TARANTULA (1955, USA, 80m, PG) ***
Horror, Sci-Fi
dist. Universal Pictures (USA), General Film Distributors (GFD) (UK); pr co. Universal International Pictures (UI); d. Jack Arnold; w. Robert M. Fresco, Martin Berkeley (based on a story by Jack Arnold and Robert M. Fresco); pr. William Alland; ph. George Robinson (B&W | 1.85:1); m. Herman Stein, Henry Mancini (both uncredited); ed. William Morgan; ad. Alexander Golitzen, Alfred Sweeney.
cast: John Agar (Dr. Matt Hastings), Mara Corday (Stephanie ‘Steve’ Clayton), Leo G. Carroll (Prof. Gerald Deemer), Nestor Paiva (Sheriff Jack Andrews), Ross Elliott (Joe Burch), Edwin Rand (Lt. John Nolan), Raymond Bailey (Townsend), Hank Patterson (Josh), Bert Holland (Barney Russell), Steve Darrell (Andy Andersen), Clint Eastwood (Jet Squadron Leader (uncredited)).
In this generic Universal sci-fi/horror film, a spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting with giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants. Efficient, but workmanlike, direction from Arnold ensures the story keeps moving, just don’t go for looking any depth in characterisation or story. This is a straightforward monster on the rampage production. Carroll has some fun as the professor in charge of the scientific experiment gone wrong. Elsewhere the acting is often wooden, notably Agar’s square-jawed doctor, but Corday brings radiance to her role as Carroll’s assistant. Photographic effects and technical attributes are generally good for the period. Look for a young Clint Eastwood as the (uncredited) leader of the jet squadron that attacks the tarantula in the film’s climax.
