The Alligator People (1959)

In this Gothic, atmospheric gem from 1959, we have Beverly Garland as a new bride looking for her runaway husband. She finds him, and more alligator filled swamp adventures than she bargained for. Includes horror legend Lon Chaney Jr. as a hook handed drunk with questionable driving skills, a shack in sore need of a cleaning, and a vendetta against all alligators.

The Episode

Words From Warren

I like to quote from one of my favorite reference books, the late Bill Warren’s “Keep Watching The Skies: American Science Fiction Movies of the Fifties”. Mr. Warren does not suffer fools gladly, and does not mince his words when it comes to either praising a film or flaying it alive.

In his entry on “The Alligator People” he has this to say:

“The Alligator People is a decently crafted and intelligently made program SF-horror film, sadly let down by misconceived make up and perfunctory ideas.”

I would agree with this sentiment, and pretty much come to the same conclusion in this episode.

Still, it is a very fun movie, and I think that Warren is a bit too hard on everyone in the complete entry in the book.

The Links

Shout Factory “The Alligator People” BluRay

“Beverly Garland: Her Life and Career” (biography)

“Lon Chaney, Jr.” (McFarland Press biography)

The Alligator People on IMDB

The Alligator People on Wikipedia

Grand Old Movies – “The Gothic Goings On in “The Alligator People”

Western Clippings Interview with Beverly Garland

Richard Crane on Wikipedia; on IMDB; Biography

Beverly Garland on Wikipedia

Beverly Garland on IMBD

Lon Chaney, Jr on Wikipedia.

“The Alligator People” on the Monster Kid Radio podcast.

Credits



You can find a list of all music used, and all sound effects used, and links, I am very grateful to be able to use the music and sound effects of so many wonderful creators.You can find a list of all music used, and all sound effects used, and links, here, on our Credits page

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