, in my opinion, the effects to underwater shots to the story, and that iconic theme when the Creature attacks! You truly hit the mark with this video good sir.

@taintedmeat9740 Жыл бұрын

Creature from the Black Lagoon is my favorite sci-fi flick of all time ! ....I grew up with this guy on Saturday morning creature feature.

@darryl3422 Жыл бұрын

The Creature and Julie Adam's fond memories from my childhood Thanks Universal and Matt

@stingray2001 Жыл бұрын

In the early 70s, I was fortunate enough to see this film in its original 3D format at a local movie theater. (Separated by two decades of its original theatrical release). I was blown away! It's one of those rare films that still holds up today. If it's ever playing in your neighborhood, on a big screen in 3D, do yourself a favor, make sure you check it out!

@DaddyWarlocks Жыл бұрын

Shape of Water did a fairly good job. Best interspecies erotica I've ever seen.

@robertwild9447 Жыл бұрын

Any other good ones? I'm asking for a friend.

@DoctorMinatoArisoto 7 ай бұрын

Know any other ones? Asking for myself.

@bezoticallyyours83 2 ай бұрын

Sorry but eww

@geraldmartin7703 11 ай бұрын

I was at the drive-in with my parents in 1954 when the trailer for the first Creature movie was shown. The claw (@ 7:35) covering the terrified laborer's face scarred me for life.. Interestingly, two years later a couple actors from the second Creature movie were on the Today Show to promote that movie. I remember (@ 11:41) the clip of the lead actor and actress chatting while the creature appears between them in the aquarium window.

@sbcj9 Жыл бұрын

This is by far my favorite classic monster movie. I have the 3 movies in one set and I love watching them. They might be cheesy and not scary buy I still get enjoyment out of them. And I watch at least one of them once a year.

@Deadwolf27 Жыл бұрын

It's Lagoonin' Time! 😎🤙

@PaulaElaineMiles Жыл бұрын

Since I haven’t seen anyone mention this, I love that you used Monsters by The Midnight

@JBBGeek 8 ай бұрын

Please do the rest of the classic Universal Monsters. Your video essays are amazing, and give much-needed context to great stories, whether they’re comic books or films. At the very least, Dracula (1931), the first three Frankenstein films, The Mummy (1932), Invisible Man, and The Wolfman should be on the list, now that you’ve covered Creature From The Black Lagoon.

@johnpittsii7524 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the amazing review Matt. Creature from the black lagoon was the first horror movie I ever saw. Much ❤ as always

@BoyNamedSue4 Жыл бұрын

Would love to get your take on the Wolfman. That one so my favorite universal horror film.

@MattDraper Жыл бұрын

I'm a huge fan of the original Wolf Man! An incredible design with lots of subtext going on in that story.

@evenhartwick4422 Жыл бұрын

The Wolf Man was my favorite universal monster i just wish he got proper stand alone sequels like the other monsters did he was pretty much relegated to crossover films after his first film. i enjoyed those films but i wish we got just a solo wolf man 2

@loganschimpf Жыл бұрын

Can’t tell you how proud my hometown is STILL to have been the shooting location for this film

@bensneb360 Жыл бұрын

I have always loved The Creature, something about green scaly monsters has always been cool to me… also I would not be surprised if Jack Arnold was a inspiration for Joe Dante, they both have very similar styles and feels to their movies

@MattDraper Жыл бұрын

I can definitely feel that influence in Matinee, along with William Castle

@jorgelara-maldonado3860 Жыл бұрын

I don't know what it is, but I relate, appreciate and love the Creature. There's something about it that resonates with me.

@karl_alan Жыл бұрын

Just 6 months ago I went through & watched every universal monster movie in order...it blew my mind how long into it I got before the gill-man appeared

@jameslacey5474 Жыл бұрын

So, Steven Spielberg really did use 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' as a template when making 'Jaws' (because you don't see the shark until around about a third in).

@n.d.m.515 Жыл бұрын

@@jameslacey5474 actually, he had to wait that long because the shark mechanics kept breaking down. It was a way to avoid all the terrible special effects that set the movie back from completion.

@jameslacey5474 Жыл бұрын

@@n.d.m.515 Yes, I know I watched the making of Jaws too.

@mcds54 7 ай бұрын

I've been an avid swimmer all my life. I never could shake the image of something swimming below and trying to reach up to grab me. All thanks to this movie!

@mickeymackenna1090 Жыл бұрын

Creature From the Black Lagoon has always been my Top Favourite Universal Monster.

@Nono-hk3is Жыл бұрын

Thank you Matt!

@sandradermark8463 Жыл бұрын

Shape of Water is the best Creature Feature ever and you cannot deny it.

@KiltedCreatureWNC Жыл бұрын

R.I.P. Ricou Browning. the Last Classic Universal Monstere

@starclone4 Жыл бұрын

My favorite Classic Movie !!!! The Shape of Water, is great as well..

@Merylstreep1949 2 ай бұрын

Julie Adams and that white swimsuit deserve a video of their own❤❤❤❤plus the woman makeup artist who REALLY was the one responsible for the Creature

@TomFrichek Жыл бұрын

Keep the monsters coming, my dude. 10/10 fricheks

@JohnMinehan-lx9ts Жыл бұрын

Lori Petty played Julia Adams's younger sister in Bend of the River, a few years before . . . . Julia Adams was a non-smoker. The "throwing her cigarette into the lagoon was an intentional set up for the use of the tranquilizing chemical in the lagoon. Adams was quoted as saying she felt good she was in this film, which she felt was a "best of breed" kind of thing but was glad she had not made a career of Science Fiction thrillers . . . .

@JohnMinehan-lx9ts Жыл бұрын

I wonder if Julie Adams ever saw The Shape of Water and what she thought of it? Adams titled her autobiography, Reflections from the Black Lagoon, and wrote. " No matter what you do, you can act your heart out, but people will always say, 'Oh, Julie Adams--Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)'.".

@mparis130 Жыл бұрын

Whoa! I never saw it because I had this impression that it was a crappy B-movie, but I'm definitely gonna watch it now! The original 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' is one of my fave oldies, so I bet I'll love 'Creature'.

@dillonmathis6852 Жыл бұрын

Just found this page and am really excited to watch all your videos. These kind of videos are my favorite and tye creature is my favorite movie monster so this was a good one to start on.

@Merylstreep1949 Жыл бұрын

The fact that the Creature was released in 1954 makes for interesting continuity in The Seven Year Itch which came out in 1955 , a year later because its the movie that Marilyn Monroe goes to see in that movie. I guess back then movies ran for an entire year in theaters lol

@Merylstreep1949 Жыл бұрын

Plus Julie Adams in that white bathing suit omfg

@kenpatton8761 Жыл бұрын

Back in 1968, we were vacationing in Florida and stopped in at Marineland FL. At the time it was a water park, like Sea World is today, which featured big center aquarium with all sorts of fish. Hand feeding sharks by a person in an old deep water diving suit, a dolphin trick show etc. In one of the underwater viewing rooms they had all the old movie props of when they filmed some of the “Creature” scenes. Fast forward 55 years--I revisited Marineland last year to see how much had changed…..all the aquarium fish were gone…it is now a dolphin research center and gives tours, even allowing visitors to “swim with the dolphins”. But they still had some of the “Creature” movie props in the underwater viewing area. As a kid I had all the movie monster models (you assembled the plastic pieces and hand painted the model). May seem kind of boring by today’s standards but it was fun. Thanks for the memories..Cheers

@bezoticallyyours83 2 ай бұрын

The first universal monster movie I'd ever seen. I didn't know there were sequels. I've only ever seen him in the original, Monster vs. Aliens, and Monster Squad.

@trentaccid2177 2 ай бұрын

VERY WELL DONE PIECE HERE . THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE CREATURE ALIVE.

@juniorjames7076 Жыл бұрын

I grew up in NYC in the early 80s and every Sunday morning till early afternoon local Channel 5 would alternatively play Godzilla (Showa Era) vs. somebody, Tarzan, Abbott & Costello or a Universal monster flick. Creature was not shown often but it was a rare treat to see it!

@sallykohorst8803 2 ай бұрын

Loved creature movies movies so thanks for sharing love the music too.❤

@godmaentertainment4375 Жыл бұрын

The 30s behaves a lot like the 80s, with it's cornucopia of iconic characters.

@bezoticallyyours83 2 ай бұрын

Very true, though the 70s did create more timeless horror icons with Jaws, Leatherface, and Michael Meyers.

@owensreviews625 Жыл бұрын

Gil-Man rules. Always felt like he was the most underrated Universal monster.

@IvanSanchez-ft3mp Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed the video and yeah i want to see more Universal monsters, especially when Neca is releasing action figures. Appreciate giving Milicent Patrick the recognition she deserves since that design looks so dope that it even feels way ahead of its time.

@Enshohma Жыл бұрын

Another great retrospective on one of the all time great movie creatures! I'd like to share the following fun fact that the aquatic primate Ragon, a kaiju from the ongoing Ultraman series, is also a homage to The Gill Man, appearing first in 1966's "Ultra Q" and still making appearances to this very day: his most recent appearance in "Ultraman Decker" (2022-2023) even ties Ragon to Lovecraft's The Shadow of Innsmouth and other mythical fishmen. I'd also would love to see you tackle Universal's Invisible Man films, including its two comedy entries and the 2020 film from Blumhouse.

@kennethsatria6607 Жыл бұрын

The lovecraftian inspired reimagining looks and sounds awesome, a shame it couldnt be made back in that era, its most likely gonna be cgi in present day unless someone gets a good budget

@vincentbatten4686 Жыл бұрын

I had never seen revenge, but now I'm seeing just how much it was also an influence on Shape of Water.

@pistaalkohol Жыл бұрын

Oh you finally hit 100k. Congrats, you deserve it.

@georgelea4297 Жыл бұрын

Congrats on getting 100k Matt

@DiegoReviews Жыл бұрын

Every time I hear about that cancelled John Carpenter Creature movie I get a little depressed.

@MattDraper Жыл бұрын

Me too

@evenhartwick4422 Жыл бұрын

i also heard Peter Jackson was in talks to remake the creature at some point but chose to remake King Kong instead that also could have potentially been awesome

@DiegoReviews Жыл бұрын

@@evenhartwick4422 I heard that too. In this video!

@81hewp Жыл бұрын

May all the wonderful actors in this fantastic movie live on, forever. R.I. P.

@NodDisciple1 3 ай бұрын

Dude...the Gil Man had TWO sequels! "Revenge of The Creature" (which was also a MST3K Episode) and "The Creature Walks Among Us." *Cue Meme.*

@Merylstreep1949 Жыл бұрын

Millicent Patrick gets her credit sadly way too late. She was a beautiful woman that created an iconic monster

@zackeryparkerson Жыл бұрын

“Hey. How’s it goin?” Genius.

@a-lex7351 23 күн бұрын

One of my favorites of the Universal Classic Monsters. 70 Years its been around. Same time like Godzilla

@Browchowskis Жыл бұрын

Monster Squad was epic! That movie needs to be re-released in 4K!

@studogable Жыл бұрын

Excellent overview. You've earned yourself a subscriber.

@armandotorres8962 Жыл бұрын

Draper is slowly becoming the Horror/Monster guy!

@rameybutler-hm7nx Жыл бұрын

Creature is my favorite universal monster movie. I rank it a essential movie.

@godmaentertainment4375 Жыл бұрын

"Humanoids from the deep", which is a hard R Corman movie, reminds me of Carpenter's idea.

@josephkolar3443 Жыл бұрын

Pretty much the best movie monster design after the Alien.

@MattDraper Жыл бұрын

Love the Xenomorph!

@lsimon343 6 ай бұрын

Gil man in cabin in the woods could’ve been an epic homage to this character!!

@lraven888 3 ай бұрын

Happy 70th anniversary today creature! 💚

@dabignose Жыл бұрын

The one remake I'd love too see!

@alexanderdanvers3247 Жыл бұрын

The new intro bangs. As usual, another W video essay.

@inktea256 Жыл бұрын

I played the Creature from the Black Lagoon a ton at my town’s local pinball arcade tonight! That’s what got me to finally watch the film once I got home! 😁

@JoeLovesComics Жыл бұрын

Great video! This was interesting.

@scotth6814 8 ай бұрын

2:04 is the most awesome gillman I've ever seen. If I remember correctly, it's from Monster Squad. Good movie.

@OllieByGolly 11 ай бұрын

There is a Dark Horse Comics graphic novel adaptation of "Creature From the Black Lagoon" drawn by Art Adams. It is absolutely stunning!

@brianyaeger8209 Жыл бұрын

Great video!

@kcadventures1454 Жыл бұрын

What a great retrospective! I love the gillman! Also, mono memory are awesome, I first heard them in the PS5 game arcade paradise.

@stewartschuster Жыл бұрын

Yes to more Universal Monsters retrospectives!

@hydrolito Жыл бұрын

Many other movies including Dracula's Daughter, Invisible Woman , Invisible Agent and Captive Wild Woman about a gorilla that transforms into form of a woman which had two sequels Jungle Woman and Jungle Captive.